The 2024 Minnesota All Breeds Convention took place March 8-9, 2024, and was hosted by the Minnesota Holstein Association at the Kelly Inn in St. Cloud, MN. The event welcomed dairy cattle enthusiasts for a weekend itinerary featuring Minnesota Purebred Dairy Cattle Association (PDCA) meetings, respective breed association meetings, educational speakers, award presentations and networking.
For the Minnesota Holstein Association (MHA), the weekend was highlighted by the MHA Annual Meeting on Saturday, March 9. During the meeting, four new board members were elected or re-elected to fill seats vacated by expired terms, retiring or resigning board members. New or re-elected board members include:
- Lucas Plamann, Hutchinson, MN
- Rebecca Groos, Howard Lake, MN
- Kari Swanson, Hutchinson, MN
- Chad Kieffer, Utica, MN
The 13-member board also voted to fill the following leadership positions:
President: Darrel Rennich, Bruce, SD
Vice-President: Eric Sonnek, Foreston, MN
Finance Chair: Ashley Swenson, Nicollet, MN
Executive Committee Members:
- Eric Sonnek, Foreston, MN
- Trevor Ekkel, Pipesone, MN
- Nate Donnay, Glencoe, MN
- Tony Kohls, Arlington, MN
- Ashley Swenson, Nicollet, MN
Retiring board president, Kris Gruenes, was recognized for his outstanding service to the organization.
Past board members Kris Gruenes and Tracy Schaefer were also recognized for their 9 Years of Service on the MHA Board.
During the banquets on Friday and Saturday, the following Minnesota Holstein Association members were also recognized for exceptional accomplishments.
MN PDCA 2023 Distinguished Breeder Award Recipients:
Jon and Ann Larson, Albert Lea, MN
Person of the Year Award:
Alan Graves, IA
Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder Award:
Luke Olson, Hutchinson, MN
Longtime Meritorious Award
Kenn Mueller, Elginvue Farms, Arlington, MN
Minnesota Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) Applicant:
Thad Schlauderaff, Frazee, MN
Minnesota Young Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) Applicant:
Kamrie Mauer, Brownton, MN
Golden Gopher Production Futurity XLVI Winners
1st Place: THREESISTERS DB MERCY-RED – 26,868 M 1,052 F 843 P – $3,375 owned by Sierra Swanson
2nd Place: THREESISTERS ELECTRIC UNSTOP RC – 27,798 M 1,096 F 776 P – $3,284 owned by Sierra Swanson
3rd Place: LU-MANN ANALYST ATHENS*RC – 21,633 M 820 F 664 P – $2,653 owned by Lucas Plamann
Kenny Mueller also provided a memorial presentation for the beloved Minnesota Holstein Association members and supporters who have passed away in recent years.
