National Brown Swiss Convention Sale
July 7th marked the final day of the 2012 National Brown Swiss Convention, hosted by the breeders of New England. Ending in a grand finale, the convention sale took place today at historic Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, Vermont, overlooking Lake Champlain. Following are scenes from the sale as a full house packed the “Breeding Barn,” one of the many buildings on the 1,400 working farm. The sale was managed by Wayne & Connie Sliker of Modern Associates, St. Paris, Ohio. The fitting crew was headed up by Jason Thomas, assisted by Pete Hawkes, Scott Hussey, Pat Lundy, Andrew Lenhart, Caleb Rossing and Johnny Patrick. Also assisting were Lindsey Rucks, Nicole Hood, Michelle Funk, Deb Hoffman, Connie Gritton-Winter, Cindy Worden, Jenna Hoffman, Jerry Harkness and Jake Hushon.
As a first-time visitor to Shelburne Farms, it is almost overwhelming to see the size and scale of the barns. And nearly all are in perfect condition. Shelburne Farms is a National Historic Landmark established in 1886 as the estate of William Seward and Lila Vanderbilt Webb.
80 lots were cataloged today for the 2012 Convention Sale.
Jenna Hoffman’s artistic flair was appreciated by all, and made for some good-hearted auctioneering of animals well-practiced on the “colored shavings” by Darrell Worden!
Teri & David Martin
Weren’t you just in Springfield? Making their way from the National Holstein Convention last week in Missouri to the Brown Swiss Convention in Vermont are the well-traveled California twins Elisabeth and Elise Regusci!
The historic Breeding Barn’s main block is 107 feet wide by 418 feet long. The indoor ring is 72 feet by 375 feet. It is amazing to see how well-kept this architectural treasure is.
The shirt says it all – “If you think I’m beautiful you should see my Brown Swiss!” The shirt is modeled by Kyle Thygesen’s son. Kyle is a management team member of Vermont Farmstead Cheese in South Woodstock.
Ole Acres PS Last Time sold for $6900. A 6/11 Power Surge from Ole Acres Banker Trixie-ET (2E92) and then Sun-Made Jetway Taps-ET (2E92), she was consigned by Ryan Olson & Hillpoint Partners, Watertown & Cross Plains, WI.
Cher-Mi Wdrmt Alissa sold for $8000. Born 3/11, she’s a daughter of Top Acres C Wonderment-ET and from the E90 Cher-Mi BMR Adele and then Cher-Mi President Adair (2E92). She was the consignment of Miles H. & Cheryl S. Tudhope, Orwell, VT.
Brothers 1 and 2 are in the house! Jake & Josh Hushon catch up before the sale!
Bo Joy Dynasty Greatful-ET sold for $6200 and was consigned by Osborn Brothers of Auburn, NY. Greatful is a Dynasty daughter of Bo Joy Emory Gretchen (2E93) and a maternal sister to Steve Wagner’s famous “G” family daughters that include Ensign Gredel (5E94); Ensign Glee (E94); Ensign Goldie (E93); Ensign Gloria (2E93); and five more Excellents!
Shelburne Farms uses the land to integrate education, agriculture, forestry and historic preservation with sustainable tourism, a few private residences and community & cultural activities. Today’s farm offers walking trails, farm tours and “Tea & Garden Tours at the Inn.”
The farm also has a newer dairy facility that houses a Brown Swiss herd whose milk is used for their award-winning farmhouse cheddar cheese.
The “Farm Barn” includes a woodshop, bread bakery and cheesemaking facility.
The cool waters of Lake Champlain provided some relief from the heat for the fitting crew!
The Inn features a restaurant and 24 guest rooms.
The Coach Barn was host to a previous National Jersey Convention Sale hosted by New England Breeders.
Watch for more news and pictures from the convention coming soon as HolsteinWorld field rep Teri Martin was on hand, assisted by Karen Knutsen.
