Holstein World’s Frank Putman took a trip to Pennsylvania last week for the Valentine Special Sale and he sent back some pictures from the visit!

Ringman Nick Raggi (left) joins owner James Hoffman of Tumbling Run Holsteins with the Valentine Sale’s top selling individual Arethusa Advent Mustang-ET *RC. A grand daughter of Hillcroft Leader Melanie (3E-96) consigned by Arethusa Farm.

Frank also visited Sam & Linda King’s Barrel Creek Holsteins in Atglen, PA. Here is the interior of the heifer and dry cow facility that contains 10 pens that when weather permits will also include outdoor runs for each section.

A view in the milking barn and a few examples of the cows that occupy the barn. Wide good udderd cows with plenty of dairy character.

This is an Advent heifer that will be selling in the PA Convention Sale. Her dam is the VG, 2Yr-Old Stormatic that appears in their ad in the March World right from the heart of the Tobi family. Her dam is destined for a higher score.

Replacement cow prices are feeling the pressure of lower milk prices.
Starting in 2004, U.S. commercial dairy producers have essentially been on a five-year herd expansion track, leading to a peak in replacement
demand and prices in late 2007 and most of 2008. Now, however, producers are feeling the economic pressures of lower milk prices and high feed costs, and that’s reducing both demand and price for replacement
animals.

According to USDA’s latest quarterly report, January 2009 replacement prices averaged about $1,630/head, down about 15% ($290/head) from October 2008, and down about 20% ($390/head) after peaking in late
2007 and 2008. The January 2009 average price is the lowest since January 2005 (see Table 1).

Western dairy states saw more drastic declines than the national average. January 2009 replacement prices in California and Idaho
were each down $500/head, with a $420/head decline in New Mexico and a $400/head decline in Washington.

Table 1. Quarterly average replacement cow prices, $/head, major dairy states

Jan. Oct. Jan.
State 2009 2008 2008
Arizona 1,800 2,050 2,150
California 1,200 1,700 1,800
Colorado 1,800 2,100 2,100
Florida 1,980 2,250 2,200
Idaho 1,600 2,100 2,000
Illinois 1,700 1,970 1,980
Indiana 1,800 1,920 2,040
Iowa 1,650 1,940 1,950
Kansas 1,800 1,900 1,900
Kentucky 1,690 1,860 1,820
Michigan 1,850 2,150 2,200
Minnesota 1,760 1,900 1,900
Missouri 1,470 1,670 1,760
New Mexico 1,610 2,030 1,940
New York 1,800 1,900 1,800
Ohio 1,720 1,940 1,930
Oregon 1,650 2,000 2,150
Pennsylvania 1,800 2,000 2,100
Texas 1,750 2,030 2,100
Vermont 1,900 2,050 2,100
Virginia 1,820 1,930 2,040
Washington 1,600 2,000 2,200
Wisconsin 1,790 1,940 2,020

United States Jan. Oct.
2009 1,630
2008 1,960 1,920
2007 1,660 2,020
2006 1,840 1,650
2005 1,620 1,870
2004 1,390 1,640
2003 1,380 1,380
2002 1,610 1,430
Source: USDA

Paul Ekstein, the founder of Quality Seeds Ltd. and Quality Holsteins Ltd. was inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame on November 9, 2008, during the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.

At 73, Ekstein has bred 111 Excellent and 330 Very Good cows and 36 Excellent and 47 Very Good males, with his Quality Holsteins Ltd. herd in Woodbridge, Ontario.

~ photo compliments of Holstein Journal

Lifetime accomplishments:
1937: Ekstein’s family immigrated from Czechoslovakia when he was three years old.

1953: Ekstein attended the Ontario Agricultural College in Guelph, Ontario, where he worked his first year as a barn cleaner, and his second year as a milker.

After graduation, his father got him a job as a butcher. Ekstein quit after six hours and founded Quality Seed Ltd. “My dad wanted me to be a butcher,” he told Holstein Journal. “I couldn’t talk him out of it. He bought me an apron and a knife.”

1968: Ekstein saved enough money to buy his own farm. He built a barn in 1979 and by 1980, he had 36 head in the barn, which he expanded to the now 74-head facility. Quality Holsteins now has three different farms, 250 acres and works 400 acres of rented land.

1969: Ekstein sees GHG Citation Wendy (VG, 6*) owned by Lowell Lindsay. He later buys to of Wendy’s Dark Leader daughters (Cupid, EX and Wanda, VG 7*) from George Howard Gowland. Quality Ultimate (EX, ST), Wendy’s Agro Acres Pansy Ace son, despite abnormal sperm, wins Premier Sire at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair six times (1979-81-83-84-85), and at the U.S. Central National Show in Madison, WI, five times (1979-81-83-84-85). He was leading sire of All-Canadians in 1979-83-83-90.

1983: Ekstein earned his first of three Master Breeder Shields.

1986: While the Canadian dollar was at 69 cents of the U.S. dollar, Ekstein nearly broke the bank to buy Plushanski Valiant Fran-ET (EX-90, DOM, 35*), three of her daughters and two grandsons after a syndicate deal fell through. Fran produced seven Excellent and 29 Very Good daughters and five Excellent and 10 Very Good sons. She earned 35 Stars.

2002: Fran’s granddaughter, Quality Astre Felice (EX, 22*) earned Holstein Canada’s Cow of the Year Award.

2004-2005: Quality BC Frantisco (2E-96, 5*) was Grand Champion at the Royal Winter Fair both years, was Cow of the Year and World Champion, 2005.
(excerpt taken from Farmers Forum)

Congratulations to our friend, Paul, on this tremendous accomplishment!

Where Does Agriculture Stand In The Economic Stimulus Package?
(reprinted from cattlenetwork.com)

Investment banks on Wall Street have been bailed out with billions of federal dollars. Funds have also been requested and discussed with various other segments of corporate America, as well as state governments, schools, as well as to indemnify mortgage bankers against falling real estate values. But have any funds been earmarked for agriculture?

Farmers should not expect a check in the mailbox. However, more than $27 billion will be allocated for food and agriculture, out of the $825 billion economic stabilization plan being developed by the government to restart the US economy. The use of the funds are detailed in a new Congressional Research Service report distributed to Members of Congress in preparation for a vote in coming days. As of January 27, the report had not yet appeared on the CRS website.

$27 billion represents 3.3% of the total economic stabilization plan, slightly more than the USDA portion of the federal budget, but more than $21 billion will be used for nutrition assistance and about 92% of those nutrition funds will be for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which was formerly the food stamp program. Other nutrition funds will be allocated to after school feeding programs, senior citizens, emergency food assistance and the WIC program for women, infants and children.

While many of those nutrition funds will be distributed in urban areas, more rural areas of the US will see the bulk of the other funds from the $21 billion; specifically, rural development and conservation.

The CRS report indicates the administration is proposing $5.125 billion for rural development and infrastructure improvements over a two year period to fund grants and loans. That is double the annual USDA appropriation, and with local matching funds, raises the local impact to nearly $35 billion.

1. The rural facilities program would receive $200 million for public safety, libraries, education, community centers, day care, and rural medical clinics that will begin $1.2 billion in loan and grant applications already pending.

2. Another $500 million will be distributed to guarantee loans for rural housing, which will benefit low income individuals to purchase modest homes in rural areas or to upgrade similar homes with water and septic systems.

3. Rural water and waste water programs will receive $1.5 billion to provide community drinking water systems and waste water treatment plants, which is double the annual USDA appropriation.

4. $100 million will be appropriated to spur $2 billion in loans and grants to rural businesses which have been hampered with tight credit.

5. The stimulus bill will provide $2.8 billion for loans and grants to expand broadband Internet service to rural areas. This is more than 20 times the annual appropriation. CRS says funding will be limited to areas without existing broadband service and where more than 75% of residents are in rural areas.

6. Funds will also be allocated to upgrade computers and IT equipment in local FSA offices, upgrade scientific equipment at Agriculture Research Service facilities, and make repairs at USDA buildings in Washington, D.C.

Conservation programs would receive $400 million from the economic stimulus bill. CRS says $350 million would fund watershed projects, flood prevention projects, floodplain easement purchases, and for dam rehabilitation.

1. Watershed and flood prevention projects would receive $175 million. Projects must be planned and contracted by September of 2010, but USDA has over 300 unfunded, but approved, projects ready to start.

2. Floodplain easements would also receive $175 million in funding to allow NRCS to obtain full authority to restore and enhance floodplain functions. There is currently an estimated $250 million list of projects in 17 states that already meet the criteria, but the priority will be on those projects that can begin immediately.

3. Watershed rehabilitation would get $50 million to provide technical and financial assistance to rehabilitation aging dams. 775 dams are on the list, which will grow to more than 4,300 by 2015.

Summary:
The economic stimulus bill pending in Congress does not overlook agriculture, but allocates 78% of the funding to nutrition programs, including food stamps. The balance is designated for rural development, such as Internet broadband service, rural water and water treatment systems, and other infrastructure improvements. Funds are also included in the $850 billion package for conservation that includes watershed, dam, and floodplain projects.

Source: Stu Ellis, http://www.farmgate.uiuc.edu

Holstein World staffer Frank Putman left the cold and snow of Northern NY for the fun & sun of the Holiday ET Sale Cruise last week. Below are some of the images from his trip. (I must say I’m very jealous! The sunshine, blue sky & water look amazing!)

The ship MSC Orchestra

The 1st port visit: Key West

The Georgia gang connected with Dallas and Linda at Key West

Jackie Bennett, Sue Brown and Doug & Joan Seidel on the streets of Key
West

Ringman Ray LeBlanc and his “better half” Susan LeBlanc

Auctioneer Brian Craswell and his wife, Amber

The ladies of Burton-Fellers Sales

Hot tub time!

Producers Celebrated The Dairy Industry At The Young Producer Winter Get-Away Hosted by Accelerated Genetics

Guest Blogger:
Kari Stanek, Communications & Public Relations Coordinator at Accelerated Genetics

Producers and their families from Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa attended the 2009 Young Producer Winter Get-Away sponsored by Accelerated Genetics on January 31-February 1 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. Even with a challenging economy ahead, about 200 attended this year’s event and truly celebrated family, friendships and most importantly the dairy industry!

The weekend kicked off on Saturday with producers coming dressed to ‘Chill Out’ for the weekend. Even though it was warm inside the hotel, the producers and children dressed in winter wear, some old and some new. And those who were the most creative enjoyed some fun prizes awarded during dinner.

Chill Out Dressed Up Contest Winners. From left: 4th Place – The Heck Family, Durand, Wis. – Dale, Mary & Marsha (they took off their warm clothes early); 3rd Place – The Tveten’s, Utica, Minn. – Paul & Rae; 2nd Place – The Larson Family, Evansville, Wis. – Jamie (Amy & Ellie not in photo); and 1st Place – The Solum’s, Spring Grove, Minn. – Dan & Tricia.

As the conference got started everyone was grouped together in tables of eight. Then they were given toilet paper, construction paper and tape and instructed to be creative and make a snowperson in 5 minutes time. The group was definitely creative…and it helped everyone meet someone new.

The snowman team from Minnesota…Ben Tibor, Elle Walker, Issac Kronebusch, Eric Walker (snowman), Chelsea & Cory Lehnertz.

What a big carrot that is.

A perfect snowperson…but can they move?

As the day got rolling, the adults and children split into different sessions and activities. The adult session featured Gary Sipiorski of Vita Plus. His presentation focused on Business Planning and Farm Transitions. This interactive session got producers talking about the cost of production, cost of food both domestically and internationally, how production agriculture has changed in the last 100 years and how progress has been affected by the economy. Above all it got producers look at yesterday and today, in hopes it will help them plan for the future.

While the ‘heavy’ discussions were going on with the adults, the kids got to check out Kalahari’s new Themepark which has go-carts, bowling, mini-golf, lazer tag, rock climbing and so much more.

Getting ready to ride the Go-karts on the second floor.

Rope climbing, bridge crossing is another adventure to test the youngsters.

And don’t forget about the high soaring ferris wheel that takes kids up to the sky!

And the youngest kids in the group got to have fun making crafts and watch some movies.

The kids also participated in a coloring contest, here are the different age division winners.

Saturday evening consisted of dinner followed by free time for everyone to enjoy the Kalahari’s huge indoor waterpark. And then before bedtime everyone gathered for the PJ Party and Ice Cream Social where producers could play cards, games and watch a movie on the big screen.

Sunday morning arrived quickly, some were worn out from the waterpark and others from staying up late watching movies. But after a filling breakfast, they were re-energized for the morning’s scavenger hunt to find chunks of icicles around the building (it was really string, but everyone used their imagination). The groups then had to build the longest icicle. The winning icicle building team called themselves the ‘Snowflakes’.

Then the adults and children split for two different sessions again. The youth had a hands-on Home Safety session, which included experience calling 9-1-1 and what one should say and do in a real emergency. During this time the adults learned more about the Coop Health Care program that is available to producers in Wisconsin from Melissa Duffy.

Ending the conference was a special session called ‘Dare to Risk Life Change’ presented by Rebecca Long Chaney. Her session covered her yearlong adventure overseas with her husband, Lee, mostly on an 880,000-acre cattle ranch in the Australian Outback. The incredible life-changing journey, filled with physical and emotional challenges, led to the publication of “Bulldust In My Bra – An American Couple’s Working Season in the Outback.”

Today, Chaney is a full-time mom to five-year-old twin daughters, Rianna and Sheridan, and promotes her book nationally through inspirational speaking and is a freelance writer. Chaney is also proud that the first book in a new agricultural education children’s book series by their twin daughters was released in 2008 entitled, “Little Star… Raising Our First Calf.” It is being considered for an agricultural literary award with the Ohio Farm Bureau.The family lives in Maryland where Lee manages Randall Land & Cattle Company, a registered Hereford operation.

Leading the activities throughout the Winter Get-Away weekend was a dynamic group of individuals…the Accelerated Genetics Young Producer Committee members.

Front row from left: Kelly Cookson (Alex Gimler) Katie Grady, Tricia Solum, Donna Parrell, Tammy Styczynski, and Amy Larson. Back row from left: Jerry Gimler, Tim Bowers, Tom Grady, Brian Koch, Dan Solum, Joe Parrell, Jeff Styczynski and Jamie Larson.

If you live in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois – the Accelerated Genetics cooperative membership areas – and are interested in attending future Young Producer events check out the Accelerated Genetics website www.accelgen.com or contact Kari Stanek 800.451.9275 ext. 222 or kstanek@accelgen.com. For those interested in Accelerated Genetics Young Producer events, the upcoming activities include:

Leadership Conference – March 28-29 in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. Young producers interested in learning new things and meeting other producers should check out Accelerated Genetics’ upcoming Young Producer Leadership Conference. This year’s event titled ‘Breaking New Ground’ will take place at the Wintergreen Resort and Conference Center. Accelerated Genetics has specifically tailored the Leadership Conference for persons who would like to improve leadership skills, participate in educational activities, network with other producers and have good time doing it.

Speakers Jolene Brown, Donna Moenning, and Tom Jadin will be featured at the Leadership Conference, along with other educational and fun-fi lled sessions designed to help producers manage and lead their family, farm and cooperative in the future. The Leadership Conference is designed for emerging young leaders (individuals or couples) who have not previously participated in this conference. Reservations need to be made by March 2nd.

Summer Meltdown Celebration – June 13, 2009 at the Hoard’s Dairyman Farm in Fort Atkinson, Wis. The focal point of their new facility is the milking center with a double-10 herringbone parlor. The farm uses electronic ID using neck-chain transponders. This system and automatic sort gates, eliminates the need for lockups in the free stall barn, permits milking summary reports and free stall barn activity reports that assist the herd with heat detection.

Following the farm tour, producers and their families will be treated to lunch on the farm. Then the Summer Meltdown Celebration will move to the Hoard Historic Museum and the National Dairy Shrine Visitors Center-which captures the sights and sounds of dairy farming of the past, present and future.

During the NY All-Breeds Convention we took a farm tour of Lantland Farm in Horseheads, NY. If you had to be in a barn without your Carharts when it’s below zero outside, a 140-cow tie-stall is probably your best option! Although the amazing herd of cows inside the barn make it worth the trip, whatever the temperature!

The welcoming entrance of Lantland Farm – home to several generations of Lants.

You can barely see one end of the barn from the other!

The cow everyone was buzzing about was Lantland Sky Amabelle EX-94 3E. Her dam is Matinee Amalee, EX-94 5E. Here the “NY Committee” of Dick Wright, Henry Miller and Bill Peck look over the 11-year-old cow.

Amabelle’s udder

Great cows, everywhere you looked!

The first 94 point cow I found that morning – Lantland Adolph Daffodil

A nice 2-year-old – Lantland Mailing Konny, sired by Poly-Kow Mailing-ET.

Lantland Spirit Donna Donete, EX-90

Just a few of the Excellent cows in the barn: Lantland Counsel Abbigail, EX-91 and Lantland Premier Dove, 2E-92

A couple of great old cows – Lantland Charles Vienna-ET EX-91 2E (left) and Lantland Milan Elizabeth EX-93 3E

Han-Me-Down Starstruck EX-94 3E

A Sky Fame I liked – Lantland Sky Fame Amarella, VG-86

Lantland Priem Aster As – one of the many nice daughters of Lantland Priem Dominator-ET. As is GP-83 as a 2-year-old and is one of the first daughters to have calved in for a 2nd time. (I love when they swish there tail at the exact right moment!)

Ruebens worked very well in the Lantland herd, there were several nice younger daughters throughout the barn. Here is Lantland Ruebens Bermuda, VG-85.