Explore how National Dairy Shrine’s Campaign75 is transforming dairy farming‘s future. At the World Dairy Expo, celebrate industry milestones and award winners.

Summary:

The National Dairy Shrine celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2024 with Campaign75, a year-long initiative to enhance scholarships, leadership recognitions, and museum improvements. With plans to invest over $1 million into an endowment fund, the campaign seeks to secure the dairy industry’s future. Key events include recognizing distinguished leaders at the World Dairy Expo on September 30 and honoring industry pioneers. Established in 1949, the Shrine has awarded over 1,000 scholarships valued at over $1 million and created a world-class museum in Fort Atkinson, WI. Campaign75 will further boost scholarships, leadership recognition, and museum renovations, including digital technology and interactive exhibits. Donations can be made via the website.

Key Takeaways:

• Celebrating 75 Years: The National Dairy Shrine is marking its 75th anniversary with Campaign75, focusing on scholarships, leadership recognition, and museum enhancements.
• Campaign75 Goals: Aiming to raise over $1 million for an endowment fund to support youth programs, leadership awards, and history preservation.
• Leadership Recognition: Initiatives to expand awards for dairy producers, processors, and innovators while enhancing the World Dairy Expo banquet.
• History Preservation: Plans include updating the Fort Atkinson museum with interactive digital displays and creating an online version.
• Notable Achievements: The National Dairy Shrine has awarded over 1,000 scholarships and has a world-class museum showcasing dairy history.
• Awards and Honors: Featuring prestigious awards like the Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder Award and the Guest of Honor Award, highlighting significant contributions to the dairy industry.
• Pioneers Recognized: Acknowledging industry pioneers such as Stanley Bird and Alice Evans for their lasting impact and innovation.
• Industry Endorsements: High-profile endorsements and quotes from dairy professionals emphasize the National Dairy Shrine’s importance and influence.
• Get Involved: Encouraging donations and participation in Campaign75 to secure the dairy industry’s future.

Can you picture life without the National Dairy Shrine? For 75 years, our foundational organization has held firm, honoring our industry’s leaders while maintaining its rich heritage. This year, they’re commemorating a milestone anniversary by launching Campaign75, which aims to increase scholarships, leadership recognition, and museum enhancements. The festivities don’t end there; the annual World Dairy Expo, a mecca for dairy experts, will feature a series of activities on September 30, including a silent auction and an awards luncheon. These activities promise to be an unforgettable homage to the devotion and enthusiasm of dairy farmers and experts alike. “Dairy producers should understand that the organization was created to preserve the industry they’ve worked so hard to build,” says Mike Opperman, executive director of the National Dairy Shrine. Our contribution to maintaining the dairy industry’s rich history demonstrates our devotion to our heritage.

Celebrating 75 Years of Dairy Excellence: The Legacy of the National Dairy Shrine

Established in 1949, the National Dairy Shrine has been a beacon of excellence, honoring the dairy industry’s past, present, and future. Over the past 75 years, this institution has inspired young minds, recognized outstanding dairy experts, and preserved crucial aspects of the industry’s history. With a membership of over 20,000, the Shrine embodies the passion and dedication of the dairy community.

“Dairy producers should understand that the organization was created to preserve the industry they’ve worked so hard to build,” says Mike Opperman, Executive Director of the National Dairy Shrine. This phrase captures the Shrine’s primary mission: to recognize and assist individuals who put milk in their tanks daily nationwide. It’s a goal that motivates us all to be committed to the dairy sector, knowing our efforts are not in vain.

The effect is palpable. Since its founding, the National Dairy Shrine has awarded over 1,000 scholarships worth more than $1 million to aspiring dairy executives. It has also acknowledged hundreds of dairy pioneers from many industries and established a world-class museum in Fort Atkinson, WI. “Our goal going forward is to remain dedicated to the dairy producer and the industry that supports those farmers,” he says.

The Shrine’s dedication to preserving the industry’s rich heritage and fostering its continued development is evident. The museum, a testament to our commitment, maintains dairy heritage while providing educational insights and highlighting technological improvements and agricultural techniques. As Opperman rightly points out, ‘This would not have been possible without the work of hundreds of dairy enthusiasts who have graciously given their time and talent.’ The National Dairy Shrine is a steadfast cornerstone in the dairy world, constantly pushing the boundaries to promote a more resilient and inventive future for the sector. Our work is not just about the future but also about honoring our past and the hard work of generations of dairy farmers. It’s a legacy we can all be proud of.

What’s the Driving Force Behind Campaign75? 

What drives Campaign 75? It’s about securing the future of our dairy industry through strategic investments in people and heritage. The National Dairy Shrine has set an ambitious fundraising target of over $1 million for its endowment fund to bolster its three key areas: scholarships, leadership recognition, and museum renovations. Your support is crucial in helping us achieve these goals.

1. Scholarships: Empowering the Next Generation 

With growing college expenses, Campaign75 prioritizes youngsters in the dairy business. By boosting scholarships and creating initiatives like mentoring and Dairy Shrine student groups, young people may get a jump start on their professions and get much-needed financial help and advice. The strategy includes scholarships and chances for high school students to develop an early interest in dairy farming.

2. Leadership Recognition: Honoring Excellence 

Campaign75 also aims to recognize and celebrate the industry’s finest contributions. The National Dairy Shrine seeks to highlight the industry’s variety and inventiveness by expanding the scope of breeder recognition and providing new prizes for innovation and dairy processors. Additionally, they want to revitalize their awards luncheon during the World Dairy Expo, making it an even more memorable occasion for recipients and guests.

3. Museum Improvements: Preserving and Showcasing History 

The National Dairy Shrine Museum in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, is critical to preserving dairy’s rich heritage. Campaign75 aims to modernize the museum by adding digital technology and providing more interactive exhibits that reflect current dairy farming processes. Plans also include creating an online museum to increase accessibility and ensure the dairy narrative reaches a broader audience.

These projects demonstrate the dedication to honoring the past while laying a solid basis for the future. Suppose the National Dairy Shrine meets its fundraising target. In that case, the effect will extend across the dairy community, inspiring kids, rewarding leaders, and leaving a legacy for future generations. Consider how necessary these measures are for an industry that provides for millions of people and is the foundation of many rural communities. Your help might be the key to making these lofty aspirations a reality. Are they interested in contributing? Donations may be made via their website.

Have You Ever Wondered How We Can Secure the Future of the Dairy Industry? 

Have you ever wondered how we can ensure the dairy industry’s future? Engaging young people is more crucial than ever. Campaign 75 focuses on this objective. Let’s explore the details of their ambitious youth programming initiatives.

First up, scholarships. With the escalating expense of higher education, every dollar matters. The National Dairy Shrine’s Campaign75 strives to enhance the number of scholarship opportunities for prospective dairy students. Consider the influence this may have on the future generation of dairy experts!

But they aren’t stopping there. Mentoring initiatives are also on the way. Experienced dairy farmers and industry professionals will mentor emerging talent with practical guidance, insights, and hands-on experience. This is more than simply sharing information; it is also about developing connections and cultivating a community that supports one another.

The National Dairy Shrine also intends to establish other Dairy Shrine student chapters. By creating these chapters in educational institutions, they seek to instill a lifetime love of dairy in young brains. Engaging with peers, attending events, and learning more about the sector can all help these students establish a more robust professional foundation.

The importance of involving kids in the dairy sector cannot be emphasized. Young people contribute creativity, vitality, and a new perspective to the sector, which is critical for its long-term progress and viability. The National Dairy Shrine invests in scholarships, mentoring programs, and student chapters to secure the future and respect a community’s heritage founded on tradition and hard labor.

So what do you think? Are you prepared to influence the next generation of dairy leaders?

Envision the Future: Recognizing Today’s Innovators! 

The emphasis on leadership recognition includes widening the area of breeder recognition and offering new prizes designed exclusively for processors and innovators. What does this mean to you? It implies a more significant opportunity for individuals at the forefront of breakthrough dairy technology and processes to be recognized. Imagine being recognized not just for conventional breeding successes but also for new approaches that advance the business.

The redesigned Award Recognition Banquet at the World Dairy Expo will stand out. It’s more than an event; it celebrates success, ingenuity, and devotion. Imagine an evening when the brightest brains and most devoted dairy professionals unite to recognize one other’s efforts. Your accomplishments might be the next to illuminate this critical event.

Embracing Our Heritage: An Interactive Journey Through Dairy’s Legacy 

Talk about how proud you are of the dairy industry’s long heritage! Imagine sharing your past with future generations in an entertaining and instructive manner. That is precisely what the National Dairy Shrine hopes to do with its museum. The group uses digital technology to build interactive exhibitions that bring the past to life, such as touchscreen displays, virtual reality experiences, and digital storyboards about dairy history.

But the inventiveness does not end there. The National Dairy Shrine intends to establish an online version of the museum, making it accessible from anywhere. This online effort will enable individuals worldwide to browse exhibitions, learn about dairy pioneers, and comprehend the key milestones that have changed the business. This digital transition preserves dairy heritage while making it more dynamic and far-reaching.

Preserving dairy heritage involves more than simply reflecting on the past and encouraging future generations. When young people hear about the hardships and achievements of former dairy leaders, they greatly respect the business. They are inspired to carry on their heritage. To comprehend where we are heading, we must first recall where we began. And, due to the National Dairy Shrine, we can ensure that the dairy industry’s spirit lives on for many years to come.

Honoring the Luminaries of Dairy: From Breeders to Pioneers 

The National Dairy Shrine’s Awards Banquet, which will take place on September 30 at World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, will honor the award recipients as well as the families of Stan Bird and Alice Evans. Portraits of each award recipient will be on display in the National Dairy Shrine’s Dairy Hall of Fame and Museum in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.

Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder Award: Don Bennink, North Florida Holsteins 

Don Bennink of North Florida Holsteins exemplifies excellence in dairy cow breeding. Bennink’s undeniable effect stems from his commitment to researching and creating valuable features that assist dairy farmers worldwide. North Florida Holsteins, based in Bell, Florida, has become associated with genetic and financial savvy, demonstrating Bennink’s foresight and vision.

Between 1981 and 2021, the farm registered more than 200 bulls with the NO-FLA designation with the National Association of Animal Breeders. This has significantly contributed to the Holstein breed’s genetic pool. Most notably, Bennink produced the mother of Mr. T-Spruce Frazz LIONEL-ET – NO-FLA Montross 42446-ET, who topped the TPI rankings in April 2022. The farm has produced 55 merit awardee dams and 11 gold medal dams, with many animals rating well in productive life (PTA). These milestones demonstrate the long-term impact of North Florida Holsteins on herd improvement globally.

Mike Opperman, executive director of the National Dairy Shrine, says, “North Florida Holsteins has played an important role in developing functional qualities that help all dairy farmers. Don’s insight, vision, and dedication to breeding a superior cow distinguished him.” Bennink’s quest for excellence extends beyond genetics; he has actively participated in research, including substantial cooperation with Pennsylvania State University and the University of Florida. His data-gathering helped researchers uncover early-onset muscular weakening in Holsteins, contributing to a better overall knowledge of animal health.

Nominators Andrew Steiner of Pine-Tree Dairy and Chad Dechow of Pennsylvania State University write, “We have worked with Don as a fellow dairy cattle breeder and collaborator on many dairy genetics projects.” Few breeders have had as much of an impact on the production of efficient and lucrative cows as Don.” These testimonies demonstrate Bennink’s industry accomplishments and persistent dedication to dairy excellence.

Guest of Honor Award: Corey Geiger 

Corey Geiger stands out in the dairy sector due to his unrivaled zeal and substantial efforts. As CoBank’s chief dairy economist, Corey has exhibited outstanding leadership and understanding. Before this position, he worked at Hoard’s Dairyman for 28 years, where he significantly enhanced dairy journalism and industry insights.

Corey’s achievements include serving as president of the Holstein Association USA, the Wisconsin Holstein Association, and the National Dairy Shrine. He has also competed in dairy judging competitions at the 4-H and college levels, served on several boards, and taught Badger Dairy Camp at the University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Corey’s passion for the dairy community resulted in releasing two books, the first of which earned him a position on the 2022 National Indie Excellent Award shortlist.

Mike Opperman said, “When speaking with Corey, you can’t help but be enthusiastic about the dairy industry.” He’s been a leader in all he’s done and has significantly contributed to our industry.”

Sarah Thomas of Select Sires Inc. shared similar sentiments: “It would be nearly impossible to find someone more enthusiastic and genuine about the dairy cow, dairy farmers, and the overall dairy industry than Corey Geiger.” He respects, understands, and emphasizes our industry’s heritage quickly, all while contributing to its long-term success.”

Pioneer Awards: Stanley (Stan) Bird, Alice Catherine Evans, Dr. David Faber, and Peter Vail Sr. 

Stanley Bird 

Stan Bird, who died in 2014, continues to have a lasting influence on the dairy business. Bird, a well-known dairy publisher, was the executive publisher of Holstein World, which was part of a family of dairy periodicals that included Western Dairy Business, Eastern Dairy Business, and Lechero Latino.

A former dairy publishing colleague told National Dairy Shrine that Bird’s impact “extended far beyond numbers.” 

“He personally shaped, motivated, and inspired countless individuals, leaving a positive imprint locally, regionally, and nationally,” said Sal Gomez, Progressive Publishing’s national accounts manager. “He was a true influencer in the dairy realm, blending expertise with passion and leaving an enduring mark on the lives of those he touched.”

Outside of publication, he contributed to the success of several events and initiatives that continue to benefit the dairy sector, such as the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge, World Forage Analysis Superbowl, World Ag Expo, and Empire Farm Days.

“Stan was an innovator in terms of creating information sources that producers and industry professionals valued, “Opperman recalls. “He also had the foresight to create the National Dairy Challenge, which has grown to be a tremendous educational resource for young people.”

Alice Evans 

Alice Evans was a trailblazer not just for the dairy business but also for women in science. Evans is credited with making one of the most significant contributions to public health in the twentieth century, discovering that cow brucellosis could be transmitted to people via raw milk, which led to pasteurization and widespread brucellosis testing in dairy farms in the United States. Her idea on brucellosis was published in 1918, and a decade later, the Society of American Bacteriologists honored her accomplishment and named her president. However, the fact that she was a woman without a Ph.D. led to suspicion in the years after publication, despite multiple examples demonstrating the integrity of her work.

“Alice Evans overcame powerful opposition from scientists and the dairy industry to her findings that brucella caused undulant fever in humans,” Candace Jacobs, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, told the National Dairy Shrine. “I am in awe of her work to overcome skepticism and her tireless efforts to prove the importance of pasteurizing milk.”

Opperman echoes the importance of Evans’ achievements. 

“She’s probably the most significant person of the entire group [being honored this year], having identified the connection between brucellosis and human disease,” Opperman tells me. “Alice overcame so much, and her accomplishments were something the entire industry has benefited from.”

Dr. David Faber 

Dr. David Faber’s work on cow reproduction has resulted in genetic advances in the dairy and meat sectors. Faber and his team at Trans Ova Genetics have pioneered commercial excellence in vitro fertilization (IVF) and consistently maintained a leadership role in developing rapidly changing reproductive technologies through robust R&D and knowledge-sharing pipelines.

“IVF is such a prominent part of dairy genetics today, and we have Dr. Faber to thank for it,” Opperman says.

Matthew Wheeler, Ph. D., a respected University of Illinois professor, spoke with the National Dairy Shrine about Faber’s ongoing effect on the dairy business.

“While not an academic in the classical sense, David has been involved in significant research and has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals,” according to Wheeler. “This work continues to impact scientists and students to this day – pioneering sciences as well as service and innovation.”

Peter Vail Sr. 

Peter Vail, Sr., was raised on a dairy farm in New York. After graduating from Cornell University, he bought a small Brown Swiss herd, which was eventually scattered in 1964. He established the Caro-Vail Fertilizer Company, which was managed by the third generation of the family. However, his return to the dairy show cattle industry has many compliments, including his level of success, strategy, and cow knowledge.

“Incredible comeback” is the term used to describe it, and his efforts have paid off. He has spent millions breeding dairy cattle of several breeds, including Brown Swiss, Ayrshire, and Milking Shorthorn. His relationship with Ken Main has resulted in one of the industry’s most successful show programs, with five World Dairy Expo grand champions to date. Their signature cow, Cutting Edge T Delilah, was voted supreme champion at the World Dairy Expo in 2018. It became the all-time highest-selling Brown Swiss cow, selling for $210,000.

“He’s just a great cow person and recognizes great quality when he sees it. Plus, he’s built a tremendous business,” Opperman says.

Tim Abbott of Showbox Sires agrees, telling National Dairy Shrine that Vail has “literally changed the game for investing in great cattle.”

“His standard of success both in the show ring and breeding world and the financial success of his investment strategy are unmatched and set the standard in the business,” according to Abbott. “His legacy will be generosity, passion, and vision for the feed and fertilizer business and cattle breeding world.”

The Bottom Line

As we reflect on the National Dairy Shrine’s 75-year legacy of achievement, it is apparent that its accomplishments have had a long-term influence on the dairy sector. The accomplishments are tremendous, from awarding over 1,000 scholarships and honoring hundreds of dairy leaders to maintaining a world-class museum. This milestone demonstrates the organization’s commitment to encouraging kids, recognizing dairy pioneers, and conserving dairy heritage.

Campaign 75 is a light of hope for the future. By collecting $1 million, the effort hopes to increase youth programs, improve leadership recognition, and preserve dairy farming’s rich legacy. This attempt emphasizes the need to train the next generation of dairy executives while preserving the industry’s legacy.

Your support is more critical than ever. Consider donating to Campaign75 to guarantee that the National Dairy Shrine can maintain its essential role in the dairy industry. Your gift will celebrate previous accomplishments while paving the road for future breakthroughs and triumphs.

To contribute, go to the National Dairy Shrine’s website. Let us support this critical purpose and secure a bright and prosperous future for the dairy sector.

Learn more:

• Navigate the World Dairy Expo Like a Pro: The Ultimate Guide for Dairy Enthusiasts
• The Stars Shine at the 2014 World Dairy Expo
• Mid-Year 2024 Global Dairy Business Review: Key Developments from January to June

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