Get to Know - Sarah Schmidt
Holstein World: Describe your position at Holstein World. When did you first begin working, what are your primary responsibilities, favorite tasks, etc.
Sarah Schmidt: In June of 2005, I joined the Holstein World team as an Internet Services Associate and Contributing Writer. My primary responsibilities include working with current Internet customers and their websites, while also helping to develop websites for new customers and promoting the Internet services we have to offer. Secondary responsibilities include writing stories for the magazine from time to time, and coordinating our efforts on the All Breeds Blog.
Some of my favorite tasks include completing a website and posting it for the world to see, visiting with breeders and researching pedigrees. I enjoy following the progress of a customer’s herd and becoming “involved” in their operation.
Holstein World: Share with our readers a little bit about your personal background. What you did before Holstein World, schooling, family members, pets, hobbies, etc.
Sarah Schmidt: I grew up on a Registered Holstein family farm, Raylore Farm, in Hutchinson, MN. My parents, siblings and I have always been involved in the dairy community and enjoy showing at any level. Junior Holstein activities were a part of our life from a very early age.
After graduating from the University of MN in 2005 with a degree in Animal Science, I went straight to work for the Holstein World. While in school I had internship experience with Cargill Animal Nutrition, MN Dept. of Agriculture and the College of Agricultural, Food & Environmental Sciences. I was also very involved on campus with the Gopher Dairy Club and the Dairy Judging Team. Go Gophers!
My husband, Kelly, and I just recently purchased an acreage in SW MN where we currently have a herd of three bred Simmental heifers. (Kelly works for the American Simmental Association.) Plans are to grow this group of heifers, while also working with Holstein heifers from my parents’ farm. Equal beef & dairy! Showing (both species) is one of our hobbies, along with playing with our Springer Spaniel, Brodie, reading, remodeling our house and barn, and visiting our families.
Holstein World: What is one of your favorite memories working here? Most exciting accomplishment?
Sarah Schmidt: Some of my favorite memories come from when our whole team gets to spend time together. We have a lot of fun together, whether it be a sale, company meeting or World Dairy Expo. We enjoy what we do and the people we work with, that makes it easy to have fun!
Personally, my most exciting accomplishment has been seeing my work, a website or a story, published online or in the magazine. Also, seeing the number of websites that we work with grow from about 100 when I began, to now being close to 250! Online advertising is definitely not a passing fad – its here to stay! People really enjoy the convenience and ease of promoting their animals online, while also reading the daily news information that we provide.
Holstein World: Is there any additional information you’d like to share?
Sarah Schmidt: I LOVE visiting with people and I LOVE cows! I have a tremendous respect for breeders who have dedicated their lives to developing cows and cow families, and have a progressive and optimistic view of the registered dairy cattle business. At a time when it can be easy to dwell on milk prices, feed prices, weather, finding good help, etc., I find it refreshing to talk with someone who is excited about a springing heifer or anticipating the classifier’s next visit. I enjoy helping people promote their animals through print and online advertising. Be excited and proud of your herd – if you’re not, who will be?