When you take on a job either you want it really bad, or maybe it is your time and you should do it. The latter is why I was willing to fill the shoes of president serving Wisconsin Holstein. Following the people that were in this position was not an easy task, but with much help from my fellow board members, the ladies in the Wisconsin Holstein office and my family, I made it through the year.
This past year fits all those years I heard about from my Father—The winters of ’36 and ’51, the drought and depression years in the 30’s. We have lived through similar or even worse winters and times since. Now I have stories to share with futures generations as well.
The good news of Wisconsin Holstein is that membership has slightly increased in 2008 and 2009 and we are even off to a better start than most other organizations in 2010. We have also maintained our Junior membership at right around 1,000 and the Adult membership is about 3500.
And as the financial report indicated, WI Holstein is still in good shape with plenty in reserve and the day-to-day operations being covered by membership and sponsorships. In the end even with a tough economy the WI Holstein Association came through the past year in the black with help from sound financial investments and super support from our sponsors and great volunteers to help all our events be successful.
Our shows are still looked at from all around the country to see who has the next great cow or heifer. We had a successful District Show season—even with combining our show districts in the state, with District 9 going into District 6, and District 11 split between District 1 and District 4. 2009 Spring Show had another great year also. The 50th annual State Show went well, and the hosts, Winnebago County, did a super job with such an important anniversary show. Something new this year we tried, was the Junior Premier Breeder and Exhibitor awards, but we plan to let those two Junior awards be replaced with new Junior bred and owned awards this year.
Treasure Quest is still a very successful support to the WHA picnic. With a summer picnic tried this past year, plans are underway for a fall picnic in 2010 at the Brey Family’s Cycle Farm in Sturgeon Bay. The 2009 summer picnic held at the Wendorf Farm was a nice time and we were able to get employees and state juniors wet in the dunking tank, which proceeds went to the Dodge County Junior Holstein fund.
Wisconsin Holstein did not host a consignment sale this year due to the concerns of the economy. But we have come from no WHA Sale, to looking at 2 WHA Sales in 2010. We are considering a Fall Wisconsin Holstein sale, and as you all know, the YAC group put together a wonderful Futures Sale last night.
This group of young people who organized the sale and are a part of the YAC could be the heart and soul of coming things for Wisconsin Holstein Association—Bridging the juniors and older adults together.
What a great junior organization we have here in Wisconsin. Cow Camp has opened its doors to all dairy youth and they plan to consider this learning experience for the kids. After I attended the Junior Convention this past January, I now know I should have been there a few more times for various reasons. From the enthusiasm of the youth, to the number of events they participate in and the knowledge they have. Let alone the very well dressed banquet they put together – a bit bigger than the adults. I witnessed first hand the abilities of our youth, taking charge of such an event that first looks like it could be mass chaos, but truly fulfills an orchestrated event.
As I spoke to the Juniors at Convention, I encouraged the graduating members to bring their youth and enthusiasm to adult convention. And I told them to bring their parents too – I know the Junior members receive strong support from parents, and it would be great to see them active in the adult association as well.
We are still looking for counties or groups to host adult and junior conventions in the near future. I was proud of my home district juniors for hosting this past convention at the Kalahari—I believe efforts like this will encourage other smaller counties to work together at hosting either junior or adult conventions.
As I reflect back to when I started on the board in 2004, many things have changed along the road. With the advancement of technology, we now have a web site. And this past year, beginning social media networks through the blog and Facebook. The WHA NEWS is still a valuable tool in reporting the upcoming events and those results of past events. Our membership has been a great supporter of the NEWS by reading and advertising in it. The WHA NEWS is still looked for at World Dairy Expo and National Holstein Convention along with other various events that we take it to.
When I started on the board, a past board member reminded everyone to be vigilant of finances and rent out part of our condos due to a small office staff and low income generated. We have come to use both sides of our condo now and added to our office staff.
The 2008 National Convention opened many doors in Wisconsin. The biggest eye opener I had was seeing the amount of people it took to run the event. Volunteers were invaluable. The list of these people would take hours to read, and we appreciate everyone’s efforts. And what a great sale it was too.
Something new we did this past year, was step out and not only promote the Holstein industry in Wisconsin, but also branched out to support the livelihood of the entire dairy industry. At the Dairy Price Stabilization information meeting, we found ways to be a connection to what is happening and letting our membership know quicker. We hope to continue this trend of informing our membership by email, blog or face book.
I would like to thank the state membership for allowing me to become a member of the Wisconsin Holstein board. I came onto this board with four other people who were acquaintances at first, and we have grown to become lifelong friends. I thank these individuals, along with all other fellow board members through out the years for the memories including both the ups and downs. And thank you for selecting me to serve as your president this past year.
I’d like to sign off with a phrase from a very good friend of mine, and who was also well known to many people in the association. As Jack Wier would say, “It’s been fantastic.”
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