Young Adult Education Award Spotlight - Bob and Shelly Hart

The Wisconsin Holstein Association and the Young Adult Committee are excited to again offer 4, $500 awards for Wisconsin Holstein members to attend an educational event. These events include, but are not limited to: Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI), World Dairy Expo, World Ag Expo, PDPW, and the National Holstein Convention.

Last year's winners, Bob and Shelly Hart, share their experience with the opportunity that this award provided them below.

Tell a little about yourself, such as, your family, current employment and when you joined the Wisconsin Holstein Association.

Bob and I currently reside at Pine Knoll Farms in Galesville, WI which is located in Trempealeau County. This was my home farm and we officially took over the dairy in June of 2012. I have been a member of the WI Holstein Association ever since I was a member of the Junior Association at the age of 9. Bob became a member in 2003. We currently raise Registered Holstein and Brown Swiss dairy cattle. Bob is in on the farm full-time and I work part-time at Dairyland Laboratories as a lab technician. Along with my mom, Linda, we milk 60 cows twice daily and work side-by-side one another in daily farm tasks.

Why did you complete the YAC Educational Award application?

We were introduced to this award application last year and thought it would be a great opportunity to branch out to see the aspects of the Holstein industry. Bob and I have always remained active in the dairy industry, but thought this would be an extra push to try something new.

What dairy industry event did you attend? What did you learn from the event?

We elected to attend the 2013 National Holstein Association Convention. It allowed us to learn more about the Holstein Association at a national level. In addition, it gave insight to the business aspects of the industry and also allowed us to gain networking opportunities.

What is your favorite Wisconsin Holstein or dairy industry event and explain why?

This makes for a tuff question. We would have to say for the Wisconsin Holstein Association side, we enjoyed attending the state meeting. It allowed us to catch up with fellow friends and dairyman as well as at the same time gave us a chance to see the year in review for the association. On a dairy industry side, World Dairy Expo would be a favorite. It truly is a show like no other!

What has been your most memorable moment in the dairy industry? 

It would be hard to narrow in on one single moment, instead I would have to say they are more like milestones in working with our dairy herd. Favorites would be when the home bred cows bring home the blue ribbons at shows or when you have that great classification day on the farm and are able to add more Excellent’s to the herd. On another note, we also take pride in the moments when you are able to witness youth you have coached receive their first blue ribbon with their project animal. Bob and I enjoy working with youth dairy programs and we encourage individuals to become active in the dairy industry.

Would you recommend other complete the YAC Educational Award application?

Yes, we would certainly recommend for others to take the time to complete the application. It truly is a great opportunity to challenge yourself to branch out to see the aspects of the dairy industry. In this industry, times are always changing and there are always new things to be discovered. Thus, we feel this is a way to allow individuals to develop new insight or networking tools that can be beneficial to their own herd. Bob and I truly thank the Wisconsin Holstein Association for this award and wish to encourage other to take part.

Applicants for this award must be a member in good standing of the Wisconsin Holstein Association at the time of application. Applicants should indicate on this application which program or event the award will be used for. For programs such as YDLI, proof of acceptance must be provided. Award can only be received once per individual. Young Distinguished Breeder Award recipients are not eligible as they will have already received a $500 YAC sponsored award. If an award is given and the recipient is unable to attend or does not fulfill the program requirements, the individual is expected to return the funds to the Young Adult Committee. This award is intended for those whose main source of income is from the farm. Applicant should be age 21 to 45 as of January 1, 2013.