Today we left Opryland for the Major Dairy, near Lebanon, operated by Roy and Diane Majors and sons Seth, Jared, and Josh.  Again, much hard work and preparation was undertaken in getting ready for the tour.  We saw some beautiful Durhams, and the Majors are milking 15 daughters.  We also saw several animals featured in their ads including the VG-85 Chairman Tina, a daughter of BW Marsh Tomara, that was one of the high sellers in the High Profile sale at Madison a few years ago and went to Regancrest.  We saw the EX-91 Emory that is from KED Mark Justine.  She has been a real brood cow for the Major family and standing beside her was her VG-87 Stormatic daughter that was one of three VG full sisters.  Again, real southern hospitality was shown as we were given a tour of the 1860”’’s era dwelling that the Majors renovated and raised their family in, and which they love.  It was another example of historical pride and preservation in Tennessee, but it wasn””t over yet.  The Wilson County fairgrounds was the site for a great catered lunch.  This facility includes a famous pioneer village restoration called Fiddler”’’s Grove.  Log cabins, the law office of Sam Houston and many other historical buildings that have been or are being restored dot the landscape.

After another wonderful day on the pre-convention tour, it was time to head to Knoxville where the “real deal” begins tomorrow.  Join us at www.holsteinworld.com for continuous updates and information as events happen!

A special treat in the tour of the Antebellum home at Rippavilla, near Columbia, was our stop after the farm tours yesterday. Built before the civil war, this great mansion is now owned by the Saturn Company that has a manufacturing plant nearby. It is a farm history and historic site, and played quite a role during the civil war, passing in occupancy between both armies. The absolute beauty and integrity of the restoration is reinforced by the collection of a lot of original furnishings. At this home built originally by a Frenchman, we had a wonderful light lunch and enjoyed a narrated tour of the home and the giftshop.

Following this we headed to Nashville for our visit to the Opryland Hotel. Words are inadequate to describe, so just imagine a hotel larger than any airport terminal you have ever seen, and then fill that with shops, Atriums, Waterfalls, precious blooming plants, and Conservatories, and you’ll have some idea of the scope of this operation. Maps are mandatory and if you don’t carry yours, you will get lost. Imagine that, lost in a hotel! I believe they said they hire 4000 employees there……
After we explored the wonderful facility at Opryland and did a little shopping, we went to the Grand Ole Opry. Here’s where I must admit that I am a lifetime fan of Marty Stuart, and he performed last night. I plan to share some photos and believe that I got some pretty good shots! He still has that fabulous voice, and was a child prodigy on the banjo at age seven when he first performed with Bill Monroe. He’s a multi-decade talent who’s pretty close to my age group, and can write, play and sing with any of ‘em! Jeanne Sealy, Connie Smith, Porter Waggoner, Jim Ed Brown, Dusty Drake, Jeff Bates, Pam Tillis, The McReynolds Bluegrass Group and others rounded out the evening.

We left Columbia yesterday morning and toured two wonderful herds, Rummage Holsteins and Maple Leaf Farms. The Rummage herd is characterized by massive framed beautiful uddered cows scored up to EX-94-Ronbeth Linjet Shannon. Many Canadian bloodlines can be found in the herd and Linjet seemed to this reporter to have the heaviest influence. Both herds had gone the extra mile in seeing that the tour had a great experience and plenty of refreshments as well. Rummages also had an unexpected treat for the group with the tour of the early 1800′’s farm house built from log construction. Lovingly restored, the history of the area and the dwelling was given by Mr. Randall Rummage. Maple Leaf Farm and Rummage Holsteins are both noted as breeders of many All-American nominations and good, solid breeding cow families, and both herds can also be credited with that extra “science and art” of breeding registered Holsteins in that they were unafraid to use bulls of their own careful breeding from their herd and had seen Excellent results. Both farms are nestled in wooded, beautiful central Tennessee and, if you”re looking for a stop during your week here or on the way home, they”re well worth the effort!

I had the privilege to travel out a few days early. Although Tennessee borders my home state of Missouri, I had not been any further than Memphis (four hours drive from home) until February.  I arrived here yesterday and I have a tip for everyone coming this  week!  Walk a short four blocks from the hotel to Volunteer Landing- it’s on the Tennessee River, where you’ll find interpretive audio kiosks and a lot of historical information. Knoxville has a storied history and was, not suprisingly, the site of shelling by both the Union and Confederate armies during the Civil War.  There is plenty of room for walkers and visitors up and down the landing and a cool place to eat is Calhoun’s on the River! Today, the pre-convention tour is taking off to the Nashville area to visit several locations.  Look for coverage of the pre-convention tour here!