From the WHA Board President

Greetings Wisconsin Holstein members,

For those of you who missed the 2009 World Dairy Expo - too bad, you missed a great show with beautiful animals and great people. As the theme of World Dairy Expo was Legendary Cows, Legendary People and Legendary Trade Show, all that attended agree that this year’s can be added to all the great dairy events of the past. Congratulations to Harvue Roy Frosty exhibited by Mike and Julie Duckett, Jim and Nancy Junemann and Dr. Scott Armbrust.

Throughout the year I have encouraged everyone to become involved at some level in Wisconsin Holstein events. In the near future you could become involved in Top Performer, Treasure Quest and the 2011 and 2012 Futurities which all have deadlines approaching. The entry forms can be found on our website or by calling the WHA office. Become involved and participate in some of our various contests and events, it’s a great way to meet other dairy enthusiasts and maybe even gather a prize.

The 2011 WHA Futurity has been re-opened for all to enter. The 2011 event marks the 25th WHA Futurity and we are looking forward to a great celebration at the WI State Fair Park. The re-opened entry fee is $50 per head and is due in the office no later than November 30, 2009. The 2012 WHA Futurity entries are due January 1, 2010 in the WHA office and the entry fee is $35 per head.

The WHA Top Performer entry deadline is January 15, 2010 with awards being given to each of the Top Performers in eight different age categories, and the TOP Top Performer will receive a gift certificate from St. Joseph Equipment of La Crosse, who will ship parts anywhere.

The WHA Treasure Quest has been an outstanding event for our membership. Your entry may garner you a check for $7500 for that wonderful calf you entered for $50. The profit earned from the Treasure Quest has enabled Wisconsin Holstein Association to hold and help pay for the Wisconsin Holstein State Picnic. 2010 will be our 5th year of the picnic and yes, we are looking for a host farm. The entry deadline for entering calves in the Treasure Quest is February 1, 2010 at $50 per head.

Now, if your county or district wants to get involved, we are looking for hosts for upcoming events - the 2011 and 2012 Junior and Adult Conventions; the 2012 State Championship Show and a host farm for our 2010, 2011 and 2012 State Picnics. If you call or email the WHA office they will be pleased to answer any questions or send you information in regards to hosting any of these events.

In my last column I had touched on getting involved as an individual and running for the WHA State Board of Directors. With the hunting and the holidays coming up, now is the time to put together your biography and submit it to Laura for publication in the January isue of the News. I really encourage anyone that is interested to put your name in the “hat” for the WHA Board of Directors. I have met people on the WHA Board which I may never have gotten to know and have made some lasting friendships which would have been a shame to miss in the “dance through life.”

Leaves are turning brown, the temperature is a little colder and the wind is blowing from the northwest... Hey Marty, get your orange jacket out - it’s time!!

As the Duke would say - let’s make a little noise Colorado!

WHA Board President - Mark Gilbertson