WHA would like to reminder all WI Junior Holstein members that you must be a paid member for 2011 by March 1st in order to show under the WI Junior Holstein membership at the WI Junior State Fair.
WI Junior State Fair acknowledges our WI Holstein Junior Youth organization as an educational organization for youth in the Dairy Project. Therefore, this partnership gives our youth the privilege to show at the WI Junior State Fair under WI Junior Holstein membership. The WI State Fair asks for our paid Junior membership list as of March 1st each year.
We are more than happy to have this show opportunity given to our youth to be able to show at one of the biggest Junior Holstein Shows in the world.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
2011 President's Address - by Jim Rickert
It is my distinct honor and privilege to stand before you today and deliver the 2011 President’s address at the 120th WHA annual meeting. I’d like to begin by highlighting many of the activities of the previous year.
Last year’s annual meeting began with the region 5 Holstein meeting. There was much discussion held concerning the new TPI formula and impact of Genomic information on our farms breeding decisions. A resolution concerning the TPI formula was drafted by our WHA Resolutions committee it states:
Whereas…..many members of the Wisconsin Holstein Association believe in breeding cattle with a balance of type and production.
And whereas… the January 2010 TPI formula only gives a 25% weighting to type conformation and an extremely high weighting to health traits.
Be it resolved, that Holstein Association USA reevaluate the TPI formula and raise the type contribution to a level that more accurately reflects what breeder’s desire for a balance of type and production.
This passed unanimously at our annual meeting last February, and nearly unanimously at the National Holstein Convention held last June in Minnesota. There have been no changes made to the TPI formula as of the December 2010 Sire Summary. However, the Holstein Association recently adopted a change to increase the type contribution in the upcoming April 2011, TPI Formula. A resolution concerning Genomic information was also drafted by Wisconsin Holstein members and this resolution also passed at the National Convention. Your ideas and input were given much attention this past year by the National Board.
Now, let’s review the activities from the past year. The Wisconsin Convention Futures Sale saw 38 lots average $5,055. A great deal of the work for the sale was done by the Young Adult Committee members.
The WHA barn meetings were held in March with approximately 250 people attending. April brought the Midwest National Spring Show to Jefferson. The Treasure Quest was successful and many good pedigreed heifers were present for the lucky winner to choose from.
The summer show season saw 9 district shows concluding with a great Championship Show in July with tremendous Quality deep down the line in both Heifer and cow classes.
The 24th WHA Futurity was held in August.
Over 400 people attended the State Holstein picnic in September.
October brought the whole World to WDE. Wisconsin owned cattle placed high and won many awards. The WHA booth was engaged with many visitors. The U.S. and the World are very interested in Wisconsin Holsteins.
The Wisconsin Junior Holstein Convention was held last month. The excitement and enthusiasm of our next generation of members is uplifting. Over 500 people attended and I hope you will take time to attend next year to see our future. Many contests were held and awards presented with over $13,000 in scholarships handed out.
Each month this past year I featured a Holstein Trivia Contest in my President’s Column. I invited all WI Holstein adult and junior members to submit a reply. Each correct entry was placed in a random drawing with the winner receiving a $10 Culver’s gift card, courtesy of myself. Thanks you to everyone who entered, along with your favorable comments.
Our association could not accomplish what it does without our dedicated staff, Chris, Ashley, Laura and Sharon. Thank you for another year and a job well done.
Your WHA board is dedicated to serving you and is always willing to hear your input and concerns. Thank you for all of your time and effort in serving the Wisconsin Holstein Association. WHA committee members and volunteers are a vital link to get the work of your association planned and implemented. Thanks to all of you for your work this past year.
Many of you have been very active in the Wisconsin Holstein Association for many years and I would like to recognize a few of you. Could all of the past State Holstein President’s please stand and remain standing. (applause). Would all the past State board members please stand. (applause) Thank you for your contributions throughout the years and your continued involvement.
Many of you who have served on the state board together have forged lifelong friendships. My dad was on the state board a number of years ago. Some of his best friends to this day were guys he served with including Marty, Steve, Paul and Henk.
The past couple of months have given me time to reflect on my 6 year tenure on this board. I have met new people and gained many friends. I will always remember the people I served with on the state board. I’m sure many of you past state board members right now are thinking of the people you served with during your time.
When I was first elected 6 years ago in Hudson, immediately following the annual meeting, the first person who congratulated me was Brian Krull. That meant a lot to me. Brian had so many good qualities and among them was being a strong leader and supporter of WHA. He was one of the few to have served two years as President. I treasure the 4 years I served with him on the state board. Many of you also have cherished memories of Brian and he will be deeply missed.
The theme I had in some of our farm’s ads this past year was “Family is important.” One year ago you might remember an ad in the News from our farm featuring a 5 generation photo of the Rickert family. The first generation was my Grandmother Edna Rickert who recently turned 97 years old. This spring marks the 75th anniversary that she and my Grandfather Eldor purchased our home farm in Eldorado. From humble beginnings, the farm grew and my parents purchased it 30 years later. My Dad was very progressive and expanded the herd and farm, so that his three sons had the opportunity to farm.
I would like to thank my family, some are here today, and I would like them to please stand. My wife Kelly, who supports me in whatever I do. My parents- Don and Lila, and Son and Daughter-in-Law- Andrew and Shannon. What a privilege to have three generations farm together.
In closing, I ask for your continued involvement and support of the Wisconsin Holstein Association. And thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
Last year’s annual meeting began with the region 5 Holstein meeting. There was much discussion held concerning the new TPI formula and impact of Genomic information on our farms breeding decisions. A resolution concerning the TPI formula was drafted by our WHA Resolutions committee it states:
Whereas…..many members of the Wisconsin Holstein Association believe in breeding cattle with a balance of type and production.
And whereas… the January 2010 TPI formula only gives a 25% weighting to type conformation and an extremely high weighting to health traits.
Be it resolved, that Holstein Association USA reevaluate the TPI formula and raise the type contribution to a level that more accurately reflects what breeder’s desire for a balance of type and production.
This passed unanimously at our annual meeting last February, and nearly unanimously at the National Holstein Convention held last June in Minnesota. There have been no changes made to the TPI formula as of the December 2010 Sire Summary. However, the Holstein Association recently adopted a change to increase the type contribution in the upcoming April 2011, TPI Formula. A resolution concerning Genomic information was also drafted by Wisconsin Holstein members and this resolution also passed at the National Convention. Your ideas and input were given much attention this past year by the National Board.
Now, let’s review the activities from the past year. The Wisconsin Convention Futures Sale saw 38 lots average $5,055. A great deal of the work for the sale was done by the Young Adult Committee members.
The WHA barn meetings were held in March with approximately 250 people attending. April brought the Midwest National Spring Show to Jefferson. The Treasure Quest was successful and many good pedigreed heifers were present for the lucky winner to choose from.
The summer show season saw 9 district shows concluding with a great Championship Show in July with tremendous Quality deep down the line in both Heifer and cow classes.
The 24th WHA Futurity was held in August.
Over 400 people attended the State Holstein picnic in September.
October brought the whole World to WDE. Wisconsin owned cattle placed high and won many awards. The WHA booth was engaged with many visitors. The U.S. and the World are very interested in Wisconsin Holsteins.
The Wisconsin Junior Holstein Convention was held last month. The excitement and enthusiasm of our next generation of members is uplifting. Over 500 people attended and I hope you will take time to attend next year to see our future. Many contests were held and awards presented with over $13,000 in scholarships handed out.
Each month this past year I featured a Holstein Trivia Contest in my President’s Column. I invited all WI Holstein adult and junior members to submit a reply. Each correct entry was placed in a random drawing with the winner receiving a $10 Culver’s gift card, courtesy of myself. Thanks you to everyone who entered, along with your favorable comments.
Our association could not accomplish what it does without our dedicated staff, Chris, Ashley, Laura and Sharon. Thank you for another year and a job well done.
Your WHA board is dedicated to serving you and is always willing to hear your input and concerns. Thank you for all of your time and effort in serving the Wisconsin Holstein Association. WHA committee members and volunteers are a vital link to get the work of your association planned and implemented. Thanks to all of you for your work this past year.
Many of you have been very active in the Wisconsin Holstein Association for many years and I would like to recognize a few of you. Could all of the past State Holstein President’s please stand and remain standing. (applause). Would all the past State board members please stand. (applause) Thank you for your contributions throughout the years and your continued involvement.
Many of you who have served on the state board together have forged lifelong friendships. My dad was on the state board a number of years ago. Some of his best friends to this day were guys he served with including Marty, Steve, Paul and Henk.
The past couple of months have given me time to reflect on my 6 year tenure on this board. I have met new people and gained many friends. I will always remember the people I served with on the state board. I’m sure many of you past state board members right now are thinking of the people you served with during your time.
When I was first elected 6 years ago in Hudson, immediately following the annual meeting, the first person who congratulated me was Brian Krull. That meant a lot to me. Brian had so many good qualities and among them was being a strong leader and supporter of WHA. He was one of the few to have served two years as President. I treasure the 4 years I served with him on the state board. Many of you also have cherished memories of Brian and he will be deeply missed.
The theme I had in some of our farm’s ads this past year was “Family is important.” One year ago you might remember an ad in the News from our farm featuring a 5 generation photo of the Rickert family. The first generation was my Grandmother Edna Rickert who recently turned 97 years old. This spring marks the 75th anniversary that she and my Grandfather Eldor purchased our home farm in Eldorado. From humble beginnings, the farm grew and my parents purchased it 30 years later. My Dad was very progressive and expanded the herd and farm, so that his three sons had the opportunity to farm.
I would like to thank my family, some are here today, and I would like them to please stand. My wife Kelly, who supports me in whatever I do. My parents- Don and Lila, and Son and Daughter-in-Law- Andrew and Shannon. What a privilege to have three generations farm together.
In closing, I ask for your continued involvement and support of the Wisconsin Holstein Association. And thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
Monday, January 31, 2011
The Showcase of the Century - Outstanding Pedigrees that you will not want to put Down!
Hello Adults,Do you ever wish to have that extra hand for that one day so you can go to that wedding, concert, or go for a ride and not have to worry about rushing back for chores? Stressing out about a classification that is coming up and looking for a little help, or just need extra hand around the house?
Look no further! The Wisconsin Holstein Association Junior Activities Committee and Royalty are the pedigrees you will be looking for at the Adult Convention on February 19th in Beaver Dam. These hard-working and eager to do anything juniors would love the opportunity to be your right-hand-man/woman for an eight-hour day. We have fitters, milkers, organizers, babysitters, and you name it, we probably have it. Some will not be able to attend that night because they are out of state, but they will be home for summer for sure.
Our sale book is loaded with spectacular and rich pedigrees that you will not want to throw to the bottom of your pile of papers. Plus, all money goes back to the great Junior Association for the betterment of the juniors and their association. If you cannot make it to this remarkable sale, feel free to call the WHA office to place a bid in advance!
The JAC is looking forward to a great Adult Convention with Dodge County and we are excited to share the weekend with all of you. The committee is eager to talk with all of you about the exciting plans we have for this year and how great our convention turned out this year. Feel free to come up and talk with any one of us throughout the convention. Adult convention is going to be one packed, fun-filled weekend of excitement!
See you in Beaver Dam!
Cara Biely
Northeast JAC Representative
Friday, December 17, 2010
The Importance of Volunteering
One of the best feelings a person can have is selflessly helping someone or donating their time to an organization close to their heart. Throughout the past several years, I have discovered how truly wonderful this feeling can be. From working at a local pantry to Badger Dairy Camp to the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin Youth Leadership Derby to serving as a member of the Junior Activities Committee, I have thoroughly enjoyed every opportunity to volunteer. In my opinion, there are three main aspects to volunteering that I enjoy the most.By definition, volunteering is giving your time to help others. Volunteering is your chance to give back for everything that people have given to you. It is also a way to selflessly give up a part of your day to make the community better. The people that you are helping greatly appreciate it. After your experience with them, they might just want to volunteer too.
You learn something new every day… As a volunteer at Badger Dairy Camp or Cow Camp, I never stopped learning. There is always something new in the industry. What better chance is there to ask one of the leaders in the dairy industry a question? Apply it to your own situation, seize the opportunity to ask questions, and at the very least get their opinion.
The last aspect, and maybe my favorite part of volunteering is having fun and making new friends. I’ll never forget some of the stories from camps that I have attended. Not to mention that you will make lifelong friends. Some of my favorite memories are from those warm starry nights around the fire.
Whether you’re donating a couple hours to ring a bell for the Salvation Army or just giving your last fifty-two cents to the Ronald McDonald House, every little bit is appreciated. Next time that you’re put in the situation to volunteer, I hope that you think about all the people that you can help. It’s definitely worth it.
Happy Holidays From the JAC's,
Mitch Kappelman
Friday, November 12, 2010
Youth Mentorship Program Provides Valuable Learning Opportunity
The Wisconsin Holstein Association strives to promote the Wisconsin Registered Holstein breed, as well as its breeders and owners. This promotion begins in the young people in this industry, and giving them every opportunity to reach their potential. To aid in the career education of our youth, WHA has developed the Youth Mentorship Program. Youth have the opportunity to visit volunteer hosts and learn a desired aspect of the business.
The following note is from Tiffany Langteau, a student at UW-River Falls studying Agriculture Education and Dairy Science. Tiffany had the chance to ride with a Holstein Association USA classifier, and came away with some excellent perspective:
"Hi everyone, my name is Tiffany Langteau and I am a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. My major is Agriculture Education and Dairy Science. I am getting to that age where everyone is asking me the same question; what do you want to be when you grow up? I have answered that question the same as I always have: I want to be a Holstein classifier. With that answer I tend to get blank looks or looks of amazement. After the blank looks, I get the question of what is or what does a Holstein classifier do. Coming from a registered dairy farm I thought I had a good idea of what the job entailed. After this summer I realized I had a lot to learn.
This summer I was very lucky to have the chance to job shadow one if the best in the business, Mr. Willis Gunst. Mr. Gunst was willing to let me tag along with him for three days and taught me a lot along the way. When I started this job shadowing I figured I knew what being a classifier was all about. I learned real quick that there is more to that job than meets the eye. To be a great classifier you have to be able to know the linear breakdown like you know the palm of your hand and to be able to break down that cow fast and correctly. I have judged cows for many years and having that experienced helped me a lot, but looking at these cows and being asked questions made me see things that I would normally overlook. Being able to pick out the strengths and weaknesses of a cow is pretty easy but deciding what strengths or weakness that helps her get that score is a bit more complicated. It amazed me that a cow could classify the same score but looked completely different from her stall mate.
Another thing that you have to be good at is explaining why you scored the cow the way you did, and do it so the farmer can clearly see where you are coming from. One of the main objectives of classifying is to help the farmer know what they have to work on with that cow and to know where she excels. You have to explain that very well or you have let the farmer down. Mr. Gunst is very good picking out the key traits and conveying to the breeder why he scored that girl the way he did.
If anyone is remotely interested in classifying I would very strongly advise taking advantage of this program put on by the Wisconsin Holstein Association. This experience showed me that this is what I want to do for a career. I have leaned a ton and can’t thank Holstein Association USA and the Wisconsin Holstein Association enough for making it possible for me and other youth to experience careers that we are interested in."
The following note is from Tiffany Langteau, a student at UW-River Falls studying Agriculture Education and Dairy Science. Tiffany had the chance to ride with a Holstein Association USA classifier, and came away with some excellent perspective:
"Hi everyone, my name is Tiffany Langteau and I am a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. My major is Agriculture Education and Dairy Science. I am getting to that age where everyone is asking me the same question; what do you want to be when you grow up? I have answered that question the same as I always have: I want to be a Holstein classifier. With that answer I tend to get blank looks or looks of amazement. After the blank looks, I get the question of what is or what does a Holstein classifier do. Coming from a registered dairy farm I thought I had a good idea of what the job entailed. After this summer I realized I had a lot to learn.
This summer I was very lucky to have the chance to job shadow one if the best in the business, Mr. Willis Gunst. Mr. Gunst was willing to let me tag along with him for three days and taught me a lot along the way. When I started this job shadowing I figured I knew what being a classifier was all about. I learned real quick that there is more to that job than meets the eye. To be a great classifier you have to be able to know the linear breakdown like you know the palm of your hand and to be able to break down that cow fast and correctly. I have judged cows for many years and having that experienced helped me a lot, but looking at these cows and being asked questions made me see things that I would normally overlook. Being able to pick out the strengths and weaknesses of a cow is pretty easy but deciding what strengths or weakness that helps her get that score is a bit more complicated. It amazed me that a cow could classify the same score but looked completely different from her stall mate.
Another thing that you have to be good at is explaining why you scored the cow the way you did, and do it so the farmer can clearly see where you are coming from. One of the main objectives of classifying is to help the farmer know what they have to work on with that cow and to know where she excels. You have to explain that very well or you have let the farmer down. Mr. Gunst is very good picking out the key traits and conveying to the breeder why he scored that girl the way he did.
If anyone is remotely interested in classifying I would very strongly advise taking advantage of this program put on by the Wisconsin Holstein Association. This experience showed me that this is what I want to do for a career. I have leaned a ton and can’t thank Holstein Association USA and the Wisconsin Holstein Association enough for making it possible for me and other youth to experience careers that we are interested in."
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Junior Convention Reminders
Hello Juniors! I hope you are getting excited for Junior Convention that is coming up fast. It is January 8, 9 and 10, in Stevens Point. This year the convention will be hosted by the Wood County Junior Association. We have several contests for you to compete in as usual and the JAC’s have been busy working to make the convention a success. Dairy Jeopardy
We will be starting Jeopardy earlier this year in order to finish in time for the farm tours. We are excited for another full, competitive contest. Check the convention schedule for complete details.
Royalty Contest
There is still time to apply for the Royalty contest. One addition the JAC’s made to the contest this year is that every princess candidate must compete in the Senior Speaking contest at convention. Applications for Royalty are due December 1st. If you have any questions contact our current royalty and they will be happy to tell you about their year.
JAC
If you are interested in running for a JA for your district contact your current JA’s in your district or Ashley Yager in the Holstein Office if you would like to put your bio up for the member to read ahead of convention. Being a JAC is a great opportunity to learn more about our association and gain valuable experiences.
WHY Award
There is still time to nominate your county leaders that have been beneficial and helped your club. Applications are due December 1st to the WHA office. This is a way to honor a friend of your county, a junior advisor, or someone who has been of great help to your county with in the past year or years. Our junior association is made of great juniors who are backed by great advisors.
2012 Convention Hosts
We are still looking for a 2012 convention host. This is a great opportunity for a county, two counties, or a district to come together and take a more active role in our Junior Holstein Association.
Looking forward to seeing you all at convention. Have a great end of the year.
Laura Elliott
SE JAC Rep
Friday, September 10, 2010
Brey Family Set to Host State Picnic
The Brey family has their farm looking fantastic and ready to roll for tomorrow's big state picnic! The event starts at 11:00 tomorrow in Sturgeon Bay, with lunch served from noon to 1:30 and a panel discussion at 1:30 p.m. These Registered Holstein breeders from across the country will share the management strategies that have allowed them to not only survive, but thrive, in our current economy while maintaining focus and pride in their Registered Holsteins.
• Jonathan Lamb - Oakfield Corners Dairy, Oakfield, New York
Jonathan has heavily merchandised his registered Holstein herd at Oakfield Corners Dairy in recent years. The current list of ET calves available from Oakfield Corners numbers more than 400. Jonathan is also a co-owner in his family’s 4,200-cow commercial dairy herd at Lamb Farms, Inc. and serves as a Holstein USA National Director.
• Steve & Cory Gillins - Canyon Breeze, Minersville, UtahFather and son Steve and Cory Gillins own and operate their 500 cow farm at Canyon Breeze Holsteins and were recently named Premier Breeder at the 2010 Western National Spring Show. Canyon Breeze has its own flushing program and has had over a dozen sires make the active AI lineup in recent years.
• Lance Kamm – Nova Holsteins, New Richmond, Wisconsin
Lance Kamm is a partner in Nova Holsteins with his father, Thomas, and brother, Ryan. The farm is home to 120 cows and an extensive ET program. Nova is a partner in and developer of the extremely popular UFM-Dubs Eroy and her descendants.
Following the program socialization will continue at Cycle Farm with dinner, drinks and music. All are welcome!There will be food and fun for all! For more details, visit the WHA website at www.wisholsteins.com!
We hope to see you in scenic Door County tomorrow!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)