Volume 5 • Issue 1 Spring 2019 The Michigan Dairy Cattle News is the official publication of the Michigan Holstein-Friesian Association, Inc. and the Michigan Jersey Cattle Club.
on the cover...
T
he 2018 Michigan Holstein Association Photo Contest winner was a selection from Sherry Meyer of Rod-Er-Dic Farm. Congratulations to Sherry! If you would like to submit a photo for the 2019 contest, send your high resolution photo to Suzanne Tuttila at michholstein1@gmail.com.
Melissa Hart
Melissa Hart, Editor Cell: 517-398-1957 email: farm.writer@hotmail.com 4520 Holcomb Rd., North Adams, MI 49262 Michigan Dairy Cattle News 850 Davenport Drive, Waxahachie, TX 75167 Ph: 517-490-7736 michholstein1@gmail.com Published 4 times per year Michigan Dairy Cattle News EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Tim Baker, Byron Center Brent Moyer, Caro Ike Hunt, Elsie Suzanne Tuttila, Williamston
616-813-6745 989-553-4333 989-862-4864 517-490-7736
Michigan Holstein Association Tim Baker, President 2335 16th Ave, Byron Center, MI 49353 Brent Moyer, Vice President 2647 E. Caro Rd., Caro, MI 48723 Suzanne Tuttila, Executive Secretary 401 Harvest Trail, Midlothian , TX 76065 Ph: 517-490-7736 michholstein1@gmail.com Michigan Jersey Cattle Club Brent Moyer, President Mary Costigan, Vice President Carrie Delong, Secretary Elizabeth Rupprecht, Treasurer
989-553-4333 616-430-1258 810-614-4025 989-640-6913
Holstein Association USA Phone: 1-800-952-5200 1 Holstein Place, Brattleboro, VT 05302 Michigan and Indiana Representative Max Dunseth 278 S. Sprague, Coldwater, MI 49036 Cell: 269-251-0232 Michigan Upper Peninsula Representative Mandi Ramsburg De Pere, WI • 920-530-5023 mramsburg@holstein.com The Michigan Dairy Cattle News, the Michigan Holstein Association or their staff assume no liability for errors, omissions, content or for the effectiveness of advertising and cannot be held responsible for the timeliness of sale advertising that is scheduled less than thirty days ahead of the press date. Indexes are provided as an additional service. Publisher assumes no liabiltiy for errors or omissions. Subscription rate is $15.00 / year.
5 Spring 2019
table of contents
From the Holstein President’s Pen................................................................. 6 Michigan Junior Holstein News...................................................................... 7 Notes from the Field............................................................................................ 8 From the Jersey Desk.......................................................................................... 9 Michigan Dairy Producers Honored at GLRDC................................. 10-11 Water Quality Improvement Using Proven System...............................11 Great Lakes Spring Show.......................................................................... 12-14 Sneller Wins 2018 Master Breeder Award..................................................17 Meandering Down a Michigan Cowpath..................................................18 Off the Farm.........................................................................................................18 MHA 2019 Annual Meeting Minutes.................................................... 20-21 MJCC Annual Meeting Minutes.....................................................................22 When Times Get Tough, Mediate..................................................................22 Outstanding Young Breeder..................................................................MW 22 Michigan Dairy Ambassadors Look Ahead...............................................24 Calendar of Events.............................................................................................24 In Memoriam.......................................................................................................26 One More Thing..................................................................................................26 Advertiser Index..................................................................................................26 Cheese Plant Slated for 2020................................................................MW 44 Fall 20185
From the President’s Pen
Michigan Holstein Association I couldn’t be happier with the great turnout we had at the MHA Annual meeting in Frankenmuth. We hosted over 100 people at the luncheon that featured Alicia Lamb of Oakfield Corners Dairy from western New York, as our speaker. While we all faced the snow and ice that weekend as we left the farm to travel to Frankenmuth, it was well worth it to see so many people and to visit with friends and enthusiasts of the purebred dairy cow. I want to personally thank all who were involved with the planning of the meeting and luncheon and I also want to congratulate Darwin Sneller on winning the Master Breeder award and Brent Moyer on being presented with the Outstanding Young Breeder award. These are two well-deserved Holstein breeders who have done a lot to advance the genetics of the breed. This spring we will be hosting the Michigan Spring Foundation Sale on March 22nd with Randy Lettinga as the manager of the sale. He has worked hard at getting quality consignments that have both type and production. If you can’t make it to the sale, we have a great sale staff who can carry your bid, or you can get on Cowbuyer.com and watch and bid. The online catalog is on www.DairyAgendaToday. com. That Friday evening, we will depart from our normal
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schedule and we will have the All Breeds Great Lakes Spring Show beginning with the cows at 7 pm. Chad Ryan of Wisconsin will be our judge. Then on Saturday we will have showmanship and then the heifer show will begin. This is the first ever Michigan all breeds spring show, so we hope our friends with colored breeds will feel welcome and join us for fun, fellowship and that competition that drives all of us to be better. We have a great facility, it’s one of the first spring shows in the Midwest, and we have one of the finest judges coming to evaluate our cattle. The potential for this show is tremendous. The entry forms are in this issue, please join us for a great weekend in East Lansing. As we venture into spring, I hope everyone has a safe and productive planting season. And if you have any comments or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Tim
Tim Baker President Michigan Holstein Association
Fall 2018 Spring 2019
Michigan Junior Holstein News
From Your President
The Michigan Junior Holstein Association (MJHA) had a very eventful year that was full of excitement and growth. With the goal in mind of providing opportunities for the youth here in the state of Michigan that are passionate about the Holstein cow, the board worked towards a successful year. This past year is one that the board will not forget as we held the 2018 National Holstein Convention right here in Michigan. A lot of time went into the planning of this event and we were excited to have the opportunity to share our state with juniors all over the country. Connor Nugent placed first in the senior division of the prepared public speaking contest and Miriah Dershem and I placed third in the scrapbook contest. MJHA would like to give a huge thank you to everyone who helped put this wonderful event together, everyone’s time and dedication did not go unnoticed! Furthermore, we held our first National Holstein Convention workshop as a part of GLRDC which gave youth the chance to learn more about the convention itself and prepare for the event. This hands-on activity was a great way to connect with youth in the state and work towards getting more juniors involved! We just recently held a workshop at the 2019 GLRDC with a great turnout of juniors. Throughout the summer, MJHA board members traveled across the state to help with showmanship and fitting clinics. This upcoming year, we are in the process of making plans to host our very own clinics throughout the mitten. Stay tuned!
MJHA hosted their second annual cheese sale this past November. This year we teamed up with the MSU Dairy Club to expand our network and promote the sale. We also held our annual basket sale at the 2018 Michigan Spring sale. Each board member was asked to have a basket donated and all of the proceeds went towards the youth that attended the 2018 National Holstein Convention. Thank you to everyone that helped make these sales a huge success! The MJHA Board also welcomed some new members, the current board is as follows: President; Kristen Burkhardt, Vice President; Miriah Dershem, Secretary; Anna Moser, Treasurer; Skylar Buell, At-Large members; Beka McDonald, Ian Black, Lila Howell, Miriam Cook, Keagan Long, and Ashton Geurink. Our advisors are: Tera Baker, Lauren Siver, and Renee McCauley. All in all, it was a year where a lot of exciting events occurred and also a year that we will continue to grow from. MJHA is looking forward to see what 2019 has to offer!
Kristen Burkhardt President MJHA
MS GERMAINE COLTON GIDGET
Reserve All-American Spring Calf at the North American International Livestock Exposition
REED DAIRY FARM 989.277.2078 • sjreed57@msn.com
Being sold on March 23 in the Spartan Spectacular Sale: RE-JAK DOC ASTRID 3/01/2018
Look for her at the Great Lakes Spring Show! Born March 1, 2018 • Nominated All-American Jersey Spring Calf
Spring 2019
Sire: Woodcrest King Doc Dam: Re-Jak DB Aurora (VG 85 @ 2) Full Sister Sold at Holstein National Convention Mgd: Prestige-Gen At America-ET (EX90) Mmgd: Butlerview After Alameda-ET (VG86) 4th Dam: Brookvilla Jasper Aka (EX92) Sisters To Dam: Re-Jak McCutchen Adelaide (VG 86 @ 2) Re-Jak DB Ariel-Et (VG-86 @ 2-0 and 18 Days Fresh) Full Sister to Dam Co-owned with Jess Jakubik
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Notes From the Field
Max’ & Mandi’s Memo
Holstein Marketplace Sires Launched Holstein Association USA announces a new service to assist Holstein breeders to market semen to other dairy cattle breeders. Holstein Marketplace Sires – a new component of the Holstein Marketplace gives Holstein breeders the ability to directly market semen from their bulls, which will be beneficial to Holstein Association members, and dairy cattle breeders throughout the United States. “Holstein breeder/members have been looking for a vehicle to market semen of high-quality genetics from their own herds to other breeders. Holstein Marketplace Sires does just that. “Holstein members now have the opportunity to offer semen from bulls out of deep pedigreed cow families that excel in production, genomics, health traits, reproduction, and type. Breeders will have the opportunity to select from phenotypically proven cow families that emphasize longevity and continue breeding programs to fit their own individual goals,” states Holstein Association USA President Boyd Schaufelberger. Holstein Marketplace Sires, a division of Holstein Services Inc., provides a new and unique avenue for Holstein breeders to market their genetics. Under the program, the bull owners retain ownership of the bulls, and Holstein Marketplace Sires provides the vehicle for the semen to be sold. For both buyers and sellers alike, Holstein Marketplace Sires will be a trusted source for dairy cattle genetics. Bulls available at the launch of Holstein Marketplace Sires include: - Speek-NJ of Dewgood-ET, owned by E. Dean & Wanda Good, Oconto, Wis. - Golden-Oaks Imax Lotto, owned by Golden Oaks Farm, Wauconda, Ill. - Hurtgenlea Splnd Maurice-ET RC PC, owned by Hurtgenlea Holsteins Ltd, Elkhorn, Wis. - Trent-Way-JS Roddy-ET RC, owned by Trent J. Hendrickson & John R. Schneller, Blanchardville, Wis. These bulls offer depth of maternal pedigrees, featuring multiple generations of Very Good and Excellent dams. Their
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strong pedigrees are complemented with the bulls’ high-ranking genomic evaluations resulting in a balance of production, health, reproduction and type. Holstein Marketplace Sires will be a unique addition to any Holstein breeders breeding program. Purchasing semen with your credit card couldn’t be easier with two methods – online or over the phone. Buy online by visiting www.holsteinusa.com/marketplacesires, click the red “buy now” button, fill in number of units you would like to purchase, and check out using our secure online system. Or, phone in your semen order by calling customer service at 800.952.5200. 2019 Judges Conference Registration Now Open Registration is now open for the Holstein Association USA 2019 Judges Conference, to be held on Thursday, March 28, in Columbus, Ohio, in conjunction with the Mideast Spring National Holstein Show. The one-day conference will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The pre-registration fee is $50, which closes two weeks before the conference, on March 14. Late registrants and walk-ins will pay a $100 fee. To attend the conference, you must be 22 years old by the day of the conference. Interested participants can register for the conference on the Holstein Association USA website, visit: http://www.holsteinusa.com/ shows/judges_preregister.html. As always, don’t hesitate to call your Regional Sales Representative if you’re interested in learning more about Holstein programs and services.
Max & Mandi
Max Dunseth Regional Sales Representative - HAUSA 269-251-0232 Mandi Ramsburg Regional Sales Representative - HAUSA Upper Peninsula of Michigan 920-530-5023
Fall 2018 Spring 2019
From the Jersey Desk
Michigan Jersey Cattle Club
Hi All, I hope you have all been doing well with the end of our winter coming...even though Mother Nature still seems to be throwing us a few curve balls! It was nice to see and visit with many of you at our annual meeting. We enjoyed a great turnout of Jersey breeders in Frankenmuth. With that being said, we discussed a new opportunity for the Michigan Jersey Cattle Club to use the MHA Executive Secretary, Suzanne Tutilla as the MJCC Executive Secretary. You can read more about this in the MJCC meeting minutes in this issue. I know there are a lot of questions and concerns, both good and bad. That is the number one reason we, as an executive committee, need your feedback. Please feel free to contact any of us with your questions and concerns. We need to hear them to make the right choices for the longevity of the club. Also, if any of our membership have any animals that they may be interested in consigning to the Spring Foundation Sale, contact Randy Lettinga or Gene VanRhee. In the past this has been Michigan Holstein’s avenue to market Holsteins in and around Michigan, but they are welcoming Jersey consignments. Another new addition to the Spring Show is the expan-
Spring 2019
sion from a Holstein and Jersey show to an all breeds show. The Michigan Holstein Association will facilitate the other breed show so if you have multi breeds that you would like to show, please bring them to the spring show on March 22-23. Entry information is in this issue. I hope to see many of you this spring. Until then stay warm and keep positive. Until Next Time,
Brent Moyer
President MJCC 989-553-4333
Like us on Facebook! You can follow all the latest news and happenings on The Michigan Holstein Association and the Michigan Jersey Cattle Club Facebook pages. Don’t miss out on deadlines, entry forms and contact names and numbers when you check in with these Facebook pages.
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Michigan Dairy Producers Honored at GLRDC
Kim and Blaine Baker of Clayton, were awarded the MSU Dairy Farmer of the Year at the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference in February.
The MSU Dairy Farmer of the Year and a visit from Senator Debbie Stabenow put the finishing touches on Friday at the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference held in Frankenmuth, Michigan. As dairy producers spent a full day learning and listening to a slate of speakers, the day ended with a recognition banquet of the best in Michigan’s dairy industry after they had a surprise visit from the ranking democrat of the Senate Ag committee, Debbie Stabenow. “We work so closely with dairy producers and after the success we’ve had with the farm bill I just wanted to come and connect and see how they were doing. After the government shutdown, we are behind in implementation of the farm bill and I understand that it’s critically important with lenders to know the details on the farm bill so they will factor that in when the go see their banker,” Stabenow stated. Noting that dairy producers are some of the hardest working in agriculture, Stabenow wanted to affirm her appreciation for them and let them know she is working to get the word out to 10 10
farm lenders that the implementation of the Margin Protection Program was delayed because of the government shutdown and her office is working hard to communicate with farm lenders. Ramona Okkema of Shepherd was awarded the Excellence in Dairy Promotion Award from the United Dairy Industry in Michigan for her continued efforts to spread the good news of dairy in the diet. Dr. Pam Ruegg, Chair of the MSU Department of Animal Science presented the MSU Dairy Farmer of the Year to Blaine and Kim Baker of Clayton, Michigan. Blaine and Kim Baker received the 2019 MSU Dairy Farmer of the Year Award. Bakerlad Farms is the brothers’ fifth-generation farm in Lenawee County, Clayton, Michigan, which has been in operation since the 1870s. The award is given by the Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University and will be presented during the Dairy Industry Banquet on Friday Feb. 8, 2019, at the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference in Frankenmuth, Mich.
Bakerlads Farms includes a dairy herd of 540 Holsteins and 607 replacements, as well as acreage for crops, including corn, soybeans and alfalfa. The farm is Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MEAEP) verified in livestock, farmstead and cropping systems, and evaluated under the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program for animal care. Kim and Blaine formed their partnership in 1984 to continue the family dairy operation. They share responsibilities managing the milking herd and replacements. Kim has primary responsibility for employee management and machine maintenance, while Kim’s wife Donna does the accounting. Blaine has primary responsibility for managing the cropping enterprise and record keeping. The dairy has Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) rolling herd averages reaching nearly 30,000 lb., currently at 27,410 lb. of milk, 951 lb. of 3.5 percent fat and 805 lb. of 2.9 percent protein, with an average somatic cell count of 115,000. In 2016 a new double 14 parallel milking parlor was installed, improving milking efficiency and employee environment. The Bakers emphasize soil and water conservation in their dairy and crop operations. They are involved with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). In addition to erosion control practices and updated waste storage facilities, no-till methods have been part of the operation since 2008. The Bakers were key supporters in organizing the Lenawee County Center for Excellence. The Center for Excellence’s annual field day has been held at Bakerlads for 22 years, allowing producer research and development on new methods of production, with an eye on conservation. Area farmers benefit by learning from the results. Blaine Baker noted, as part of the National Association of Conservation Districts’ Soil Health Champions NetFall 2018 Spring 2019
work, “As far as our operation, we are committed to no-till, so when we purchase a new piece of ground, it gets notilled.” Cover crops are used for nutrient retention, soil conservation and soil organic matter. “The Bakerlads Farm is just one example of how integrating conservation practices throughout the farming system, and attention to detail in onfarm nutrient management can keep crop nutrients in the root zone and out of waterways” noted Tim Harrigan, professor and Extension specialist in MSU’s Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, in a 2015 MSU Extension article highlighting Bakerlads. Water management, water quality and effective drainage practices are key aspects of the Bakerlads operation. The farm incorporates two stage ditches, blind inlets, buffers along ditches and closed-loop nutrient recycling and does edge of field water sampling and applies fertilizer using variable rate technology. Blaine and Kim’s commitment to their farm, as well as their community and state, is exemplified by their service on various agriculture-related boards and committees, including the state Farm Services Agency Board which Blaine currently serves on; he is chair
of the Soil and Water Conservation District Board, and Kim serves on the Lenawee County Holstein Board and the MSU Extension Dairy Advisory Team. They have been recognized as Tel-Farm Managers of the year and as Lenawee County Conservation Farmers of the year and have received the Michigan Farm Bureau Ecology Leadership Award and a number of milk quality awards from Dairy Farmers of America.
Blaine and his wife Barbara have a 29-year-old daughter, and Kim and his wife Donna have 5 children ranging from 23 to 15 years of age. “Bakerlads Farm is a well-respected farm that leads by example,” Pam Ruegg, chair of the Department of Animal Science, said. “It is with great pleasure that the MSU Department of Animal Science recognizes Baine and Kim Baker as the 2019 MSU Dairy Farmers of the Year.”
Sharon Toth (left) CEO of UDIM and Jim Reid (right), Board Chair of UDIM, presented Ramona Okkema (center) with the Excellence in Promotion Award.
Water Quality Improvement Using Proven Anti-Scale System The quality of water is vital on every dairy, from drinking to washing equipment to cooling the milk. After being proven in Europe, a new anti-scale system is now available in the United States. Water quality on a dairy is extremely important in two ways: as a bovine nutrient and as a solution for cleaning dairy equipment and rapidly cooling milk for storage. Over time, naturally-occurring dissolved metals (namely, calcium, magnesium, and iron) in the groundwater will precipitate to clog 11 Spring 2019
or diminish the effectiveness of plate coolers, heat exchangers, boilers, water heaters, and cattle watering distribution system and livestock watering equipment through excessive scaling. Traditional water softeners help, but don’t eliminate this problem. A proven low-cost technique to eliminate these types of headaches has been used in Europe for decades. The chemical free method uses an ionic pulse to physically change the metal ions, so they don’t precipitate or cause corrosion, and increases milk volume
as a beneficial side-effect. The typical payback period for an electronic Vulcan© anti-scale system is less than one year from reduced parlor maintenance fees, alone. The increased milk volume is a bonus and the elimination of your existing water softener is also very possible. For information, visit www. GreenSaltfreeWatersolutions.com or contact Mark@Greensaltfreewatercolutions.com or Matt Germane (professional engineer) at Matt.Germane@ ERGrp.net.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 22: 7 PM Cow classes~Alternating breed
classes alphabetically SATURDAY, MARCH 23: 8:30 a.m Showmanship (Age as of day of show)
Division 1: 8-12 • Division 2: 13-15 • Division 3: 16 & over
9:30 a.m.: immediately following showmanship. Heifer classes Judge: Chad Ryan, Fond du Lac, WI 1. ELIGIBILITY: All animals exhibited at shows must be accompanied by the registration certificate from their respective breed no photo copies of registrations will be accepted. Ownership shall be established by the name on the certificate of registry or the presentation of the certificate of registry along with a signed and completed transfer and fee, which will be forwarded to the respective association. Each Holstein animal must be at least 87%-RHA. 2. JUNIOR MEMBERS: Junior members must have project animals registered in their name and they must show their animal, or have another junior member show their animal to compete in the junior division and to qualify for the junior ribbons in the class. Show Ownership - Animals two years and over must be prior to January first of the year shown. Ownership of animals less than two years old must be prior to June first of the year shown. All animals exhibited in showmanship must be owned by the junior showperson. 3. YOUTH CLASSES: Youth classes include 1,2,3,4,5,6,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17 and 18. The Junior and Reserve Junior Champion will be selected from the first and second place winner from classes: 1,2,3,4,5, and 6. The Intermediate and Reserve Intermediate Champion will be selected from the first and second place winners from classes 8,9,10,11 and 12. Senior and Reserve Senior Champion will be selected from the first and second place winners from classes 13,14,15,16,17 and 18. Grand and Reserve Grand Champion will be selected from the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Champions. 4. HE ALTH CERTIFICATES: Michigan official Health Rules must be observed. All cattle exhibited must be free of contagious and infectious disease including extensive ringworm, scab, mange, and warts. Cattle under quarantine are not eligible for exhibition. All decisions regarding health of any animals shall be made by the official veterinarian and implemented by the show chairman. ALL CATTLE MUST HAVE AN OFFICIAL RFID TAG. 5. DHI RECORDS: It shall be the responsibility of each exhibitor to make available all registrations, health or DHI sheets. 6. SHOW AUTHORITY: The Show Committee, Michigan Holstein Association and the Michigan Ayshire, Brown Swiss, Geurnsey, Jersey Red & White Cattle Club(s), its agents reserve the final and absolute right to interpret the rules and regulations of the show and will settle all matters in connection with the show. 7. EXHIBITORS: All show people are encouraged to display a standard exhibitors card harness with class number clearly visible, and are encouraged to wear white pants/jeans or skirt. 8. POINT SYSTEM: The point system for determining Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor Awards shall be as follows: Placing 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th Jr. Females, Dry Cows 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Sr. Females 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 9. PREMIER BREEDER AWARD: The Premier Breeder award is presented to the breeder of no more than 6 animals, all shown in the single classes, which total the most points. No entry is required and the winner need not be an exhibitor at the show nor the owner of the point-winning animals. BREEDER DEFINED: The owner of the dam at the time of service shall be considered the breeder. Where animals are registered in the names of different members of a family residing on one farm and where the herd is one unit, all animals shall be considered bred by that unit. 10. PREMIER EXHIBITOR AWARD: The Premier Exhibitor award is presented to the exhibitor of no more than six animals. all shown in the single classes, which total the most points. EXHIBIT OR DEFIN ED: The exhibitor must be the owner or member of a partnership owning the animal. Where animals are registered in the names of different members of a family residing on one farm and where the herd is one unit, all animal may be considered exhibited by that unit. 11. SUBSTITUTIONS: Substitutions may be made both in and out of respective classes. Changes must be made before the close of entries. 12. FIRST BRED AND OWNE D: First place bred and owned animals will be recognized for the highest placing animal bred and owned by the exhibitor, as determined by registration certificate. Breeder is to be determined as the owner of the dam at the time of service; where a herd is registered in the names of different members of a family residing on one farm, where the herd is one unit and everyone is using the same prefix, all entries may be considered as Bred and Owned by Exhibitor. 13. DRY COWS: Entries in dry cow classes must have produced a live calf within 18 months or prove to be with calf. A cow shown dry must have been reported dry on DHI records or any cow that was last fresh 280 days or more, prior to the date of the show, may be shown at the option of the exhibitor in either the dry or milking cow class. The DHI sheet must accompany animals to be shown in the dry cow classes.
Please note: Anyone who owes the Michigan Holstein Association or the Michigan Dairy Cattle News more that $100 and is over 90 days delinquent will not be able to show in any state sponsored show including the Great Lakes Spring Show. Any person and/or immediate family member of a person who owes the Michigan Jersey Cattle Club or the Michigan Dairy Cattle News more than $50 and is over 90 days delinquent will not be able to show in any state sponsored show including the Michigan Jersey Show. The debt must be paid by close of entries.
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1- WINTER HEIFER CALF-born after November 30, 2018 and before March 1, 2019. 2- FALL HEIFER CALF- Born after August 31, 2018 and before December 1, 2018. 3- SUMMER YEARLING HEIFER- born after May 31, 2018 and before September 1, 2018. 4- SPRING YEARLING HEIFER- born after February 28, 2018 and before June 1, 2018. 5- WINTER YEARLING HEIFER- born after November 30, 2017 and before March 1, 2018. 6- FALL YEARLING HEIFER- born after August 31, 2017 and before December 1, 2017. **A- JU NIOR AND RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION - JUNIOR SHOW: from the calf and yearling classes. First and second place animals will be considered. **B- JUNIOR AND RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION- OPEN SHOW: from the calf and yearling classes, first and second place animals will be considered. 7- JUNIOR BEST THREE FEMALES- from the calf and yearling classes, all must be bred and at least one owned by exhibitor. 8- DRY COW 9– UNFRESHENED SUMMER YEARLING- Please note: this entry is not considered for any champion ribbon. Born 6-1-17 through 8-31-17. 10- JUNIOR TWO YEAR OLD COW- born after February 28, 2017 and before September 1, 2017. 11- SENIOR TWO YEAR OLD COW- born after August 31, 2016 and before March 1, 2017. 12- JUNIOR THREE YEAR OLD COW- born after February 28, 2016 and before September 1, 2016. 13- SENIOR THREE YEAR OLD- born after August 31, 2015 and before March 1, 2016. **C-INTERMEDIATE AND RESERVE INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONJUNIOR SHOW- from classes 8-12. First and second place animals will be considered. **D-INTERMEDIATE AND RESERVE INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONOPEN SHOW-from classes 8-12. First and second place animals will be considered. 14- FOUR YEAR OLD COW- born after August 31, 2014 and before September 1, 2015. 15- FIVE YEAR OLD COW- born after August 31, 2013 and before September 1, 2014. 16- AGED COW- born before September 1, 2013. 17- 125,000 POUND COW- any cow, any age, with official lifetime credits over 125,000 pounds of milk as of show day as verified by DHI records or performance pedigree. 18– JERSEY LIFETIME PRODUCTION- Lifetime Cheese Production Class For cows with minimum lifetime production of 10,000 lbs. cheddar cheese equivalent, based on lifetime credits through October 31, 2018 on official DHI/ DHIR testing. Cows may show in either age appropriate class or Lifetime production class, but not both. Official individual cow page must be submitted at show check in to verify eligibility and calculate lifetime cheese yield. **E- SENIOR AND RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION-JUNIOR SHOWfrom classes 13-17. First and second place animals will be considered. **F- GRAND AND RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE-JUNIOR SHOW- Junior, Intermediate and Senior Champions will be considered. **G-SENIOR AND RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION-OPEN SHOW- from classes 13-17 First and second place animals will be considered. **H- GRAND AND RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE-OPEN SHOW- Junior, Intermediate and Senior Champions will be considered. **I- BEST UDDER OF SHOW- from the best uddered animals in the individual classes. One award will be presented. **J- GRAND AND RESERVE BRED BY EXHIBITOR IBITOR - from the first place animals in the individual classes. 18- DAIRY HERD- four milking or dry cows all owned by the exhibitor. 19-- THREE BEST FEMALES-all three must be bred and at least one owned by exhibitor. 20- PRODUCE OF DAM-two offspring, any age, from the same dam. May be owned by more than one exhibitor. One bull permitted. 21- DAM AND DAUGHTER-any cow and one of her female off spring, any age, may be owned by more than one exhibitor. **K- PREMIER EXHIBITORIBITOR AWARD- The exhibitor winning the most point on six or less animals. **L- PREMI ER BREEDER AWARD- The exhibitor winning the most points on six or less animals.
Fall 2018 Spring 2019
MARCH 22: COWS ~7 PM MARCH 23: HEIFERS ~ 9:30 AM 8:30 a.m ....... Showmanship (Age as of day of show) Division 1: 8-12 • Division 2: 13-15 • Division 3: 16 & over 9:30a.m.
Great Lakes Spring Show All Breeds Show Alternating classes Judge: Chad Ryan-Fond du Lac, WI
ONLY ONE EXHIBITOR PER ENTRY FORM More Entry Forms are Availabe from the MHA Office call: 517-490-7736 (Copies May Be Made of this Entry Form) All exhibitors please use the same entry form. Local Hotel: Red Roof Inn, 3615 Dunckel Rd., Lansing, MI 48910 (800-RED-ROOF or 517-332-2575) MAIL ALL ENTRIES AND FEES FOR THE GREAT LAKES SPRING ALL-BREEDS SHOW Michigan Holstein Association 850 Davenport Drive, Waxahachie, TX 75167, Phone: 517-490-7736 Checks made payable to: Michigan Holstein Association Entries are due March 15, 2019. • Late Entries Close at 4:00 p.m., March 22, 2019 No Late Entries in Show Catalog. All 2019 State Sale animals are eligible to be shown if entered by entry close.
Check In Show cattle may move on Tuesday, March 19 after 6 pm. Remember to have your RFID tags in place before you leave your farm. Check in for show will be... Thursday, March 21 from Noon-4 p.m. Late check-in will be on Friday, at the immediate conclusion of sale. Additions, deletions and class changes must be made by 4:00 pm on March 22. There is no entry fee for sale animals. If you purchase cattle from the Foundation Sale or Spartan Spectacular and want to exhibit, you must enter your animal by or at the IMMEDIATE conclusion of the sale on Friday, March 22.
ENTRIES DUE MARCH 15, 2019 No. of Entries
EXHIBITOR
___________ x $25/entry = __________
Dual Red & White ________x additional $10/entry= ________ ADDRESS No. of Late* Entries ___________ x $50/entry = __________ *After March 15, 2019
No. of Extra 5Ft.
CITY STATE & ZIP
Total:
EMAIL Mail entries to:
PHONE
FAX
SIGNATURE
DATE
Open Show
___________x $11/5 feet = __________
Michigan Holstein Association 850 Davenport Drive Waxahachie, TX 75167
Junior Show BIRTHDATE OF JUNIOR
Spring 2019
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Junior Show Open Show
Name of Exhibitor Breed
RW Dual @ $10
ANIMAL NAME DATE OF BIRTH
REGISTRATION NO.
CLASS Number
305 PRODUCTION RECORD
SIRE OWNER
Breed
DAM BRED & OWNED
RW Dual @ $10
DATE OF BIRTH
305 PRODUCTION RECORD
SIRE
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Great Lakes Spring Show Fall 2018 Spring 2019
The Michigan State University Dairy Club & Dairy Judging Teams Present:
The 20th Anniversary
In Conjunction with the Michigan Spring Foundation Sale Friday, March 22, 2019 MSU Pavilion, East Lansing, MI
Geurink Sanchez Desire (EX-93) • Granddam’s Maternal Sister
Holstein Summer Yearling, June 23, 2018 Sire: Maple-Downs-I G W Atwood-ET Dam: Geurink Adonis Diva (RC) Consigned by Jess Jakubik
Westvaleview SS Wow-ET (VG-86) • Maternal Grand Dam
Holstein Summer Yearling, June 10, 2018 Sire: Pine-Tree Mod Kennedy713– ET Dam: Sunquest Delta Wicked– ET Consigned by SunQuest Holsteins
Other Consignments
Brenhaven Jerseys
Rod-Er-Dic
Lynn Atherton
Star Summit
MSU Dairy
Vitality Jerseys
Sale Contacts: 16
Allison Schafer: (989) 292-9851 Cameron Cook: (989) 640-2082
Prestige-Gen AT America-ET (EX-90) • Maternal Granddam
Holstein Spring Yearling, March 1, 2018 Sire: Woodcrest King Doc Dam: Re-Jak DB Aurora Consigned by Reed Dairy and Jess Jakubik
Sunquest VH Iota Rosie-ET (VG-89) • Dam
Red and White Spring Yearling, April 22, 2018 Sire: Endco Apprentice– ET Dam: Sunquest VH Iota Rosie– ET Consigned by SunQuest Holsteins
Sponsorship Opportunity The Spartan Spectacular Calf Sale is one of the most important fundraisers for the Michigan State Dairy Club and the Michigan State Dairy Judging program. The money raised is reinvested in the students for traveling purposes while giving them hands on experience in the industry. Please consider placing a business name, business card, or a full page advertisement in our sale catalog to show your support for the MSU Dairy Club and MSU Dairy Judging program.
Sponsorship Contact:
Lynn Olthof (616) 502-9682 • olthofly@msu.edu
Spring 2019
Sneller Wins 2018 Master Breeder Award
Darwin Sneller (left) and his wife, Kathy of Starward Farm, were presented the MHA Master Breeder Award by President Tim Baker at the recent MHA annual meeting.
By Bev Berens “It was a complete surprise. I had no idea I was receiving this. My son, Eric, and wife, Kathy, filled it out without me knowing anything about it,” said Darwin Sneller, recipient of the 2018 Master Breeder Award during Michigan Holstein Association annual meeting held in conjunction with Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference in Frankenmuth. His work with the Holstein cow began with a career at Holstein Association, USA (HAUSA) as a Field Consultant in 1979. In 1982 he left the position and moved to Sebawaing, to farm with his new bride’s family. At the time, he shared ownership of one cow. Today he owns forty of the ninety-seven adult cows on the farm. As of the most recent classification, he owns ten Excellent and nineteen Very Good cows, the highest of which is a 94-point cow. The herd’s current BAA is 108.4%. The farm has developed a total of forty-one homebred Excellent cows, twenty Gold Medal Dams and eleven Dams of Merit. The current RHA is 27,862 on twice per day milking. They boast 4.0% and 1104 pounds of fat and 3.1% and 878 pounds Spring 2019
protein with a $4428 dollar value. “If I had to just milk cows for milking cows, they would have been gone long ago,” Sneller added. “The fun of it is in breeding good cows that stand up over time. The last classification is the best we have ever had, and that is what we have been building for.” Northstar’s 2018 DHI Production results rank them 128th overall in the top 250 Dollar Value Herds, and 20th overall in herd sized 75-149 cows milked twice per day. The herd has received the HAUSA Progressive Breeder Award an impressive twenty-seven times. “I visited farms when I worked for Holstein. I learned to breed cows from the people I got to meet like Jim Cook, Lynn Smith, Henry Baker, Carlos Long and Kent Mattson of Apache Ranch,” he said. “Kent was the most intimidating guy, but by the end of the day when I left, after the first visit, we became friends and it stuck. I learned from people that bred good cows; they all had a different way of doing it, but they all ended up with good cows.” Sneller’s breeding and purchasing philosophy is to build on a strong foun-
dation of type and production, with pedigrees including long lines of Very Good and Excellent dams with milk production to match. Bull selection must fit the same criteria. He can see potential in good animals to let them mature into great cows. A few animals have been flushed along with some recent IVF work. In 2015, he purchased Tri-Koebel Party Girl, who took him to the winner’s circle in the 30th Great Lakes Holstein Futurity during the All-Michigan Summer Show. She was also the Reserve Intermediate and Reserve Grand Champion. Darwin has been a State and National Holstein member for thirty-six years, is a past president of Michigan Holstein Association, has served multiple times as a National Convention delegate, served on the 1997 Pre-Convention Tour Committee for the National Convention in Grand Rapids and just completed a stint as 2018 National Convention Chairman. In addition to working with local, state and national Holstein Associations, he has served MMPA as a state delegate, past treasurer for West Huron local, District 8 President and state Advisory Board member. He has served on the DHIA county executive board, and on the Huron County Dairy Promotions board as president and maintenance man. He was a 4-H leader and dairy judging coach. “It takes everyone at the farm to receive an award like this,” Sneller said. “It really is a group effort to get all the little things taken care of. I really attribute this award to everyone I have learned from and all the people at the farm and family working together to get it done.”
17
Meandering Along a Michigan Cowpath By Barb Lumley
The following information is taken from the May 1949 Holstein Michigander, which was published on the 20th of each month. Minnow Creek Eden Delight was pictured on the front cover, as she had topped the 3rd Wolverine Classic held on May 9, 1949 selling for $3600. Consigned by Minnow Creek Farm, Rochester, Indiana, she sold to Lakefield Farms, Clarkston, Michigan. Individuals in the picture with Delight were Governor G. Mennen Williams; Harry Rosenberry; O. F. Foster, manager of Lakefield Farms; Rosenberry son; Mr. Webber, owner of Lakefield Farms; Rosenberry son; C. B. Smith and Harvey Swartz. The top selling bull was Delight’s son, Minnow Creek Rodee, selling for $3100 to Mr. and Mrs. A. J. O’Conner of Swartz Creek, Michigan. The average on 80 head was approximately $850. A very interesting page called “Snooper Nooze” was written by Ellen M. Russell. The page consisted of comments on recent happenings and the people involved. A page called “Under The Trees” was written by “Your Secretary”, Everett Miller. It contained a list of buyers from the week ending May 5, 1949 to the week ending May 19, 1949. The list contained the names of 97 new buyers who had purchased Michigan Holsteins during that two week period. The page included information on upcoming County Black and White Shows, director’s meetings, sales etc. The 64th Annual Convention of the Holstein-Friesian Association of America was to be held in San Francisco, California, on May 30-June 2, 1949. The First Annual American Royal Dairy Cattle Show was scheduled for May 1421, 1949 at Kansas City, Missouri. 18
Cow Side Chats was written by Your Fieldman, Russ Miller. He wrote of the numerous Black and White Shows coming up. He reported on the owners of and lifetime production records for several Holstein cows and the upcoming classification schedules. John R. Buth wrote about “Items of Interest”. He wrote, “Today in Michigan, we are very proud to have in service some of the greatest sires now existing anywhere.” He wrote about Raymondale Ideal Successor in service at ForMar Farms. He was sold in a dispersal in the fall of 1945 by Glenn L. Bancroft for $18,000 to F. K. Merkley. Montvic Rag Apple Chief and Rainbow Captain Bold were written about, as well as several others. He wrote, “Breeders in Michigan have certainly come a long way in breeding quality Holsteins. Specific evidence of this is that last year the state of Michigan ranked third in the nation in Advanced Registry production according to the recent Honor List. This placing was immediately below California, topped by Wisconsin, and preceding New York and Ohio.” Officers of the Michigan Holstein-Friesian Association were George Schafer, President; Ray P. Ullman, Vice-President; Everett R. Miller, Secretary/Treasurer. Directors were O. F. Foster, Arnold Bjork, Lloyd Gaskill, William G. Routson, Joe G. Matthews and Harry Pickett. F. W. Tullis was National Director. Dues were $4.00 for 1 to 40 head; 10 cents per head additional over 40. The Old Cow Path was a “Musing and Amusing” column written by Robin Carr. It featured a poem titled “The Calf Path” written by Sam Walter Foss. Pabst Signal was pictured on the back cover. He is a son of Burke from
the famous Eyebright family at Pabst Farms. The ad was from Farfields Farm at Monroe, Michigan. F. W. Tullis was the owner and George Boerboom, herdsman. Breeder ads included Creston Farms, Comestock Park; For-Mar Farms, Flint; Rayulmn Farms, Manchester; Lakefield Farms, Clarkston; Robin Carr and Ralph Rose, Fowlerville; Nantom Farms, Cass City; Carelton Dean Farm, Fowlerville; Rinkland Farms, Warren; Minnow Creek Farm, Rochester, Indiana; Pickitt Acres, Allegan; Hy-Up Farms, Birmingham; C. B. Smith, Williamston; Farfield Farms, Monroe.
Derek Clark (left) and Carter Godfrey were both caught off the farm recently as they were coaching JV boys basketball. Clark coaches for Pittsford while Godfrey coaches for North Adams-Jerome. Both are dairy farm kids from Hillsdale County and are influencing the next generation of young men. Spring 2019
Michigan Holstein Association 2019 Annual Meeting Minutes Saturday, February 9, 2019-10:30 a.m. President, Tim Baker, called meeting to order at 10:55 a.m. and referred to the 2018 Winter issue of the Michigan Dairy Cattle News as the proof of due notice. Tim welcomed approximately 60 guests and members to the meeting including our lunch speaker Alicia Lamb from Oakfield Corners. Minutes from the 2018 annual meeting were reviewed. Gene Van Rhee moved to dispense with the reading of the minutes and Steve Reed supported motion. Members approved; Motion carried. Brent Moyer, MHA Vice President, presented the financial report to members. Following review, Ike Hunt moved to accept financial reports as printed and Jess Jakubik supported motion. Members approved; Motion carried. Max Dunseth, Holstein Association Regional Sales Representative, shared his report. Max also recognized the 2018 Progressive Breeders Registry and Progressive Genetics Herd Award winners. Darwin Sneller, Convention Chair, shared a wrap-up report of the 2018 National Holstein Convention hosted by Michigan Holstein Association. Darwin thanked his wife, Kathy, and
Darwin and Kathy Sneller’s grandson, Tanner, enjoyed one of his first MHA annual meetings with his parents, Eric and Cassie Sneller. 20
Alicia Lamb of Oakfield Corners Dairy in Oakfield, New York, was the luncheon speaker where over 100 Michigan Holstein Association and Michigan Jersey Cattle Club members and guests enjoyed lunch.
all of the committee and convention chairs. Tim Baker presented convention chairs, Darwin & Kathy Sneller, Lynn & Tom Atherton and Renee McCauley, with Bonnie Mohr prints as a token of appreciation for all of the hard work and dedication that they put forth to make our convention the huge success that it was. Melissa Hart, Michigan Dairy Cattle News Editor, shared her report. Melissa shared that she has heard, during her travels, so many compliments on the convention. The magazine has continued to do well and Melissa thanked breeders for their support. Melissa thanked the 16 contract advertisers that advertise in every issue. The spring issue will be mailed the first of March and it will partner with Midwest Holsteins for more exposure. The investment committee report was shared by Brent Moyer. We have two investment accounts that John Ehardt manages. The balance of the SAM account at 12/31/2018: $129,017.01. The mid cap investment balance at 12/31/18: $77,927.65 Anna Moser shared the Michigan Junior Holstein Association report.
The Michigan Junior Holstein Association is moving into the new year with excitement and gratitude. We just finished up with our second annual cheese sale where we partnered with the MSU Dairy Club to widen our customer network and involve more youth in this event. MJHA would like to give a special thank you to everyone who purchased from our sale. Our next event, the National Holstein Convention Workshop, will be held on February 9, 2019 in Frankenmuth as a part of GLRDC. This allows juniors who are interested in attending the 2019 National Holstein Convention to compete in a contest to practice and become more comfortable in their specific contest area. The MJHA board will be putting on their annual basket sale at the spring show. Each board member is asked to donate one basket to our sale which gives us the opportunity to reach out to dairy businesses and network with industry leaders. The proceeds from this sale go towards the youth that attend the National Holstein Convention, show awards, showmanship clinics and more. Both Kristen Burkhardt and Miriah Dershem (President and Vice Spring 2019
Darwin and Kathy Sneller were presented with a gift from the MHA for chairing the 2018 National Holstein Convention. Tom and Lynn Atherton and Renee McCauley were also given appreciation gifts for their role as co-convention chairs.
President) will be in California for internships on dairies and will be available by phone and email over the next four months. Suzanne Tuttila shared the membership committee report. There were 158 adult members of the association in 2018 and 86 junior members. Currently we have 107 adult and 59 junior members. Sherry Meyer was the winner of the 2018 MHA photo contest. We are actively seeking photos for the 2019 contest. We encourage you to promote joining the association this year while $45 base dues are covered. The sale committee report was shared by Brent Moyer. Brent covered the 2018 spring sale which lost approximately $4,000. The convention sale was a success with an average of $12,077.00. Brent thanked the convention sale chairs, Moss McCauley and Stan Moser. Randy Lettinga, 2019 spring sale manager, spoke to members asking for support and consignments to the sale. He shared what the sale selection committee is looking for; type, as that is what will likely sell. As of today, there are 46 head committed to the sale. Randy thanked MSU Dairy Club for their support and assistance for the sale. Melissa Hart and Nicole Vanderploeg, show committee co-chairs, shared their report as well as a power point presentation. The spring show Spring 2019
The 2018 Progressive Breeder Registry Awards were presented to Starward Farm – Darwin Sneller (center), End Road Farm – Janet Molhoek (left) and Star Summit Farm- Tim Baker (right). Those herds not present were Holger-LRS Farm, LLC, Wieber Dairy, LLC, and Carson Acres, LLC.
will be a new adventure with a few changes: an all-breeds show and having the cow show in the evening following sale with the heifers showing on Saturday morning. Chad Ryan from Wisconsin, will judge the show. All-Michigan certificates were passed out to those exhibitors in attendance. District Reports: I. Will have meeting next Friday VII. Tom Barends thanked the farms in district VII who hosted tours for the convention. The district supported the convention in a huge way. District VII is hoping to have an online sale. Tim Baker thanked the district for all of their financial assistance. Tim Baker presented the 2019 Master Breeder Award to a well deserving Darwin Sneller. Darwin spoke about his early beginnings in the Holstein business and how he met his wife, Kathy. Darwin thanked the committee for honoring him. Brent Moyer was awarded the 2019 Outstanding Young Breeder Award by Tim Baker. Brent spoke about the honor and thanked the committee for the honor. Ike Hunt, nominations committee, presented a ballot for two director-at-large positions. Tom Barends moved to close elections and was supported by Nick Clark. Members approved; Motion carried. Nicole Van-
derploeg (incumbent), Joe Kulhawick, Janet Molhoek, Steve Reed and Levi Westendorp were the candidates to consider. Members are advised to choose two candidates. Top two vote getters were: Nicole Vanderploeg and Joe Kulhawick. Darwin Sneller moved and was supported by Tom Atherton to re-elect our current President and Vice President President Baker presented Tom Barends with an outgoing director recognition. Gary Vitek will receive his plaque at a later date as he was not in attendance. District VII has brought forth a resolution: To encourage the state membership to pass a resolution to bring to the 2019 National Convention, that the National Holstein Association provides both financial and event planning assistance to National Convention host states in planning future National Holstein Conventions. Darwin Sneller currently sits on a committee that is working towards doing exactly this. Ike Hunt moved to adjourn meeting at 12:31. Tom Atherton supported motion. Membership approved; motion carried. Respectfully Submitted, Suzanne Tuttila Michigan Holstein Association Executive Secretary
21
Michigan Jersey Cattle Club Annual Meeting Minutes
February 9, 2019 Bavarian Inn Conference Center Meeting called to order at 9:06 by President Brent Moyer. Secretary’s report was presented. Treasurer’s report was presented. Old Business ~ Reviewed and discussed current dues for MJCC membership. No change to dues at this time. ~ Reminded membership that MJCC has a new Futurity format. Futurity forms were available on tables. Beth Rupprecht and Carrie Delong will work on updating Futurity. ~ Discussion on when to hold annual meeting. Motion made Jeff and supported by Larry to hold annual meeting at the GLDC. Motion passed. ~ Discussion on judge for State Show. Suggestions included Russell Gammon, Brady Core and Keith Topp. Voting by hands took place and first choice is Russell Gammon and second choice is Brady Core. Russell Gammon agreed to judge the show. ~ Discussion on Summer Picnic. Discussion included having picnic at a Jackpot Show (if there is one separate from summer show) or summer show. MJCC supported a picnic Wednesday evening at summer show. Susie Green and Sadie Green will be in charge of food and Beth Rupprecht is going to work on finding a speaker. Motion made by Beth Rupprecht and supported by Susie Green to host summer picnic Wednesday evening at summer show. Motion passed. ~ Discussion on options for a Jersey sale. Discussion included problems such as lack of official records (more on farm testing) and genomic testing are making it difficult to find consignments. Low sale average has contributed to low consignments. Also, discussion that there are a lot of producers who do not register Jerseys that are eligible. Possibility of MJCC interested in covering cost of registering animals that go through Jersey sale as most farms have the records for animal to be registered. Discussion tabled until further sale decisions are made. Possibilities included working with Holstein 22 22
and/or the MSU dairy club. New Business ~ MDCN Magazine Update- Melissa Hart gave a report on MDCN and highlighted farms that advertise the entire year. Melissa is looking for any members that have any Jersey history she can make copies of (ie, old magazines etc). Melissa would like to do an article on Jersey history in each MDCN. She added that some have inquired about how the magazine is set-up. MDCN is set-up to be approximately 50% advertisement and 50% editorial. Brent recognized Melissa for her hard work that has greatly contributed to the success of MDCN. ~ Membership requested that MJCC Facebook page stay updated. ~ National Jersey update from Greg Lavan, from National Jersey. ~ Discussion on restructuring MJCC by adding an executive secretary. Possible responsibilities would include futurity, membership dues, mailings, financial management. Suzanne Tuttila, the Executive Secretary for Michigan Holstein Association is interested in the position. This would be a paid position. Suggested that the Executive Committee discuss with MI Holstein Exec Committee, review by-
laws for any changes that would have to be made. Membership would like the Executive Committee to explore this possibility. Once the Executive Committee develops a draft for this position, it will be mailed to the Board. ~ Elections. Executive Committee has one more year before 3-year terms are up. Due to no annual meeting/elections being held in 2018, there are two 2-year terms and two 3-year terms on the board of directors that need to be filled. Board members whose term has expired- Tim Shaver, De Buell, Nick Clark, Tim Place. Nominations opened for three-year term. Tim Place and Nick Clark were nominated. Motion made by Larry Place and supported by Susie Green to close nominations and vote by unanimous ballot. Motion passed. Nominations opened for two-year term. De Buell and Drew Rupprecht were nominated. Motion made by Jeff and supported by Tim Shaver to close nominations and vote by unanimous ballot. Motion passed. Meeting Adjourned at 10:31 am. Respectfully submitted, Carrie Delong MJCC Secretary
When Times Get Tough, Mediate
When farm incomes decline and prospects for agricultural exports are uncertain, producers may face challenges with loan or credit arrangements. A productive way to get back on track is through mediation with the Michigan Agricultural Mediation Program (MAMP). Mediation enables farmers and lenders or creditors to informally discuss options for revising terms in ways that meet everyone’s needs and comport with the law. A trained neutral mediator helps the parties build trust, share information, communicate constructively and focus on the issues. A mediator can be especially helpful if direct talks between the parties have broken down. “It’s important to address these issues early before parties set hard and fast
positions,” says MAMP Program Director David Gruber. “Mediation provides a confidential forum in which they can explore options that sometimes can save the farm.” The MAMP, which began in 1997, is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA’s goal is to provide a service that can help resolve disputes quickly and at less cost than hearings and litigation. There is no cost to the parties of dispute for using MAMP services. Requests for mediation can be made online at www.agmediation.org, by calling (800) 616-7863, or by mailing in the form from the MAMP brochure which is available on the MAMP website and at most Michigan USDA Service Centers and County Extension Offices. Fall 2018 Spring 2019
2019 Michigan Dairy Ambassadors Look Ahead to a Year of Dairy Promotion Seven Michigan youth were named Michigan Dairy Ambassadors after gathering at the 2019 Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference (GLRDC) for leadership training, commencing a year of dairy promotion and outreach in Michigan. Those youth were Ian Black, Eagle, Katie Wilson, Blanchard, Elyse Zimmerlee, Bellevue, Abby VanDyk, Kalamazoo, Keegan Nugent, Clarksville, Johnathan Sayles, Bay City and Brynnen Gardner, Belmont. The Dairy Ambassadors began their year with a day-long leadership training on Feb. 8 in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Ambassadors will take part in further trainings and represent the
Calendar of Events 2019
March 1: Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) and Young Distinguished Junior Member (YDJM) entry books must be received by the HAUSA. March 1: Entry deadline for Living Lifetime Production Contest. Contact Herd Services, US Jersey March 1: Entry deadline for National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest and National Jersey Youth Production Contest. Contact: Youth Programs, US Jersey March 1: MJCC Futurity Entries Due March 6: Monthly Individual Genomic Predictions will be available March 8: Ohio Holstein Convention Sale March 8-9: Ohio Holstein Association Convention, Warren. March 14-16: Winter Meetings, AJCA and NAJ Boards of Directors, Columbus, OH. Contact: Executive Secretary, US Jersey March 16: All American Planning Committee Meetings, Columbus, OH. Contact: All American, US Jersey March 22: Michigan Spring Founda24
dairy industry at promotional and outreach events throughout the year. The newly designed, participation-based program will offer the ambassadors an opportunity to earn an interview after accumulating points. Their application, resume, participation, and interview will determine the junior and senior scholarship winners for 2019. Recipients will be announced at the GLRDC Michigan Dairy Industry Recognition Night February 2020. The 2018 Michigan Dairy Ambassador Scholarship recipients were announced at this year’s recognition night. The senior scholarship was awarded to Leta Larsen of Scottville, Michigan and
the junior scholarship was awarded to Abby VanDyk of Kalamazoo, MI. When asked to describe her year as a Michigan Dairy Ambassador she said, “I greatly enjoyed interacting with individuals of all ages, but in particular, I loved teaching children about the dairy industry. Seeing their eyes light up when they pet a cow or watch a cow being milked is a great feeling. Showing them that milk doesn’t just come from the grocery store and giving them the ability to put a story and a face with the product that they put on their cereal, or drink with their dinner is a very rewarding.”
tion Sale and Spartan Spectacular Sale, East Lansing, MI March 23: Great Lakes Holstein and Jersey Show, East Lansing, MI March 28: Holstein Association USA Judges Conference, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Columbus, OH March 28-30: Spring Dairy Expo, Columbus, OH April 1: Deadline to submit genotyping for Jersey National Heifer Sale April 2: April Genetic Evaluations released April 2: Monthly Individual Genomic Predictions will be available April 7: Northeast Spring National Holstein Show, Syracuse, NY April 11: Southern Spring National Junior Holstein Show, Stillwater, OK April 13: Southern Spring National Holstein Show, Stillwater, OK April 15: Application deadline for Robert H. Rumler MBA Scholarship April 19: Deadline to submit bylaw amendments to the HAUSA Executive Secretary April 25: Nominating petitions for President or Director of the American Jersey Cattle Association must be sub-
mitted (65 days prior to annual meeting) April 27: Midwest Spring National & Junior Holstein Show, Madison, WI April 29: Nominating petitions for Director of National All-Jersey Inc. must be submitted (60 days prior to annual meeting) June 23-27: National Holstein Convention, Appleton, Wisconsin June 26-29: Annual Meetings of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., The Saratoga Hilton, Saratoga Springs, NY June 30: Deadline for submission of eligibility report and fees for yearlings and 2-year-olds for National Jersey Jug Futurity
2020
June 23-26: National Holstein Convention, Lancaster, PA
2021
June 22-26: National Holstein Convention, Canton, OH
2022
June 27 - July 1: National Holstein Convention, Sioux Falls, SD Spring 2019
Spring 2019
25
In Memoriam
Judy Patton, 72, of Mifflinburg, succumbed to cancer on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, at Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh. Born Judith Carolyn Patton, the youngest of three children in 1946, grew up in a suburb of Pittsburgh before attending the University of Missouri and finally Penn State University, where she graduated with a degree in journalism in 1968. Along the way, she met and married the enduring love of her life, Robert Patton in 1966. After graduation, Judy went to work with her husband as a dairy farmer near Howard, Pa., where she raised four strongwilled children and managed a household on a farmer's salary. After moving to Michigan in 1986, Judy became the editor of the Michigan-Indiana Holstein News, and she maintained an active role in ag journalism over the next decade. In 1990, Judy and Robert finally settled in Mifflinburg, where she managed the affairs of her husband's consulting business and helped her children navigate the challenges of young adulthood. In later years, Judy was active in the Buffalo Valley Singers of Lewisburg, and she spent her retirement years as a home health aide for Home Instead, tirelessly caring for those in need. Judy was a lover of music, travel, games, and especially family. Without complaint, she always gave comfort and compassion to all who needed it. Sincere, honest, and infinitely loving, Judy's light touch belied an ironclad fortitude which never failed to bring joy in good times and peace amid life's trials. Her life was a light beyond words, and her loss is beyond measure. Judy is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, four children, 10 grandchildren, a song book, a recipe box, and a million tender memories.
One More Thing...
Congratulations to Tim Baker of Star-Summit and Keith, Wendy and Tiffany Bott of Winterfield for making the HAUSA top 100 BAA list for classification. Star-Summit was 39th with a BAA of 111.8% and Winterfield was 54 with a BAA of 111.2%. Don’t forget the Great Lakes Spring Show is now all breeds! Find the entry info in this issue of the magazine and get them sent in! The Summer issue will be our membership issue! The ad deadline is May 1st! Are you good with a camera? Do you like to take farm photos? Then you should enter the MHA Photo contest! Send your digital photos to Suzanne Tuttilia at michholstein1@gmail.com We already have several great entries! Send yours today!
Black, Ian.............................................................................. 4 Blackview Jerseys..............................................................26 Bovine Beautician.............................................................25 Brenhaven Jerseys........................................ MW pg. 24-25 Buell’s Bovines..................................................................... 9 Dairy Agenda Today.........................................................23 District 7 ............................................................................15 End Road Farm..................................................................25 Environmental Engineering Services................................ 9 Green Meadow Farms........................................MW pg. 39 Jersey Marketing Service..................................................25 King Street Dairy/Thistle Dew Jerseys.......................... 2-3 Michigan Spring Foundation Sale....................MW pg. 18 MMPA.................................................................................28 Posey Creek..........................................................MW pg. 42 Posey Creek ......................................................................... 9 Prengers............................................................................... 6 Reed Dairy........................................................................... 7 Rod-er-Dic .........................................................................27 Spartan Spectacular.........................................................16 ST Genetics.........................................................................19 Star Summit.........................................................MW pg. 34 Starward Farm....................................................MW pg. 29 SunQuest Holsteins............................................... MW pg. 6 Tomerton Holsteins............................................................ 8 Vitality Dairy Crew .............................................. MW pg. 5 Wardin Bros ......................................................................... 8 Wonderbred Holsteins......................................................25
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Moyer Wins Michigan Holstein Association Outstanding Young Breeder Award
By Carla Wardin Brent Moyer is the 2019 winner of the Michigan Holstein Association (MHA) Outstanding Young Breeder award. When he was nine years old, Moyer fell in love with dairy cows on his uncle’s farm. In 2008, he moved to his current location and joined Paramount Enterprises, LLC., with his partner Brent Robinson. They now have 1800 cows and 1400 younger head. The 90 percent registered herd has a rolling average of 26,134 pounds of milk, 1,049 pounds of fat and 818 pounds of protein. He has 243 cows that have given over 100,000 pounds in their lifetime, with the highest at 285,655 lifetime pounds in her ninth lactation. In the last six years he’s bred five Excellent and 48 Very Good cows, and he developed four Excellent and 27 Very Good cows. The highest is scored 93 points. He has also bred or developed numerous All-American nominations. Out of all of his titles, the Outstanding Young Breeder award stands out. “This award holds a lot of meaning to me,” Moyer said. “I’m humbled, because it’s a reflection of how my peers feel about our farm. I certainly wasn’t expecting it.” Moyer has been developing his Holstein herd for a number of years. Prior to 2006, he was working as a herd manager at a dairy and had his own herd in a tie stall barn. Some of his focus was on show types. When he began farming with Brent Robinson, they started discussing why registered cows were important.
“We figured we’re going to be doing this for a long time, so we didn’t want to look at ugly cows... If you don’t enjoy what you’re looking at, it’s hard to enjoy what you’re doing.” “My thought was that you can base an entire herd off three or four cow families. I focused on what I want in a cow, which is eye appeal, a nice front end, a good udder, and what I call natural dairy strength. I like ones that look like they could go in the show ring, but instead of being 65 inches tall, are 60-62 inches. Great big cows don’t work,” he said. Moyer said since neither he nor Robinson came from a farming family that was handing anything down, they milked any cows they could to get started. After awhile, though, that model wasn’t working for them. “We figured we’re going to be doing this for a long time, so we didn’t want to look at ugly cows,” Moyer said. 22 - MIDWEST HOLSTEINS, Spring 2019
MHA President Tim Baker (left) presents Brent Moyer with the Outstanding Young Breeder Award at the 2019 MHA annual meeting held in Frankenmuth, Michigan.
To positively develop the herd, they implemented an SCR system, and Moyer took on the breeding responsibilities himself. “We focused on higher type bulls and higher component bulls. Since we started, we have evolved tremendously. I would say it’s a completely different herd,” he said. “I’m working to produce the kind of cows that best fit our environment.” Like all Michigan dairies, Moyer has to adapt his plans to the changing economy. Paramount has also begun partnering with Goma Dairy, owned by Gert and Gertie Van Den Goor, and the blending of the farms, called Green Point Dairy, LLC., is allowing for even more efficiencies. “First, we’re making sure each facility has the proper focus and the right people are in the right places. Second, if we have the money, we buy something, but we’re not financing everything,” he said. “We try to remain as efficient as possible and do the best we can without doing any extra spending.” In 2019, Moyer plans on continuing his breeding program and building a high-quality herd. “Our plan moving forward is to keep the best of our cows at our dairy,” Moyer said. “If we can take the best cows and get daughters out of them, that’s really the kind of cows we want. We’d explore doing a little bit extra, like embryo transfer, with those 100-150 cows to get more that fit the mold.” He concluded, “If you don’t enjoy what you’re looking at, it’s hard to enjoy what you’re doing.”
Michigan Holstein Association Cheese Plant Slated for 2020 By Carla Wardin ST JOHNS – In August 2018, Glanbia Nutritionals, Dairy Farmers of America, and Select Milk Producers Inc. announced plans to build a cheese plant in St Johns, Michigan. The $440 million production facility project will reportedly process 8 million pounds of milk a day and employ 250 people. The companies also announced that Proliant Dairy Ingredients will process whey in an $85 million adjoining building, which will create 38 jobs. The St Johns project is on track to be the largest food-processing plant in mid-Michigan. According to Glanbia, St Johns was chosen due to its proximity to milk supply, as well as transportation and business environment reasons. The news comes during a long-term dip in milk prices for Michigan farmers. Kristi Keilen milks 450 cows at K & K Dairy Farms in Westphalia, just 17 miles from the plant’s site. She’s president of the Clinton County Farm Bureau and a member of DFA. “I’m excited about the plant and
the opportunities it will bring for not only Michigan dairy farmers, but also the community,” said Keilen. “I foresee the biggest benefit being the decreases in transportation costs to get the product to a processing facility. I also think Glanbia is an excellent company, and hopefully they will be able to help market the product to sell more volume of it for dairy farmers.” Though Clinton County has an unemployment rate of 2.6%, even lower than the national 3.9%, the community is warmly welcoming the additional job opportunities. St Johns Mayor Eric Hufnagel is looking forward to the plant completion. “The obvious way the new plant will be benefiting the St Johns community will be the jobs it provides,” he said. “Whenever you have new jobs, the benefits also spill over into the community, whether it be more customers at local restaurants or more work boots sold at local stores. This also translates into a very accessible and cost-effective milk buyer for dairy farmers not only in St Johns, but communities around the entire state.” Dairy farmers and job seekers hope to
benefit from the cheese plant, but the state’s ag community in general is welcoming the business. “The size of this plant is phenomenal,” said Michigan Farm Bureau President Carl Bednarski. “It’s huge that this much product is not going to be shipped out of state. For a dairy farmer there is no downside.” Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) region manager Chuck Courtade foresees his members getting an improved return, but the positives won’t stop there. “There will be a benefit to all the producers in the state,” he said. “Of course, with our members, and Select and Glanbia, but it will also tighten up the milk market for everyone, keep more milk in Michigan, reduce hauling costs, and reduce market adjustment.” He continued, “It’s hard to see the scope of it from the road, but we’ve been seeing great drone pictures and video of the development. When you see the size of it, you understand why it’s going to take this long to build.” The St Johns plant is slated to open in 2020.
Great Lakes Spring Show- All Breeds! MSU Livestock Pavilion, East Lansing, Michigan
Spring Dairy Expo
March 22 – Cows 7 pm March 23 – Showmanship 8:30 am Heifers – 9:30 am
Mark Rueth will judge Holsteins, Ayrshire, Red & White and Milking Shorthorns. Pat Conroy will judge Jerseys, Brown Swiss & Guernseys.
Judge Chad Ryan, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
This is an all breeds show and open to everyone. Join us in one of the best livestock facilities in the Midwest!
Contact Suzanne Tuttila for entry information: michiholstein1@gmail.com or 571-490-7736 44 - MIDWEST HOLSTEINS, Spring 2019
Ohio State Fairgrounds, Columbus, Ohio
March 28-30, 2019 The National Holstein Judging Conference will be held on Thursday, March 28 from 8 am-3 pm
More information can be found at https://springdairyexpo.com