The Ranch Rodeo in Freeman, South Dakota  held on Wednesday was enthusiastically attended by Holstein enthusiasts and encompassed many of the typical activities involved with working cattle on a western ranch including sorting, working, roping, and trailering, as well as a fun-filled event called “mutton-bustin””” that was a favorite of the children who participated and the specators as well!  A warm afternoon made the treat of ice cream appreciated even more by the audience. 

A traditional  “Schmeckfest”  or “Festival of Taste” was held prior to the rodeo also in Freeman and featured a traditional German ethnic meal. Some of the dishes included  Grune Schauble Suppe (Green Bean Soup), Damplfleisch (Stewed Beef), Sauerkraut, Zwieback (Twin Buns), and Kuchen (a desert somewhat reminiscent of pie)

The  Schmeckfest  was held on the Freeman Academy Campus and included a tour of the Heritage Hall Museum Complex consisting of a Pioneer Home, School, and Churches, and a breathtaking display of Plains Indian artifacts including exquisite beaded clothing and equipment used by the indians, as well as items used in every day pioneer life on the Plains.

Today”s the day, time to head north to Sioux Falls for this year”s convention!  I”m finishing up a few things in the office this morning and then I”ll be hitting the road. 

One of the projects I”m putting the final touches on is the website workshop presentation Jen Indoe & I will be putting on Friday morning.  If you”re heading to convention, you should come by meeting room 1 of the convention center on Friday morning at 7 am.  We will have coffee & rolls along with our presentation of the Internet Services available through Holstein World and All Breed Access.   

*Special Note* If you”ve been on the fence about whether or not now”s the time to create a website, here”s a little incentive for ya!  We are offering a special convention discount of $50 off the cost of a website for the year.  Even if you are unable to come to convention, just send me an email (sschmidt@dairybusiness.com) by July 1st and you will qualify for the discount!

I”m really looking forward to getting out of the office and seeing some Holstein breeders this week.  If you”re not able to attend convention, stay tuned to holsteinworld.com.  We will try our best to keep you in the loop!  And remember, if you have anything you”d like to share on the blog, just drop me an email any time. 

 SOS

Today”s the day, time to head north to Sioux Falls for this year”s convention!  I”m finishing up a few things in the office this morning and then I”ll be hitting the road. 

One of the projects I”m putting the final touches on is the website workshop presentation Jen Indoe & I will be putting on Friday morning.  If you”re heading to convention, you should come by meeting room 1 of the convention center on Friday morning at 7 am.  We will have coffee & rolls along with our presentation of the Internet Services available through Holstein World and All Breed Access.   

*Special Note* If you”ve been on the fence about whether or not now”s the time to create a website, here”s a little incentive for ya!  We are offering a special convention discount of $50 off the cost of a website for the year.  Even if you are unable to come to convention, just send me an email (sschmidt@dairybusiness.com) by July 1st and you will qualify for the discount!

I”m really looking forward to getting out of the office and seeing some Holstein breeders this week.  If you”re not able to attend convention, stay tuned to holsteinworld.com.  We will try our best to keep you in the loop!  And remember, if you have anything you”d like to share on the blog, just drop me an email any time. 

 SOS

A group of Easterners have had quite the time trying to reach their destination these past couple days.  It has been reported to Holstein World that a group of national convention attendees planning on taking in the sites of the Black Hills, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Corn Palace and other SD attractions with the Pre-Convention Tour have either missed, almost missed or their luggage missed the bus that left this morning.  Mechanical problems and an absent flight attendant are a couple of reasons for their rough start to National Convention.

Despite these trials and tribulations, it is assured to us by our SD Holstein hosts that the things they can control will be entertaining, enjoyable and fun!  They are really looking forward to hosting the convention this year and have quite the convention planned that will turn these sour lemons into some sweet lemonade.  For a look at this week”s schedule, visit www.holsteinworld.com/southdakota2006.  We will be reporting on convention activities each day through Daily News on our homepage, this blog and the convention newsletter that we will be posting online.

Living in NW Iowa, I am really looking forward to the short 1 hour drive I have to convention headquarters in Sioux Falls:)  Best of luck and safe travels to my co-workers and convention attendees from across the U.S. as they make their way to this year”s convention.  Can”t wait to see you there!

SOS