The videos of the final rounds of the National Jr. & Sr. Dairy Bowl contests are now available – click the links below to check out the action!

National Jr. Dairy Bowl Contest final round
http://www.moo-tube.net/play.php?vid=316

National Sr. Dairy Bowl Contest finals – Contestant Introductions & Round 1
http://www.moo-tube.net/play.php?vid=318

National Sr. Dairy Bowl Contest finals – Round 2
http://www.moo-tube.net/play.php?vid=319

Click on the link below to view the Holstein Association USA, Inc. Herds of Excellence Award recipients, Forty-Year Member honorees, and Memorial List as printed in the 2009 National Holstein Convention Program.

http://www.allbreedsblog.com/Herdofexcellence/herds-of-excellence-09-r.pdf

HOLSTEIN ASSOCIATION USA, INC.
2009 STATE OF THE ASSOCIATION SPEECH
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA
John M. Meyer
June 23, 2009

Mr. President, members, and guests, it is my pleasure to present you with the state of the Association address. Thank you for taking the time to attend this meeting, and convention.

Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the California Holstein Association for arranging such a fantastic convention! Please join me with your show of appreciation to our California friends.

While 2008 was a year that will be remembered for its worldwide economic turbulence, Holstein Association member activity was strong.

Registrations, the core of the Association’s business, totaled over 348,000, which is one of the highest totals in the history of the Association. Registration activity was 10 percent higher compared to 2007, and 20 percent higher than it was five years ago.

The Holstein COMPLETE Program, now in its sixth year, continues to expand. The number of animals enrolled in COMPLETE increased by 15 percent, and the number of herds enrolled increased by 8 percent in 2008 compared to 2007.

Holstein Association Classifiers were busy, as they scored over 235,000 cows in over 5,600 herds which represents a 9 percent increase in the number of animals classified and a 10 percent increase in the number of herds. The Sire Evaluation for Type (SET) Program grew as well, with Classifiers evaluating five percent more cows in four percent more herds compared to 2007.

In 2008, we also saw solid increases in the number of animals and herds enrolled in TriStar, and the number of Official Holstein Pedigrees issued. Conversely, we saw decreases in the number of Holsteins transferred, total active adult memberships, and new adult and new junior memberships.

I cannot thank the Board of Directors enough for the commitment, counsel, and wisdom they have imparted for the betterment of the Holstein Association. Special thanks are due to President Doug Maddox for all he has done to enhance the credibility and help bring greater exposure to everything we do. Doug’s big-picture thinking and can-do attitude have helped to better the Association strategically and make the organization more diverse than ever before.

Those of you who know Doug well are aware that he had some of his own challenges to deal with in 2008. Through it all, Doug never missed a beat, and remained the eternal optimist. I can tell you, from what I know about Doug, he has never had a bad day. Again, Doug, thank you for everything.

You, the members of this Association, are to be commended for the endurance, perseverance, and resilience you have maintained through the volatile producer milk price roller coaster ride. In the last four years, we have seen the U.S. All-Milk price average fluctuate between $20.50 and $11.50. Each of you in this room knows how much your last milk check was, but I would guess no matter where you are from, it did not cover your cost of production.

The current system of pricing milk in the United States is directly affecting the economic well-being of Holstein Association USA members all across the country. We know there are some who choose to bury their head in the sand about the reality of this problem and hope that this too shall pass. I am concerned if something is not done soon, we will continue with the harsh weeding out of dairy farms of all sizes across the United States like this country has never witnessed.

Many of you probably know of Gary Genske, a CPA and dairy producer who writes a national dairy perspective column. Recently he wrote this in response to current dairy prices:

“If this situation does not change soon, it is my opinion that at least one third of all dairy farmers in the country will go out of business and eventually be absorbed by the strongest two thirds of dairy farmers. It is my opinion that if this system continues, in a couple of decades, only a few hundred dairy farmers will be left in the entire country.”

My prediction is that those few hundred dairies or less will have no more than two or three organizations to sell their milk to. It looks as though there are some milk producers and milk processors who appear to be willing to engage in a game of ‘last dairyman and last processor standing’.

Later today you will hear more about the Holstein Association’s Dairy Price Stabilization Program. As we emerge from the convention this week, I urge all of you to be proactive at the national, state, and local government levels, as well as within the organization you sell your milk, to do everything you can to support the Holstein Association’s program to stabilize milk prices. We are all in this together and you can be assured that the Holstein Association will do everything possible to help you and your families receive more equitable and predictable pricing for the milk you produce.

Thank you very much.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT – 2009
Presented to the Annual Meeting
By Doug Maddox

What a difference a year makes. Last year at this time, we had $20/cwt milk price, high feed, fuel, and fertilizer prices, but generally, life was good. However, last fall the whole world went into an economic crisis, taking milk prices and many commodity prices with it, including our reserve fund. Our investments in our reserve fund and Foundation took a hit due to the crash in the stock market. However, we are fortunate to still have an adequate reserve fund balance. As the market adjusts, hopefully we will regain some of our losses. As the industry’s economic crisis hits our Association’s businesses and receivables, John Meyer and staff are working hard to cut costs and maintain maximum efficiency. Obviously, this is a tough year for everyone in the dairy business.

The Genetic Advancement Committee has had an exciting year, as genomics has become a commercial reality. Almost all of the bulls in A.I. are now genomic tested. Holstein breeders who sell bulls to A.I. are just now feeling the impact of a new generation of genetics. Hopefully, all of you had an opportunity to attend the panel discussion this morning. No one knows the full impact that genomics may have, but as we get more accurate information, obviously it will have a huge impact. In any other year, genomics would probably be the focus of our annual meeting. But, with these low milk prices, we’ve had other priorities.

The International Department continues to be key in the Holstein Association’s role in Holstein genetics around the world. Our Association sent a delegation to the World Holstein Conference in Ireland in October and this spring to the Holstein Conference of the Americas in Bogota, Colombia. Genomics is also a big topic of international concern as we coordinate the introduction of genomics into pedigrees. A coordinated effort by the world’s various herd book organizations is in progress. We continue to get requests from various countries and herd books for assistance in information technology. Ours truly is a global industry, and the world seems to get smaller every day.

When we were in Washington D.C. last February, it was interesting to attend the House Ag Committee hearings on animal identification. The House members of the committee were particularly blunt in their assessment of the need for traceability and mandatory identification. It looks like we finally have a chance at a national mandatory program. Both consumers and international markets demand it. With the FAIR database, when national identification does become a reality, the Holstein Association should be in a good position to provide that service. While much of our attention is on milk prices and genomics, we need to remember that identification is still our core business.

One of the areas I am most proud of is the increased commitment by the board of directors to our Junior programs, Holstein Foundation and especially, the Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI). The future of our industry depends on strong leadership, and our goal is to help develop the very best and brightest leaders for our industry. So as we move forward, I hope you will join us as we continue to grow YDLI. Even more than ever, our industry is in need of leadership.

However, what’s on everyone’s mind in the dairy industry is our economic crisis! In addition to June being “Dairy Month”, June is also NBA playoff time. As I watched the NBA playoffs one thing was clear – the teams with the best teamwork are winning. For us dairymen, another thing is very clear. Our industry is in an economic crisis. Today, the dairy industry is reeling with possibly the lowest milk prices in history and with cost of production still at an extremely high level, many dairymen are losing $3 to $4 per cow per day. If the economic outlook does not change soon, a significant number of dairy farmers could go out of business. I know that generally these eventually are absorbed by larger, stronger dairy farmers. This attrition of dairy farm philosophy is historically how our industry has operated. Some will argue that this process is how capitalism works. However, the end result is the “last man standing” concept and “the strongest will survive”. Capitalism or not, the “last man standing” concept is not the American Way and is not in our members’ best interest. Those of you that adhere to the rules of the Ten Commandments need to remember that the 11th commandment for dairy farmers should be “Do not covet thy neighbors cows!”

We need an effective marketing plan and a program that affects real production and marketing change. Last January, the Legislative Affairs Committee recommended to the board of directors that, in an effort to stabilize the peaks and valleys of milk prices, Holstein Association USA, Inc. initiate a plan toward a national supply management program for milk in the U.S. As many of you know, we have developed the Dairy Price Stabilization Program. This program would establish a national production base for each dairy farmer. It will give the industry a program to control the supply of milk needed for the market. In essence, it is designed to control the surplus of one to three percent over production that sends our prices in a spiral downward. Hopefully, the Dairy Price Stabilization Program will accomplish this change. This is going to take industry-wide support and teamwork. This industry crisis makes our Association mission statement, “Provide leadership, information, and services to help members and dairy producers worldwide be successful,” even more relevant and appropriate at this time. I urge you to go to our website and sign on, and urge all who are interested to do the same.

How do we solve our problems? Let’s start with the same philosophy as a winning basketball team, teamwork! As dairy farmers, we can only cut expenses so much before we start to have a long-term effect on our herds. It’s time to rethink how we market our product. Economics 101 states that the basic law of economics is supply and demand. When supply exceeds demand, prices decline. When demand exceeds supply, prices increase. I’ll say it again – the dairy farmers in the U.S. need to “produce for the market” instead of trying to “market all we produce.” Until we realize that fact, we will be plagued with low and unstable milk price swings. It is in this vein that your Holstein Association USA board of directors has developed the Dairy Price Stabilization Program. While the basics of this program are simple, it changes the concept of how we produce for the market. If these low prices continue for much longer, our industry will be devastated to the point that it may never be the same. If our industry is to continue as we know it today, and if our family lifestyles are to continue as we know them, we need to work together. It is not just one milk marketing cooperative or one state association, but all dairymen coast to coast, north to south, and east to west. It’s going to take a huge effort and real teamwork if we are to win this battle. Using a sports analogy, if we are to be successful, we need a home run, a basket, a touchdown, and a goal all at once. That will require real “Teamwork!” What does teamwork mean? Since we have been here in Sacramento a lot of people have asked, “How can I help?” First, let me tell you that we need everyone who has an interest in our industry to help. Dairy farmers, bankers, feed companies, equipment companies, A.I., in fact everyone needs to step up to the plate. No one is going to do this for us. If we do not make it happen, it won’t happen! Let me give you some ideas of how to help.

1. Sign up your support on our website at www.holsteinusa.com/association/dairyprice.html
2. Get other dairymen to sign up.
3. Get your coops and allied industry to sign up.
4. Log in and comment on the Holstein World website.
5. Organize efforts with local and state dairy organizations to support the DPSP.
6. Call, write, and put pressure on your congressman. “This will take congressional action.”

When I ran for president in Tennessee two years ago, I said our industry is changing rapidly. Our industry needs leadership. I asked then and I ask now, “If not us, who?” “If the time is not now, then when?” I’m asking, I urge, and I plead, please help! You will get more information in the Dairy Price Stabilization Program on the report from the Legislative Affairs Committee and from Dr. Bob Cropp’s presentation this afternoon.

The last four years (two as Vice President and two as President) have flown by. I am more impressed than ever with the strength and dedication of the members of the Holstein Association. In addition, I can’t say enough about the excellent quality of our Association’s staff and John Meyer’s leadership. It is second to none. Lastly, I want to thank my fellow board members. Vice President Larry Tande, and all members of the board of directors are true professionals. They are the reason that your Association has been so successful and enjoys the immense respect of our national dairy industry.

Thank you for your trust and support you have given me. It has truly been a privilege to serve on your behalf.

Now we have work to do. Let’s roll up our sleeves, and let’s get the job done! The dairy world is depending on us!

Keep following the All Breeds Blog for videos of the Dairy Bowl Finals. They should be posted early next week.

For those traveling back home from the National Holstein Convention in Sacramento, Holstein World and the All Breeds Blog wish you a safe journey home. Thanks for a great week!

These three particular lots topped the National Sale that took place at the Dixon May Fairgrounds in California. The cows and spectators experienced the California summer heat, but that didn’t stop these ladies from looking their best! Check out the links to these videos for some sale footage of these excellent animals.

Lot 1
Cabernet Goldwn Sunlight
Bred 10/1 – due to herd bull
Dam is EX-93 Velvet-View-KJ Sunburst x Sher-Est Prelude Sweet
#6 CTPI cow in California
Major contract interest
$20,600
Purchased by Jim & Bill Genasci of Modesto, CA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2GbqAMGA_Q

Lot 3
Miss Hazel Advent Holly-ET
b. 3/08
Dam: Quality-Ridge Stormi Hazel (EX-95)
From America’s Sweetheart – the All-American Hazel!
$26,000
Purchased by Hazel Futures, Hilmar, CA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNShr9dTLjk

Lot 22
Farnear-TBR Goldwyn Brin-ET (VG-85)
2-04 2 100 7560 3.6 2269 3.1 237 (Inc.)
Dam: Palmcrest Blackcap-ET (EX-90)
Maternal sisters – Palmcrest Morty Mystic (EX-92)
Palmcrest Forbid Beauty (EX-91 GMD)
2nd dam: Regancrest-RH Durham Bliss-ET (VG-89 GMD)
Iowa Cow of the Year 2002
3rd dam: Regancrest Juror Brina (EX-92 GMD)
$25,000
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jT8u7Z6wmvQ

The California Juniors hosted the Awards Luncheon held at the Sheraton Hotel on June 30th. Along with videos highlighting the Distinguished Junior Member Finalists and the 2010 Holstein Convention in Minnesota, awards were announced from the Junior activities that took place during the convention. Without further ado, here are the results!

2009 Young Distinguished Junior Member Finalists

Rachel Achen
Sauk Centre, MN

Rocco Cunningham
Penngrove, CA

Carissa Doody
Union Bridge, MD

Tatum Gillis
Schuylerville, NY

Isaac Haagen
Howard, PA

Nicole Holdrige
Bloomville, NY

Hayley Potts
Purcellville, VA

Derek Wasson
Centre Hall, PA

National Holstein Women’s Scholarship Organization

Robin Bechtel, PA
Carolyn Braun, NY
Danielle Brown, WI
Elizabeth Cloninger, PA
Kayla Demmer, IA
Katie Donnan, NY
Nisa Gallichio, CA
Ty Hildebrandt, WI

Dairy Jeopardy Awards

Tony Lopes, CA
Kyle Natzke, WI
Emily Lyons, IL

Scrapbook Awards

1st – North Carolina
2nd – Iowa
3rd – Virginia
4th – Ohio
5th – New York

Digital Scrapbook Awards

1st – Iowa
2nd – California
3rd – Maryland
4th – New England
5th – Wisconsin

Prepared Public Speaking Results

Junior-
1st- Charlie Hamilton, WI
2nd- Collin Stoltzfus, PA
3rd- Tony Lopes, CA

Intermediate
1st- Joseph Martinelli- NJ
2nd- Taylor Pires, CA
3rd – Catherine Nye, UT

Seniors-
1st – Elizabeth Olsen, MN
2nd – Katie Hanehan, NY
3rd – Rosemary Liske, VA

Folding Display

Junior
1st – Cole Davis, NC
2nd – Carla Peters, MO
3rd – Mary Scott, IA

Intermediate
1st – Jessica Hameran, IA
2nd – Devon Sluter, NJ
3rd – Tara Kievel, MN

Senior
1st – Kayla Demmer
2nd – Corbin Wood, PA
3rd – Sierra Warner, CA

Dairy Bowl Results

Junior Division

Teams
1st – Washington
2nd – New York
3rd – California
4th – Illinois
5th – Pennsylvania

Written Test
1st – Eric Migliazzo, CA
2nd – Jake Mills, IA
3rd – Larry Warcup, WI

Junior Sportsmanship- Delaware

Senior Division

Teams
1st – Iowa
2nd – California
3rd – Virginia
4th – New York
5th – Pennsylvania

Test
1st- Haylee Potts, VA
2nd – Chris Potts, VA
3rd – Derek Wieser, VA

Sportsmanship, NY

Online Essay Contest
Junior- Tony Lopes, CA
Intermediate- Aryn Martin, ME

Banner Contest
1st – IL
2nd – CA
3rd – PA

Kiss The Cow Contest
Ty Hildebrandt, WI

Junior Advisory Committee

Outgoing

David Wilson, Area 1
Linda Behling, Area 3
Kate Probert, Area 4
Dawn Mausser, Outgoing Adult

Incoming

Parker Welsh, Area 1
Jason Miley, Area 2
Elizabeth Olson, Area 3
Rocco Cunningham, Area 4

Adult Representatives-
Steve Moff
Irene Osborne
Carol Rennick
Connie Kuber

Distinguished Junior Member Finalists

Matt Mitchell
LaFollette, TN

Robyn Bechtel
Martinsburg, PA

Danielle Brown
Dodgeville, WI

Jenna Smith
Martinsburg, PA

Curtis Rhoderick
Mt. Airy, MD

Katie Donnan
Galway, NY

The delegates finished their work today and elected a new president, vice president and four directors to the board of Holstein Association USA:

President:
Larry Tande, Medford, MN

Vice President:
Chuck Worden, Cassville, NY

Directors:
Robert Nigh, Viroqua, WI (re-elected from Region 5)
Bill Wright, McCornick, UT (new director from Region 8 )
Hank van Exel, Lodi, CA (re-elected from Region 9)
Jonathon Lamb, Oakfield, NY (new director-at-large)

For some great interviews and footage of DJM candidates and Prepared Speeches, visit the link below!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrdlYJuVMTU

For fun footage of the National Holstein Convention Junior Activities, follow the link below!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZIgozMAs0g