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National Brown Swiss Convention 2024: Highlights, Awards, and Key Events in Green Bay, Wisconsin

Uncover the pinnacle moments from the 2024 National Brown Swiss Convention in Green Bay. Which participants triumphed in the coveted awards? Delve into essential events and victors through our comprehensive analysis.

The National Brown Swiss Convention—hosted by the Wisconsin Brown Swiss Association in Green Bay, Wisconsin—is a premier event for the Brown Swiss community. Set between July 3rd and July 6th, the conference draws approximately 200 people, underscoring its significance in the dairy sector. It provides an essential forum for celebrating Brown Swiss successes, networking, and exchanging innovations. “The National Brown Swiss Convention is more than just a conference—it’s a celebration of excellence and invention in dairy farming,” said a senior organization member. Capturing the commitment and advancement of the Brown Swiss community, the event consists of Board of Directors meetings, youth contest interviews, significant prizes, and a grand auction. The Hyatt Regency Green Bay is the perfect site, combining history with modern ideas and festivities.

Inaugural Day of the National Brown Swiss Convention: A Symphony of Meetings, Youth Engagement, and Cultural Exploration 

Attendees of the National Brown Swiss Convention convened at the Hyatt Regency Green Bay on the first day. Their starting point for the day was critical Board of Directors meetings, determining the course of events. Young contestants also undertook contest interviews to highlight their expertise and love of the Brown Swiss breed. New Generation Genetics sponsored a welcome meal at Stadium View Bar and Grill tonight. This conference gave participants a great chance to network and deepen ties within their community. Following dinner, attendees visited Lambeau Field and the Titletown District, fully engaging in Green Bay’s rich sports legacy and energetic local culture.

Awards and Milestones: Celebrating Achievements on Day Two of the National Brown Swiss Convention 

The second day of the National Brown Swiss Convention began with a robust breakfast, setting a spirited tone for the day’s events. Afterward, attendees convened for the anticipated awards ceremony, honoring exceptional contributions within the Brown Swiss community. Among the awards, the 2023 Living Lifetime Cow Award stood out, awarded to Jenlar Dynasty Treat, owned by Larry and Jennifer Meyer of Chilton, Wisconsin, for a lifetime ECM of 433,802. 

The prestigious J.P. Eves Trophy was bestowed upon Hilltop Acres Lucky Denim from Tanner Mashek of Calmar, Iowa, exhibiting impressive figures of 4-09 305d 3x 53,150m 4.9% 2,608f 3.0% 1,588p. Denim also won the Protein Award. Additionally, the H.R. Searles Trophy was awarded to Nor-Bert Carter Lexus ETV from Dalton, Dillon, and Breanne Freemen of Bremen, Indiana, with a record of 4-02 305d 3x 39,690m 7.0% 2,779f 3.7% 1,478. 

The Vernon C. Hull Total Performance Award went to Dutch-Marie Dundee Allie, owned by Hadleigh, Ezra, Kenna Jones, and Kelly Jo Manion of Edmonton, Kentucky. Allie achieved a point total of 288 with a production record of 4-04 305d 2x 39,150m 4.1% 1,603f 3.5% 1,351p. Allie received the Cow for All Seasons Award with an ECM of 43,896m and was the Type and Production winner at the International Brown Swiss Show. 

The 2024 Annual Meeting commenced after the awards, marking a significant juncture for the association. Noteworthy elections included Brian Pacheco from Kerman, California, as President and Director of District IX; Dayne Voelker from Perryville, Missouri, as Vice-President and Director of District VI; Sheri Smith from Ohio as Director of District III; and Brent Moyer from Caro, Michigan, as Director of District IV.

Day Three Highlights: Meadow Brook Farms Tour Showcases Excellence in Dairy Farming

They started the third day with a hurried breakfast before guests got on busses headed for Meadow Brook Dairy Farms LLC in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Under Mitch and McKenzie Kappelman’s direction, along with Mitch’s parents, Pete and Shellie, this fifth-generation farm milks 380 registered brown Swiss cows and 380 holsteins. The average milk weight of the Brown Swiss herd is 27,389 lbs.; its fat content is 4.27% 1169 lbs.; and its protein content is 3.29% 901 lbs. Mitch deserves the 2020 National Distinguished Young Brown Swiss Breeder title. With 27 polled Brown Swiss females in the herd, Meadow Brook presently shows an apparent concentration on breeding polled cattle and has supplied 16 bulls to A.I., including top bulls SEGA and STANDOUT.

Grand Finale: Swissconsin National Convention Sale Caps Off the 2024 National Brown Swiss Convention 

On the last day of the National Brown Swiss Convention, we presented the much-anticipated Swissconsin National Convention Sale at the Brown County Fairgrounds in De Pere, Wisconsin. This auction brought buyers, breeders, and fans to compete for some of the best Brown Swiss cattle.

Experienced and charismatic auctioneer, Adam Fraley from Pennsylvania, handled the events expertly. The Brown Swiss Association’s Executive Secretary, Norm Magnussen, kindly helped him by providing thorough pedigree details that greatly enhanced the bidding process.

The sales embodied the creativity, commitment, and community spirit that typified the conference. While buyers sought premium genes to improve their herds, sellers highlighted their breeding successes.

The 2024 National Brown Swiss Convention was successful with the last gavel strike. Participating in a comprehensive program of educational, commercial, and social events, over 200 people highlighted the strength and cohesiveness of the Brown Swiss community. They underlined the relevance of the breed in the dairy sector.

The Bottom Line

The National Brown Swiss Convention in Green Bay, Wisconsin, embodied innovation and legacy within the dairy farming sector. Participants were in exciting meetings, youth events, awards ceremonies, and a major national sale over four days, from the Hyatt Regency Green Bay to the Meadow Brook Farms tour, and the last event at the Brown County Fairgrounds honored Brown Swiss breed successes. Key events were Jenlar Dynasty Treat’s 2023 Living Lifetime Cow Award victory and the Board of Directors election of leaders like Brian Pacheco and Dayne Voelker. Aiming for development and leadership in dairy farming, the event matched history with modernism. The convention held in 2024 was evidence of the togetherness and forward-looking attitude of the community, therefore motivating further innovation and quality for the Brown Swiss breed’s future.

Key Takeaways:

  • Strong Attendance: Over 200 attendees registered, indicating robust interest and participation.
  • Engagement and Activities: Initiated with Board of Directors meetings and Youth contest interviews.
  • Welcome Dinner: Hosted at Stadium View Bar and Grill, sponsored by New Generation Genetics.
  • Cultural Tours: Optional visits to Lambeau Field and the Titletown District post-dinner provided enriching experiences.

Summary:

The National Brown Swiss Convention, hosted by the Wisconsin Brown Swiss Association in Green Bay, Wisconsin, is in full swing with a dynamic blend of events and activities. Attracting over 200 attendees, the convention kicked off on July 3rd and will run until July 6th. The opening day featured Board of Directors meetings and Youth contest interviews, culminating in a welcome dinner sponsored by New Generation Genetics and optional tours of Lambeau Field and the Titletown District. Subsequent days were marked by award presentations, including the prestigious Living Lifetime Cow Award and J.P Eves Trophy, along with significant business meetings and an informative tour of Meadow Brook Farms. The final day will be highlighted by the Swissconsin National Convention Sale, promising an engaging conclusion to this noteworthy event.

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The Oldest Operational DeLaval Milking Robots Get a Modern Upgrade: Celebrating 24 Years of Innovation

Find out how the van Kempen family moved from their 24-year-old DeLaval milking robots to the new VMS V300. Want to know why upgrading dairy technology is a smart move? Keep reading.

“We projected ten years, but look at the lifetime of these devices. It’s a world-class performance by the mechanics and product developers!” Fernand van Hoven was DeLaval International’s VMS business development manager.

This fantastic achievement is evidence of the dependability and lifetime of the original DeLaval VMSTM milking machines. The van Kempen family welcomed the arrival of new technology and the tremendous 24-year path that brought them here as they started a recent update to the DeLaval VMSTM V300 series.

Setting a New Standard: The Van Kempen Family’s Pioneering Move in Dairy Farming

In the dairy business, 2000 was a significant turning point when DeLaval introduced their creative milking robots. These robots transformed dairy farming by bringing automated milking systems, increasing productivity, and lowering labor. Early users of this innovative method were the Biddinghuizen, Netherlands van Kempen family. Inspired by their forward-looking and innovative nature, they installed DeLaval milking robots on their farm the same year these devices launched the market, establishing a new benchmark for dairy operations.

When it Comes to Longevity and Reliability, the Van Kempen Family’s Experience with Their DeLaval Milking Robots Truly Stands Out. 

Regarding dependability and lifespan, the van Kempen family’s experience with their DeLaval milking robots stands out. Initially installed in 2000, these computers have been running for an amazing 24 years, proving their great robustness. Joris van Kempen claims, “We have always run on the newest software version and maintained the robots current with upgrades in all these years. A few years back, we also included an OCC (Online Cell Counter) to track the cell count from every milking. 

Mariska van Kempen shares this view, attributing the robots’ life to their continual maintenance and upgrades: “A lot has happened in these past 24 years, but one thing has remained constant – the enduring reliability of our two DeLaval VMSTM milking robots”. This dedication to maintenance guaranteed that the robots stayed in perfect running order, therefore displaying a combination of technical solid adaptability and durability.

A Strategic Upgrade to DeLaval VMS™ V300: Embracing Advanced Technology and Sustainable Farming

The van Kempen family upgraded to the DeLaval VMSTM V300 series because of numerous interesting technical developments they felt were too important to overlook. The main focus was energy efficiency; the younger robots are meant to use much less electricity. Van Kemptens expects a stunning 60% drop in energy consumption compared to the previous generations. This fits their dedication to environmentally friendly agricultural methods and offers significant expense savings. Furthermore, the new robots include improved herd management technologies like the Online Cell Counter (OCC), which offers real-time cell count data for every milking and quicker and more dependable data transmission enabled by better connection. These elements significantly increase the milking process’s efficacy and efficiency, raising the farm’s output.

Apart from the energy economy, the speedier networking of the new V300 robots changed everything. The improved speed and dependability of the connection guarantee a smoother and more effective milking technique. Mariska van Kempen saw the instantaneous gains and pointed out that the robots link considerably quicker than others, greatly simplifying everyday agricultural operations.

Finally, the cutting-edge features included in the VMS V300 models provide the Van Kempen family with modern means of herd management. Features like the Online Cell Counter (OCC) and the capacity to combine the most recent technical improvements guarantee that they are following current developments and positioned at the forefront of dairy farming innovation. Along with future-proofing their business, this modernization effort improves the welfare of their cows. The robots’ soft and effective milking technique lessens cow stress, resulting in better and more plentiful offspring. This thus guarantees the sustainability and profitability of the dairy activities of the van Kempen family, thereby contributing to a more efficient and productive farm.

Engineering Comfort: Exploring the Enhanced Space and Design of the DeLaval VMS™ V300

The new VMS V300 robots’ space and design enhancements are outstanding. One main improvement is the additional room within the milking equipment, which makes the cows more comfortable. Mariska explains, “The space inside the milking machine is now more plentiful for the cows; the robots fit perfectly in the old space, even though the enclosure is over 40 centimeters larger.”

Comprehensive Modernization: The Van Kempen Family’s Commitment to Technological Advancement and Excellence

The van Kempen family’s modernization project was a thorough attempt to guarantee that their dairy farm stayed at the forefront of technical developments. Two new DeLaval VMSTM V300 milking robots, much more technologically sophisticated and energy-efficient than their predecessors, were key to this project. 

One notable improvement was the robot room’s renewal and recoating. This painstaking endeavor sought to improve the surroundings in which the new robots would run, not just their appearance. The renovated area represents the relentless dedication of the Van Kempen family to maintaining a first-class dairy farming business.

Adopting the newest technologies, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to excellence define the relevance of this modernizing initiative. The van Kempen family establishes a standard for future innovation and sustainability in the dairy farming sector by designing ideal surroundings for their milking robots. This initiative guarantees their readiness for continuous innovation and emphasizes their dedication to sustainable dairy production, offering optimism for the sector’s future.

Through their extensive modernization initiatives, the van Kempen family demonstrates the proactive actions required to prosper in contemporary dairy farming, ensuring the continuation of their legacy of excellence over many years.

Future-Ready with DeLaval VMS™ V300: The Van Kempen Family’s Optimism and Vision for Sustainable Dairy Farming

Looking ahead, the van Kempen family is not just prepared but brimming with optimism for the future of their dairy farming with the new DeLaval VMS™ V300 robots. These sophisticated devices are evidence of technical advancement and a significant step forward in environmentally friendly, practical agriculture. The van Kempens are ready to welcome the change as data will likely become a more important component in dairy production. Joris van Kempen adds, “Now, with our new milking robots, we are ready for the future, in which data is also going to play a big role more and more.” They want to maximize their operations by using data-driven insights, ensuring their herd’s welfare and sustainability and production optimization for the next years.

The Bottom Line

The van Kempen family’s decision to upgrade to the DeLaval VMS™ V300 robots marks an end and a promising new beginning in their dairy farming journey. Their optimism for the next 24 years is palpable, bolstered by their trust in the cutting-edge technology of the V300 robots and their close collaboration with Van der Sluis Agri. As they look forward to continued success, the van Kempens are ready to tackle the future, confident they are well-equipped for the evolving landscape of sustainable and data-driven farming.

Key Takeaways:

  • The van Kempen family in Biddinghuizen, Netherlands, was one of the first adopters of DeLaval milking robots in 2000.
  • The original DeLaval VMS™ milking robots have been operational for 24 years, showcasing exceptional longevity and reliability.
  • The family recently upgraded to the DeLaval VMS™ V300 series, citing significant energy savings and advanced technology.
  • Regular updates and maintenance contributed to the durability of the original milking robots.
  • The new V300 robots offer enhanced energy efficiency, estimated to reduce consumption by 60% compared to the older models.
  • The upgraded machines provide faster connectivity and modern data management features, such as the OCC (Online Cell Counter).
  • The transition includes improvements in cow comfort, with more space inside the milking machine and a renovated robot room.
  • The van Kempen family is optimistic about the future and committed to sustainable and technologically advanced dairy farming.
  • Collaboration with their dealer, Van der Sluis Agri, ensures continued innovation and support for their farming operations.

Summary: The van Kempen family farm in Biddinghuizen, Netherlands, has upgraded to DeLaval VMS™ V300 series milking robots due to their energy efficiency and improved herd management technologies. The younger robots use less electricity, aligning with the farm’s commitment to environmentally friendly agricultural methods. The Online Cell Counter (OCC) offers real-time cell count data for every milking, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the milking process. The faster networking of the new robots simplifies everyday agricultural operations. The renovation of the robot room, now containing more cow space, reflects the family’s dedication to maintaining a first-class dairy farming business. The family’s optimism for the next 24 years is bolstered by their trust in the cutting-edge technology of the V300 robots and their collaboration with Van der Sluis Agri.

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