Many of you are familiar with the Wilsondale prefix – home of the Trinas! This long-time breeding establishment in Gray, Maine, was home to many Excellent cows, excellent kids & grandkids and excellent friends. They gathered in Maine on June 18th to celebrate 50 years of Wilsondale breeding under the watchful eye of Mike Wilson and his wife Marilyn. Friends came from California, Wisconsin, Florida, Canada, the U.K. and beyond…and there were even former employees in attendance that were the very first youth that Mike ever hired to work for him. In all, nearly 400 people showed up to pay tribute to the man behind the Trina legend. Enjoy some of the photos provided by one of the Wilson’s daughters, Sherry Davis.

Well-known catte photographer Maggie Murphy and Mike Wilson.

The Briggs sisters – Vivian, Kate & Betsy

Daniel Fournier and Diane Paquet from Quebec.

Maggie Murphy with Bill Foster, Breeding Specialist for Genus in the U.K.

Steve & Debbie Keene, along with son Brian (and girlfriend) flank the mastermind of Conant Acres in the center, Duane Conant.

Grandson Evan Kenney couldn’t be at the party, but a lifesize replica of him was! Thanks Evan for your service!

Joan & Doug Seidel made the trip up from Maryland’s eastern shore.

The Wilsondale tradition continues today as “Generation III” follows in their grandparent’s footsteps. Five grandchildren have proudly carried the torch, and not only shown in local fairs, but also participated in National Junior Holstein contests representing New England. And of course, Wilsondale animals are the heart and soul of today’s Pineland herd in New Gloucester, Maine.

Congratulations for 50 years of tremendous breeding success!

LEADER TAKES UK NATIONAL HOLSTEIN CROWN
RESULTS FOR THE 2009 UK NATIONAL HOLSTEIN SHOW

SUPREME CHAMPION (and BEST UDDER)
Wills Brothers, Bassingthorpe Leader Dilys 10

RESERVE SUPREME CHAMPION (and EXHIBITOR BRED)
Seaton Farms, Styche Lyster Sally PI

HONOURABLE MENTION
Wills Brothers, Riverdane Outside Hazel

Monday 16th February 2009
Holstein UK celebrated 100 years of cattle breeding history as part of its centennial year celebrations with the 28th hosting of the National Holstein Show at The National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.

Judge Brian Carscadden placed the sixth lactation Bassingthorpe Leader Dilys as his Mature, Best Udder and Supreme Champion. Seaton Farms split Wills Brothers from a Champion and Reserve double with Styche Lyster Sally edging out Riverdane Outside Hazel into the Honourable Mention placing. ~Bruce Jobson reporting

A full report on the 2009 UK National Show will appear in an upcoming issue of Holstein World.

Earlier this month I traveled to the MN All Breeds Dairy Convention in Rochester, MN. While there I found some time to interview a few Minnesota breeders for what I like to call “The Holstein World Breeder Minute”. This is the newest feature to the All Breeds Blog and one that I hope to develop into a regular message. Click on the play button below and enjoy!

Eugene Roller – Hewitt, MN

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Jeanette Sheehan – Rochester, MN

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*Check out the SheeKnoll website by clicking here.

Scott Rickeman – Hutchinson, MN

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Tracy Schaefer – Little Falls, MN

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*Check out the Starlight Acres website by clicking here.