Greetings from Minnesota!

The National Holstein Convention is underway in Bloomington, Minnesota and Wisconsin Juniors have already been busy and even seen some success! Katie Wendorf of Vernon County and Cody Getschel of Polk County placed first and third respectively in the Intermediate Dairy Jeopardy competition and Kelly Lee of Jefferson County placed third in the senior division in Saturday’s competition. Also, Saturday many Wisconsin juniors participated in the speaking contest and discussed a wide range of topics. They will learn how they placed at tomorrow’s Junior Award’s Luncheon. Distinguished Junior Member Semi-Finalists from Wisconsin, Ben Kinnard of Door County, Laura Elliott of Dane County, Jacob Brey of Door County, and Maureen Lee of Jefferson County participated in interviews that will help determine the top six that will be named Finalists. They will learn whether they receive the highest honor bestowed upon a National Junior Holstein member on Tuesday. YDJM Finalists Nic Schuster of Fond du Lac County, Cassy Krull of Jefferson County, and Charlie Hamilton of Grant County were honored at a lunch and will also be honored on Tuesday.

Yesterday both junior and adult members took in tours of some of Minnesota’s premier Registered Holstein Farms including Sapa Ska Holsteins, Floralawn Holsteins, Flower-Brook Holsteins, Raylore Holsteins, and Glenmark Genetics and Bonnie Mohr’s Studio. It was a long, fun-filled day that concluded in a beautiful trip to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum to "Experience Minnesota". Members participated in an Amazing Race, went on guided tours, and enjoyed a great dinner among friends.

Today is dairy bowl day! The senior team from Door County and the junior team from Vernon County will compete with the nation’s best for the dairy bowl National Championships. We wish them luck! Tonight many members will also take in the National Convention Sale and beach-themed dance at the hotel. Also today, the adults began their annual meeting activities that kicked off with an early bird presentation on genomics.

Tomorrow several Wisconsin Juniors will receive production and breeder awards, Mitch Kappelman will run for At-Large JAC, and DJM Finalists and YDJM Finalists will be recognized. Some members will attend a Twins game with convention attendees while others will head home across the border after saying goodbye to new and old friends.

Danielle Brown
WI JAC Vice-Chair

By Corey Geiger, Holstein USA Board Candidate

National Holstein Convention is less than a week away. Minnesota has a great convention planned from June 26 to 29. During the Monday and Tuesday business meetings, there are four elections taking place for directors on the national board, and I am very excited about the potential opportunity to serve breeders on the Holstein USA board of directors as at-large director. During the 125th National Convention, I look forward to listening and talking to breeders about their concerns about the Association and the dairy industry as a whole.

Our industry has many challenging issues facing us. Milk marketing and financial stability are the most pressing issue facing all dairy producers. There are a number of milk price stabilization proposals. The challenge for us is to build consensus with a majority of producers and elected officials to move our industry forward. And we need to do it soon in order for producers to regain profitability. Currently, cheese inventories are at a 26-year high. That’s right; we now have more cheese on hand than at any time since Reagan served at President. We are in a crisis.

Within our breed, genomics have become a lighting rod. Since its introduction in April 2008, this new technology has moved from eager anticipation to an area of downright frustration for some breeders. Registered breeders have relied on genetic sales to bolster farm incomes in economic downturns. Now imputed proofs and a two-index system created in April (traditional versus genomic) have lead to some difficult marketing situations. As breeders, we need to let all industry leaders know our concern so our interests are better served in the future.

For those serving as delegates, I would appreciate your support and vote. I have a unique ability to work well with others and bring about consensus. Well versed on many industry matters, my hands-on experience on our family’s Ran-Rose Dairy Farm in Reedsville, Wis., combined with my industry experience would make me a solid board member. I look forward to visiting with you in Minnesota.