Holstein World:  What are the current stats of the MN Holstein Association – approx. # of members, cows, etc.?  What are the key responsibilities of the association to its members?

Russ Wirt:  Minnesota Holstein is about 950 dedicated members of breeders, industry  people, and friends of the Holstein breed.  They donate many hours of their talents in promoting the Holstein Cow and dairy industry.  For the most part, our members are younger dairymen that believe they can make a difference.  I am amazed at the number of youth we have present at our functions.  This is probably a direct result of a very good youth program, and the opportunity owning Holstein cattle provides it’’s breeders.

State breed organizations must promote our cow and industry.  We must provide a social setting that is educational and provides enjoyment to our members.  At the same time, we should provide opportunity to merchandise the genetics they have to offer, and hopefully allow them some financial gain.

Holstein World:  Share with our readers a little bit about your personal background, including current stats of Wirtland Holsteins - number of Acres farmed, type of facilities?  Family members involved?  Sires being used? 

Russ Wirt:  I am a 75-year-old dairyman that farms with my wife, Donna, and our family.  We now operate a 1300 acre farm that produces corn, alfalfa, soybeans, and an expanding dairy of about 400 cows (394 have a Holstein registration number).  Our sons J.Duane, Dennis, and Doug, along with Doug’’s sons, Darrin and Denton, provide most of the management and labor that make our dairy hum.  We have two full time employees, Steve Boynton and Ben Johnson.  Also, two part time night milkers provide help. We like to believe we have no laborers and everyone contributes to our management team.

We produce about 1.4 million pounds of milk per man, have about 370 head of heifers, and produce most of the feed and sell a bit of cash crop. We are a commercial producer of milk with Registered Holsteins that look forward to the time we have extra genetics to sell.

Holstein World:  What experiences and achievements have brought you to your position as the state’s president?

Russ Wirt:  We were Guernsey breeders that saw the light late in life and had time to offer when we became  involved with purebred Holstein cattle.  I enjoy the enthusiasm and can do attitude of Holstein breeders.

Holstein World:  The MN Holstein Association is online at www.mnholstein.com.  Here you will see the many member activities and sales they have throughout the year.  Check it out!

This entry was posted on Monday, December 11th, 2006 at 9:10 am by sschmidt and is filed under Guest Blogger Series. Hits for this post:8 You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.