The Strength of a State Association
Holstein World: What do you see as the key(s) to the future success of our state Holstein associations? What are some of the hurdles states need to overcome and what are some of the triumphs you have seen accomplished?
Russ Wirt: State breed associations have large challenges that are a bit different than national breed associations. The national associations identify cattle and measure genetics. They leave little room for state associations to share in this revenue stream. State associations can sponsor shows and sales that can generate some income. Communicating with membership is a responsibility of both. This is often just a “break even” function at best.
Our biggest challenge is maintaining membership. With the continuing decrease in number of herds and increase in herd size, this will be a larger burden on the remaining herds if we are to continue the same services we have provided in the past.
State Presidents of Minnesota Holstein and surrounding state Holstein associations have been exploring ways of working together for some time to cut our costs or increase the cash flow. This passed year we have published two issues of the Mid-West Holstein with the leadership of the Wisconsin Association and cooperation of Iowa and South Dakota. Mid-West Holstein is a publication of core advertising from all herds and a wrap around of each states’ editorial material. It has the cover of each state. It also features some key ad locations for industry businesses at higher rates. It has been well received and with advertisers in Minnesota reaching about 5,900 homes rather than the 1,500 our own publications reached. It is a much better value for each advertiser.
Minnesota has tried to feature our two State Sales in a dairy publication that covers more than just the purebred segment of our industry. It has helped our sales but not particularly supported by our membership.