Accelerated Genetics’ Young Producer Weekend
Accelerated Genetics Hosted Young Producer Fall Conference & Held Elections for Young Producer Committee
Three positions were filled on the Accelerated Genetics Young Producer Committee by Daniel & Patricia Solum, Spring Grove, Minn.; Jerry Gimler & Kelly, Watertown, Wis.; and Brian Koch, Waunakee, Wis. This year Brian Castleberg, Mondovi, Wis.; David & Kelly Oberreich, Plymouth, Wis.; and Blair & Kathy Sawall, Clintonville, Wis. retired from the Young Producer Committee. Other Young Producer Committee members include: Tim Bowers, Marion, Wis.; Tom & Katie Grady, Oregon, Wis.; Jamie & Amy Larson, Evansville, Wis.; Joe & Donna Parrell, Cross Plains, Wis.; and Jeff & Tammy Styczynski, Pulaski, Wisc.
The Young Producer Committee selects, organizes, and coordinates the yearly activities of the Accelerated Genetics Young Producer Program. Individuals and couples throughout Wisconsin, southeastern Minnesota, northeastern Iowa, and northern Illinois make up the committee. This dynamic group encourages producer involvement plans annual events and provides leadership to facilitate a prosperous program.
The committee elections took place during the annual Young Producer Fall Conference held this year in Wausau, Wis. November 1-2, 2008 at The Plaza Hotel & Suites. During the conference producers attended a variety of sessions including ‘Consumer Relations’ by Liz Doornink of Jon-Dee Farm, Inc.; ‘Cooperative Spirit News’ by Janet Keller, Vice President of Advertising, Communications and Public Relations for Accelerated Genetics; ‘Genomics 101’ by Dr. Mike Cowan, Vice President of Research for Accelerated Genetics and General Manager of Genetic Visions, Inc.; ‘ Herd Health & Producer Discussion’ by David Brown, DVM, Staff Veterinarian for Accelerated Genetics; ‘ Commodity Challenges’ by Kevin Wagner, Hedge Specialist for First Capitol Ag; and ‘What’s Available from the Wisconsin Farm Center’ by Frank Friar, Economic Specialist: Beginning and Transitioning Farmer Program for Wisconsin Farm Center.
In addition to the educational sessions, producers had the opportunity to network with one another, listen to a humorous and musical comedian ‘Glen Everhart’, and participate in the annual costume contest. This year’s costume contest winners were 1st Jeff & Tammy Styczynski, Pulaski, Wis. – ‘Woodstock Hippies’, 2nd Jerry Gimler & Kelly, Watertown, Wis. – ‘Rodeo Clown & Rodeo Queen’, 3rd Gerry Wesener, Shawano, Wis. ‘Devil’, 4th Donna Parrell, Cross Plains, Wis. – ‘Maid’, 5th Tom & Katie Grady, Oregon, Wis. – ‘Jack Sparrow & His Pirate Wife’, and 6th Tammy Piotraschke, Powers, Mi. – ‘School Lunch Lady’.
Upcoming Young Producer events include the Winter Get-Away – January 31-February 1, 2009 at the Kalahari Resort & Waterpark in Wisconsin Dells, Wis.; Leadership Conference – March 28-29, 2009 at the Wintergreen Resort & Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells, Wis.; and the Summer Meltdown – June 13, 2009 touring the Hoard’s Dairyman Farm, Hoard’s Museum and National Dairy Shrine Museum.
The Accelerated Genetics Young Producer Program is open to young producers (owners and herdspeople) between the ages of 18 and 45, individuals and couples–some events are for the entire family. Anyone interested in becoming involved in the program is encouraged to contact Accelerated Genetics at 1-800-451-9275, email kstanek@accelgen.com or check out our website at www.accelgen.com.
Accelerated Genetics is a global provider of bovine genetics and research, reproductive services, and solution-based animal health products. With the belief that ‘Innovation Breeds Excellence®’, the Accelerated Genetics vision is to be the forerunner in developing innovative technologies and exceptional services that will aid customers in achieving their ultimate herd goals.
~Submitted by Kari Stanek
