Joan Seidel of Fleetwood, Pa., is the fifth woman to win the 33rd Klussendorf-MacKenzie Award at WDE yesterday.
The award is given in memory of Duncan MacKenzie – the 1961 Klussendorf winner.
Elite Dairy, Lylehaven, Ruann, Pappys, Cormdale, Snyder’s Homestead, Brigeen Farms, Woodmansee Holsteins, Tumbleweed, Green Meadows, Friendship Farm, and Pintail Point are among the farms that Joan has worked for. She spends almost 300 days on the road each year, preparing cattle for shows, sales, and classifications.
Joan’s story began on her family dairy farm in Avon, N.Y. when she started showing from nine years old. She has won numerous All-New York and Junior All-New York Awards. As she transitioned from Junior Holstein activities, Joan hit the road working for Bennett Farms and Ruann Dairy. Her early mentors included John Bennett and Lewis Porter.
Joan and her husband, Doug, formed the Camelot Cattle Company winning numerous All-American nominations. During these days, the Camelot Cattle Company was known for winning multiple WDE Herdsmanship Awards.
Character is an important qualification for the Duncan MacKenzie award. Joan is generous with her time and skills, educating and mentoring young people on the proper care and presentation of their cattle. When peers speak about Joan, they talk about her outstanding work ethic, and attention to detail.
Above all, Joan exemplifies strength, character, and an undeniable passion for the dairy industry.
