~report provided by Bruce Jobson

RMV SHOW PROGENY GROUPS POPULAR ATTRACTION
Top quality Holstein cows were on display at the 2013 RMV Show (20th March) at Karow, Germany, with 148 milking animals in total entered. The Supreme Championship was awarded to an 11 year old, 100,000kg daughter of Comestar Leader. Bruce Jobson reports from Germany.

The Karow-based show is organised by the local RMV herdbook and featured four progeny groups sired by German bulls prior to the milking class sections. An impressive line-up totalling 37 progeny test daughters from Tilo, Omega, Nog Mato, and Edway, were paraded in front of a large crowd of international breeders including visitors from the US and UK.

German farmers place strong emphasis on functional type traits as well as dairyness, production and longevity featuring as key criterion. Respected judge Manfred Uhrig, who has officiated at European level, selected the popular THI Blackwhite as his Supreme Champion. The 11 year old, owned by Thoenes Rainer, Kalkar, is sired by Comestar Leader and bred out of a Jolt dam.

THI Blackwhite was fresh with her seventh calf in November 2012 and has production records over 14,700kgs at 3.8% fat and 3.2% protein. The 12 strong fourth lactation and above mature cow class strongly reflected German lifetime production breeding goals. The most impressive and largest class of the day was a split group of 29 milking two year olds led home by BCH Brandy, owned by Rinderzucht Augustin, Baltic Holsteins, Neuendorf.

RMV Show Supreme Champion THI Blackwhite with left, judge Manfred Uhrig
Photo by Peggy Schroeder / Bruce Jobson Associates

SUNRISE SALE TOPS $37,000
An evening auction of elite heifer calves in the European Classics Sunrise Sale (19th March) preceded the RMV Show at Karow. High genomic animals proved popular with CNN Mogul Dehli achieving a top price of 28,500 Euros ($37,000) selling to Italy.

Dehli is descended from the world famous Dellia family with the five month old heifer calf rated the highest genomic Mogul heifer in Germany and second overall Mogul heifer in Europe, and rated fifth highest GTPI calf in Europe. Two other animals realised high prices, Anderstrup Bookem Ellie and Albus Shamrock Ombra at $29,800 and $27,260 respectively. RMV Sunrise Sale average was 7,550 Euros ($9,800) on 24 head.

SCHMALLENBERG LESS OF A PROBLEM

German farmers appear to have weathered the Schmallenberg storm according to Dr Christiane Profittlich, Senior Officer for Animal Breeding and Animal Production, German Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Customer Protection.

Dr Profittlich said, “German farmers went through a very difficult year in 2012 as a result of Schmallenberg virus. This year, farmers are having fewer problems and that may be a result of immunity to the virus. To date, we are seeing fewer cases of SBV and the disease seems less of a problem to cattle breeders.”

GERMAN PRODUCTION EFFICENCY
Dr Profittlich, who has been at the Ministry of Agriculture for the past 15 years, explained the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region is one of 16 Federal German states and has achieved impressive production increases since German unification.

“The region is one of five former East German states and our farmers have increased production and performance levels over the past 20 years. From 1992 -2011, milk yield has virtually doubled and the cow numbers required to produce the quota levels (quota was restructured owing to unification) has decreased from 225,000 cows to 175,000 milking animals. National production average on 2million Holstein cows is approximately 8,800kgs at 4.09% fat and 3.38% protein.

“However, the region is proud of the development of agriculture since unification. The RVM herdbook has helped dairy producers achieve numerous breeding and production goals as well as having helped our farmers develop better systems of management.

“Farms in the Mecklenberg region tend to be bigger in size, having evolved from former East German state cooperated collective farms prior to 1990. Our farmers are well educated and this has helped development across all sections of farming, not just milk production.

“Dairy producers are receiving approximately 33 euro-cents per litre for their milk and traditionally have received a lower milk price than other regions within Germany. Our farmers are therefore used to producing milk cheaper and having larger herds, are able to produce milk more efficiently. It is difficult to predict what will happen once EU milk quotas are abolished in the next couple of years, but our farmers are well prepared for any changes that may occur,” she said.

Maryland dairy farmers learn how to use technology to improve dairy profits
By Laurie Savage

FREDERICK, Md. – Using Technology to Improve Dairy Profits was the theme of the Maryland Dairy Convention, which attracted about 170 dairy producers, supporters and youth to learn about reducing electric costs, genomics, apps and automated milking systems.

The Maryland Dairy Industry Association put on the event held Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Frederick Fairgrounds.

Headlining the convention was Dino Giacomazzi, a Hanford, Calif., dairy farmer, who spoke to the group about current technologies and apps to simplify their farming operations.

“We’re required to be efficient in order to survive,” he said.
Apps he recommended to attendees were Dropbox, which allows documents to be shared between computers and mobile devices for free; Evernote, which can be used to take written or spoken notes; Remember the Milk, an easy-to-use to-do list; and Google calendar to synch everyone’s schedules.

Also highlighting the daylong dairy gathering was the awarding of Dairy of Distinction awards to five farms. MDIA honored Burlin Farm, operated by the Eric and Faith Burall family of New Windsor; Clear Spring Creamery, operated by the Mark and Clare Seibert family of Clear Spring; Green Acres Farmstead, operated by the Curvin and Glennis Eby family of Hagerstown; Peace Hollow Farm, operated by the Myron and Janet Martin family of Knoxville; and Pheasant Echos Farm, operated by the Byron and Debbie Stambaugh family of Westminster.

During the MDIA business meeting, Maryland Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance said the Maryland ice cream trail begun last year to encourage consumers to visit farms will continue this year with an added educational component. Visitors to the trail’s on-farm creameries will not only submit to the agriculture department their stamped passports but will also have to find dairy facts posted at each stop.

State Veterinarian Guy Hohenhaus reported the animal disease traceability rule was published, requiring livestock traveling across state lines to have an official tag and documentation. Free tags are available, or producers may be able to use certain currently used tags.

Outgoing MDIA board members Scott Youse, Jody Vona, Ralph Shank and Myron Wilhide were recognized for their service. New directors Matt Hoff, Robert Ramsburg, Matt Fry, Barb Minde and Dr. Jason Gress were elected.
Clayborne Zimmerman, a Virginia Tech student from Walkersville, received a $1,000 MDIA Boyd Cook Memorial Scholarship. Nicole Hood of Middletown, Delaware Valley College, and Audrey Ervin of Gaithersburg, University of Maryland, received $500 scholarships.

During the Maryland Dairy Shrine evening banquet, Frank Walbert of Palm Bay, Fla., and Myron Wilhide of Detour were inducted into the shrine.
Walbert worked for the University of Maryland’s Agronomy, Dairy and Forage Research Farm and Wye Research and Education Center. Wilhide is a dairy farmer who helped organize MDIA, serving as the first president.
“The Dairy Shrine in Maryland is a good organization,” Walbert said.
About 35 youth ages 8 to 21 who participated in the junior dairyman contest held earlier in the day were recognized during the awards ceremony. The competition tested youth on their dairy knowledge through a written test and hands-on activities.

Results of the junior division were Ryan Allen, first; Robert Hahn, second, James Savage, third; and Daisy Gardner, fourth. In the intermediate division, Charlie Sasscer was first, Katelyn Allen was second, Catherine Savage was third and Josiah Manning was fourth. Senior division winners were Shelby Hahn, first; Ryan Zimmerman, second; Scott DeBaugh, third; and Sarah Manning, fourth.

Maryland Dairy Shrine President Charles Iager recognized Gail Yeiser for serving on the National Dairy Shrine board. Others who served from Maryland include Mary Creek, Judy Iager, Lee Majeskie, Duane Norman and Kevin Stiles.

Outgoing MDS directors Mary King and Matt Iager were recognized. Iager will continue as treasurer. Robert Morris and Gail Yeiser are serving their second term, and Frank Allnutt and Mary Creek will come on the board for their first term.

The shrine presented scholarships to Jessica Sentelle of Jefferson, Virginia Tech; Rachel Manning of Huntingtown, West Virginia University; and Clayborne Zimmerman. The Mid-Maryland Dairy Veterinarians Scholarship was presented to Annelise Myers of Clarksville, University of Maryland.

Dairy farmer Mark Seibert of Clear Spring speaks about saving money on electric costs through solar power during the Maryland Dairy Convention.

About 170 dairy farmers, supporters and youth gathered for the Maryland Dairy Convention in Frederick Saturday, Feb. 23, to learn about using technology to improve profits.

Five dairy farms were honored as Dairies of Distinction by the Maryland Dairy Industry Association during the Maryland Dairy Convention. Congratulated by Maryland Dairy Princess Julia Doody, right, were, from left, the Eric and Faith Burall family, Byron and Debbie Stambaugh family, Curvin Eby family and Mark Seibert family. Not pictured is the Myron Martin family.

Washington Annual Meeting
coverage by Ann Marie Magnochi

The 92nd Washington State Holstein Association Annual Meeting and awards banquet was held February 15th and 16th in Everett, WA. Included in the banquet was the always anticipated annual state awards.

Inductees into the Purebred Dairy Cattle Hall of Fame included Dr. Erich Studer and Dr. Gene Elophson. Both were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the world of veterinary medicine and embryo transfer. Dr. Studer is most commonly known within the Holstein industry for his embryo work with Diamond S Eve Corry, while Dr. Elophson conducted the flush which produced Rockalli Son Of Bova, the first Registered Holstein resulting form embryo transfer. As well as the flush which produced the first Registered Holstein female resulting from embryo transfer.

Dr. Erich Studer

Dr. Gene Elophson

Steve and Darryl VanderHaak were recognized as Young Breeders. These cousins have bred numerous Excellent and Very Good cows, have put several bulls into AI, and have had much success in the show ring.

The VanderHaak family

The Master Breeder award was presented to Fred & Tammi Schoenbachler and Family of Sil-Dahl Holsteins. The Schoenbachlers have seen much success in the Registered Holstein business, placing several successful bulls into AI and breeding both black and white and red and white All-American honorees.

The Schoenbachler family

Brock Ricci was honored as Mr. Holstein. Brock has been a long-time member of the Washington Holstein Association Board of Directors, and is a regular volunteer with the Jr. Holstein Association.

Mr Holstein!

Held in conjunction with the adult convention and meetings was the Washington Jr. Holstein Association awards and annual meeting. Honored as the Hannah Zylstra Overall Showman Award recipient was Mieke Van Ess of Duvall, the Dan Frohning Outstanding Junior Holstein Member was Damen Jeg of Chehalis, and this year’s scholarship recipient is Kathryn Dunham of Monroe.

Hannah Zylstra

Junior Officers were elected and assuming the responsibilities of junior leadership for the year are: (L-R) Kody Tiemersma – North Area Rep, Becca Bartelheimer – Vice President, Marcy Bartelheimer – Secretary, Tilly Zylstra – President, Jacy Smith – Sergeant At Arms – Jacy Smith, Katie Hutchings – Eastern Area Rep, Grace Zylstra – Deputy Sergeant At Arms, Blake Schoenbachler – South Area Rep.

That’s a whole lot of AWESOME happening in Washington!

What do you do when there are two people nominated for Sergeant At Arms and there is a Sergeant and Deputy Sergent position available? You paper-rock-scissors for it!

Check back for additional blog postings of the Pride of Washington Sale!

Day 2 at World Ag Expo in Tulare, California has come to a close. HolsteinWorld photographer Randy Blodgett captured scenes from around the grounds at the world’s largest annual agricultural exposition. More than 1,400 exhibitors display the latest in farm equipment, communications and technology on 2.5 million square feet of exhibit space. The show closes today at 4pm pacific time. Stay tuned for more news and scenes from this year’s 46th annual WAE.

Click here to view all the pictures

Once again, New York breeders celebrated a fantastic year together by meeting in January for their 93rd annual convention. Families and industry friends from across the Empire State convened in Batavia, NY, enjoying the convention planned by Jeff & Stacia True and their committee. One of the tightest-knit groups of Holstein breeders in the country, New Yorkers enjoyed laughter, education and celebration as they continued their convention today!

The annual meeting was held this morning, led by President Charlie McEvoy and NY Holstein’s CEO Patsy Gifford. That was followed by the All-Breeds Luncheon featuring an extraordinary magic display by Brian Geer, and then the Holstein USA Regional Meeting, led by Jodi Hoynoski. The afternoon concluded with a presentation by Chobani Yogurt’s Melissa Stagnaro, who reported not only tremendous growth at the NY-based yogurt giant, but expansion into Idaho as well with another plant.

The day concluded with the Annual Banquet where emcee David Rama introduced the honorees of the year, and helped Bill Kent with the final items for the scholarship auction. Below are pictures from the day with special attention on New York’s distinguished award winners. After spending the past few days with fellow breeders and friends, there’s only one thing left to say…I Love New York!

A large crowd enjoyed the pre-sale reception sponsored by Roll-N-View Farms, Long Life Replacements LLC and Dueppengiesser Dairy.

Holstein USA’s Jodi Hoynoski and her husband Carl.

A meeting of the minds! Doug Brown, Dick Witter and Doug Dann of Browndale Sires, Taurus Service and Foundation Sires.

Shouldn’t you be working? HolsteinWorld’s Karen Knutsen and Accelerated Genetic’s Tom Kugler.

The convention sale averaged $6850 for The Cattle Exchange and NY Holstein Association.

Nancy Wright, Jackie Bennett and Betty Emerling organize a great scholarship auction each year.

Performance well-represented! LouAnn Hughes and Fred Meyer flank HolsteinWorld’s Frank Putman.

John Emerling, Denise Dickinson and Dick Wright share a laugh!

Magician Brian Greer entertains the crowd during the All-Breeds Luncheon. Just exactly where DID that dollar bill go?

Diane Head, Dave Rama, Dewitt Head & Merry Rama enjoy some good natured fun after the banquet.

Seated are NY Active Master Breeder Recipients Mary & John Tudor of Elm-Spring Farms. Pictured with them are grandson Andrew, son Tim, and granddaughter Emily.

Outstanding Young Holstein Breeders for 2013 were Lenny & Angie Pieper. They are congratulated by neighbor and friend Luke Johnson and award donor from Farm Family Insurance.

Dewitt & Diane Head of Headline Farms were presented the Retired Master Breeder Award for 2013. They are pictured here with their five children.

Dave & Merry Rama present the Friend of New York Holstein award to the very deserving Dr. Brad & Ruth Pedersen of Delaware Valley Embryo Service.

For more on NY Holstein events and people, make sure to visit www.nyholsteins.com.

Semex/Holstein Australia On-Farm Competition Held
by Diana Malcolm
photos by Stu Mackie

The Semex/Holstein Australia On-Farm Competition just finished its 12th year, and the nationwide spectacle is now widely accepted as offering producers a key additional income stream from the associated exposure of winning regional and state championships. This years contest involved close to 3000 cows and 500 farms.

Semex initiated the competition to acknowledge quality, functional dairy cows – often the unsung heroes of Australia’s dairy industry. It now includes a special application because cows that may not have enjoyed a profile before have a chance to shine and/or be discovered in the farmer-friendly format.

“This competition has a lot of momentum and is held in high regard – very high regard – both here in Australia and overseas,” Jim said. He said the On-Farm Competition’s role was now clear for the industry.

“I’ve said this 100 times in the last six to eight months, that the breeding industry is alive and well,” Jim said. “Milk prices are (in the main) poor, but there is good money to be made in selling high-end livestock, quality heifers to export and bull sales for breeders who are making decent bulls.

“This competition is all about helping our producers gain exposure and marketability for their animals without the workload and costs usually associated with showing, picturing and/or marketing cattle.”

Each of Holstein Australia’s 29 sub-branches involved kicked off their local competitions in October (which involves one judge per sub-branch). Entries peak at 270-head in some of the sub-branch strongholds. All the cows are judged for their conformation on-farm without preparation. The northern region scored a coup by having United States judge Curtis Day officiate over 255 entries from 40 breeders. Mr Day is the first international judge to judge the on-farm competition.

The retired Minnesota dairy farmer (who bred the world-famous Holstein Tri-Day Ashlyn EX96) recently judged the Brown Swiss at the world’s largest dairy show, the World Dairy Expo at Madison in the US. Mr Day said the on-farm concept (where the cows are assessed without preparation based on their conformation) was interesting and something he had never seen before. “It’s a different concept, which definitely has merit,” Mr Day said. “I wasn’t sure what the cows would be like in Australia but they were much bigger than I expected and the rear udders were exceptional from the young cows through to the mature entries – often even better than at Madison in the way they blended.”

The first and second placegetters in each class at the sub-branch level then moved forward to the state finals where they were re-assessed by a fresh over-judge in early November to find the state champions.

The state lines are divided into Northern Queensland, Southern Queensland, New South Wales, South-Eastern Australia (incorporating Victoria, New South Wales Riverina and South East South Australia), Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia.

Following are the winners in each class from each of the state finals.

QUEENSLAND
Judge: LINDSAY MOXEY, Newington Holsteins, Hunter Valley, NSW

TWO-YEAR-OLD – Kaloola Goldwyn Liz-ET VG-85 (Goldwyn x Mr Marbuck), T & L Northfield (Kaloola Holsteins, Tatham)

THREE-YEAR-OLD – Anne Well Wild Fairy VG-85, Black & Gold Dairies (Anne Well Holsteins, Monto)

FOUR-YEAR-OLD and JUDGES CHOICE – Wellstrand Finalcut Georgia, C & C Parker and K & R Cochrane (Wild Oats Holsteins, Kenilworth)

FIVE-YEAR-OLD – Arabella Lucky Sonia VG-88, Arabella Farming Company (Arabella Holsteins, Brookstead)

MATURE – Ardylbar Dundee Noodle EX-93 2E, A & S Barron (Ardylbar Holsteins, Cambooya)

TASMANIA STATE:
Judge: JENNY GREY, The Pines Holsteins, Kiama, NSW
Number: 101 entries – 16 breeders

TWO-YEAR-OLD – Fairvale Montgomery Butter 175, R & L Dobson (Fairvale Holsteins, Bracknell)

THREE-YEAR-OLD – Cradle View Aladdin Reunion (Wallaceview Aladdin x Leduc), K, T & J Walters & B de Bomford (Cradleview Holsteins, Kindred)

FOUR-YEAR-OLD – Fairvale Damion Josie 45, R & L Dobson (Fairvale Holsteins, Bracknell)

FIVE-YEAR-OLD – Datumvale Igniter Victoria EX-91 (Igniter x Rudolph), M & J Young (Datumvale Holdings Pty Ltd, Ridgley)

MATURE – Leader Famous Favour EX-91 2E, M & J Young (Datumvale Holdings Pty Ltd, Ridgley)

NEW SOUTH WALES STATE:
Judge: Alan Garratty, Glenalbas Holsteins, Nowra, NSW

TWO-YEAR-OLD – Barrington View Blackrose Beryl (Final Cut son), G & K Forbes, Barrington (View Holsteins, Gloucester)

THREE-YEAR-OLD – Wyella Lheros Lib VG-85 (Lheros x Durham), B & A Snowden (Wyella Holsteins, Mittagong) and S and H Menzies (Cairnsdale Holsteins, Numbaa)

FOUR-YEAR-OLD – Cairnsdale Fortune Gracie (Fortune x Outside), Menzies Farms (Cairnsdale Holsteins, Numbaa)

FIVE-YEAR-OLD – Wyoming Abigail Mavis VG-86 (Allen), ASR Shearer & Son (Wyoming Holsteins, Singleton)

MATURE – Kamilaroi ES Beauty EX-91 4E, Snowden family (Kamilaroi Holsteins, Mittagong)

WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Judge: BILL LEGGAT, Craigbank Holsteins, Murray Bridge SA
Number: 89 entries – 15 breeders

TWO-YEAR-OLD – Carenda Danzali Quiz GP-83, Kitchen Farms (Carenda Holsteins, Boyanup)

THREE-YEAR-OLD – Ravenhill #21, A & C Jenkins (Valdana Holsteins, Denmark)

FOUR-YEAR-OLD – Carenda Toystory Blink VG-86, Kitchen Farms (Carenda Holsteins, Boyanup)

FIVE-YEAR-OLD – Carenda Bullbar Fantasy-ET VG-89, Kitchen Farms (Carenda Holsteins, Boyanup)

MATURE – Acero Integrity Lulu EX-92 2E, V Rodwell (Acero Holsteins, Boyanup)

SOUTH EASTERN VICTORIA
Judge: ROB ANDERSON, Kingsville Jerseys, Drouin West, Vic
Number: 1492 entries – 211 breeders

TWO-YEAR-OLD – Luccombe Sanchez Love (Sanchez), R and L White (Luccombe Holsteins, Finley)

THREE-YEAR-OLD – Glenorleigh Powerplay Shamrock VG-87 (Silky Powerplay), W & J Thompson (Glenorleigh Holsteins, Mount Gambier)

FOUR-YEAR-OLD – Jenamy Powerplay Belle EX-91 (Silky Powerplay), Marcrita Pty Ltd (Jenamy Holsteins, Driffield)

FIVE-YEAR-OLD – Wellstrand Garrison Lucille VG-88 (Penn-England Garrison x Wellstrand Bellwood Duke), J & C Gardiner (Avonlea Holsteins, Cardinia)

MATURE – Melville Park Storm Queen-ET EX-95 2E (Storm x Prelude), C & M Gleeson (Elm Banks Holsteins, Crossley)

Judge Rob Anderson on the job.

The regional and state champions enjoyed an end of year presentation lunch at the Witchmount Winery at Melton. It was one of Holstein Australia’s CEO’s Matt Schaffer’s first outings since he was elevated to President of the World Holstein Association.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Judge: PATRICK NICHOLSON, Jugiong Jerseys, Girgarre, VIC
Number: 149 entries – 22 breeders.

TWO-YEAR-OLD – Jervois Aspen Lassie VG-87 (Aspen x Durham), C & F Mason (Jervios Holsteins, Jervois)

THREE-YEAR-OLD – Grantley Dia Evie VG-87 (La Presentation Diabolique x Outside), G Liebelt (Grantley Holsteins, Meadows)

FOUR-YEAR-OLD – Esjay Trojan Rosette, S & V Seeliger (Esjay Holsteins, Eden Valley)

FIVE-YEAR-OLD – Glenunga Drake Butterkay EX-92 (Drake x James), A & A Koch (Glenunga Proprietors, Moculta)

MATURE – Glenunga Jordan Glenna EX-92, A & A Koch (Glenunga Proprietors, Moculta)

On Saturday, December 8th, dairy princesses from near and far gathered in St. Peter, MN to turn 2010 Princess Kay Finalist, Megan Herberg’s “Butter Head” into Christmas cookies to send overseas to men and women serving in the Armed Forces.

Over 50 people came together in the St. Peter High School Family and Consumer Science room to turn the 60 pound block of butter into 300 dozen cookies, the event was called “Cookies for a Cause.” We went through 50 lb. of flour, 35 lb. of sugar and LOTS of eggs, sprinkles, and chocolate chips.

Dairy Princesses from all generations and all counties of Minnesota- even a few from Iowa!

Kathy Dauk & Megan Herberg after the butter head got a little make over. Kathy is a member of the Cleveland, MN American Legion Auxiliary #207 raised $400 to cover the cost of shipping of the cookies. Her women’s group took the cookies after we were done baking them and will get them ready to ship overseas. Some of the cookies will be shared with veterans in nursing homes throughout Minnesota and a few plates will be sold at a bake sale to help cover the cost of ingredients.

Friends and family also came to pitch in.

Past Iowa Dairy Princesses, Kayla and Kristy Demmer

We made close to 3,600 cookies when the day was over!

Dairy enthusiasts of all ages were in attendance, from 2 weeks to 90 years old. Shown here is Aiden, son of Jason & Michele Schroeder of Schroeder Holsteins in Courtland, MN

Emily Achen finds out what happens when you turn on the mixer too fast- chocolate chips go flying!

Dana Mohn and Sheila Lexvold whip up lots and lots of Sugar Cookies

In addition to making cookies for the troops, we also made cards to send with.

Ashley Schroeder and Lakyn Lind take care of dividing up the butter

The second annual Cream of the Crop Dairy Challenge was held at the Fort Atkinson High School, Fort Atkinson, WI and at Lundy Farms in Jefferson, WI on October 20, 2012. Youth from across the state of Wisconsin came to test their dairy industry knowledge and teamwork skills.

Three weeks after winning the Central National Dairy Cattle Judging Contest at World Dairy Expo the Juda FFA Chapter proved they can do more than judge classes of dairy cattle as they won the second annual Cream of the Crop Dairy Challenge. After working together through six stations of registered heifers, commercial heifers, sire selection, disease identification, DHIA herd comparison, and a written exam the Juda FFA team of Joel Dieckhoff, Alyssa Cramer, Kelsey Cramer, and Clayton Mahlkuch edged out the 2011 winning team of Nicole Wright, Brooke Muenzenberger, Carrie Urbanek, and Casey Urbanek by a mere nine points. Rounding out the top three teams was the Watertown team of Andy Sell, Ben Uecker, Colin Uecker and Dawson Nickels.

Officiating the contest was Jeannie Bishop, Kylene Anderson, and Ron Schaap. Numerous Cream of the Crop 4-H club members and volunteers kept the contest running smoothly. This contest would not have been possible without the tremendous contributions of ABS Global, Accelerated Genetics, Badgerland Financial, East Central Select Sires, Premier Insurance Solutions LLC, and United Cooperative who all generously supported the event to ensure all participants enjoyed a Rocky Rococo pizza lunch and received a contest shirt.

The winning Juda FFA team of Kelsey Cramer, Clayton Mahlkuch, Alyssa Cramer, and Joel Dieckhoff

The second place team of Carrie Urbanek, Casey Urbanek, and Brooke Muenzenberger all of Cashton and Nicole Wright of Johnson Creek.

The Watertown team finished third with members Colin Uecker, Ben Uecker, Dawson Nickels, and Andy Sell

A tribute and farewell to Lajos Szaleczky

As a close friend and colleague, it is with a heavy heart that I start writing these lines. We knew that Lajos Szaleczky, who had been born on September 19, 1923 in Érendréd, on the territory of today’s Romania, near the birthplace of the great Hungarian poet Endre Ady, had been struggling with a severe disease for more than a year.

The formidable disease finally defeated him, and in the 89th year of his life, on April 13, 2012, the irrevocable thing happened. Lajos Szaleczky departed this life.

I would like to commemorate his path of life in a few sentences. Lajos Szaleczky obtained his general certificate of education in the Wesselényi College of the Reformed Church in Zilah in the year 1943. Subsequently he commenced his higher-level studies at the University College of Agriculture in Kolozsvár.

After the horrors of the Second World War and spending some time in captivity as a prisoner of war, he completed his university studies at the University of Agriculture in Keszthely in 1947.

His first workplace was the Agricultural Council of the region between the rivers Danube and Tisza in Kecskemét, the legal successor of the Agricultural Chamber, where he started his professional career as a junior clerk.

In the years 1950 and 1951, Lajos Szaleczky worked at the Experimental Model Farm of Kecskemét. Owing to his diligence, he was soon promoted to Deputy Director (Chief Agronomist) of the Experimental Model Farm of Kecskemét, where he was responsible for the general technical direction of the farm’s operation between 1951 and 1956.

In the year 1956 and 1957, he worked at the Ministry of Agriculture as a section head responsible for animal breeding.

From the year 1957, he became the Department Head of the Production Directorate of Experimental and Model Farms within the Ministry of Agriculture.

From 1961, he continued his professional career at the Inspectorate of State Farms of the Ministry of Agriculture, and between 1967 and 1985 he held a high position in the National Center of State Farms.

Lajos Szaleczky maintained his activity even after his retirement in 1985.
He spent nearly 4.5 decades working in the ‘family’ of state farms, and his activity was mainly focused on animal breeding.

In the experimental and model farms his responsibilities included the organization and direction of animal breeding.

At the early 1960s, while working at the Inspectorate of State Farms of the Ministry of Agriculture, Lajos Szaleczky was assigned the task of developing the modern, large-scale system of poultry meat and egg production (Bábolna, Bóly).

He attended numerous international conferences both in Europe and all over the world. Lajos Szaleczky had an outstanding role in the establishment of the specialized large-scale poultry farms as well as in familiarizing people with meat- and layer-type poultry hybrids and gaining recognition for them.

At the end of the 1960s, he was given an important task in the reformation of Hungarian cattle breeding. He was actively involved in the implementation of the Holstein program and in establishing the technical and technological bases of modern cattle breeding.

He played an important role in developing cattle breeding, reproductive, management-technological, operational and nutritional methods for dairy cattle farms.

He took part in the adaptation, utilization, dissemination and nationwide propagation of the Holstein breed in Hungary.

During his 35-year employment by the state farms, he took part in study tours, attended conferences and participated in business negotiations in 20 European and overseas countries on a total of 72 occasions.

He established connections with representatives of the world’s most advanced poultry and cattle breeding companies and organizations.
His tasks included the selection and purchase (importation) of nearly 15,000 virgin and pregnant heifers from the United States of America, Canada and several European countries.

Lajos Szaleczky attended the World Holstein Conferences on several occasions, and he initiated and organized the First International Holstein Conference and Symposium held in Hungary in 1983.

He also played an active role in the organization of the 8th World Holstein Friesian Conference that took place in Hungary in 1992.

Lajos Szaleczky took an active part in the establishment of the US-Hungarian joint venture Holstein Genetika Ltd. As Chairman of the Supervisory Board, he made significant contributions to the Company’s successful work from the very outset, i.e. the time when the venture was launched in March 1990.

Over the years, Lajos Szaleczky received several governmental honors as well as scientific and international awards. His outstanding professional achievements were acknowledged by the decorations ‘Eminent Worker of Agriculture’, ‘Order of Labor’ and ‘Újhelyi Commemorative Medal’.

In the United States, he won the award ‘International Person of the Year’ in 1989. This award, hallmarked by the signature of George Bush, Sr. on the diploma, was perhaps Lajos Szaleczky’s greatest pride. Very few European and Hungarian specialists received this distinction in the past decades.

Lajos Szaleczky received a Golden Diploma from the Pannon University of Agriculture in Keszthely. He made his mark as the author and editor of various publications. He was the editor of the magazine entitled Holstein Breeding over a period of 15 years. He was editor of the book ‘The Holstein Breed in Hungary’ and author of the technical film entitled ‘Hungarian Animal Breeding’.

Throughout his life, Lajos Szaleczky’s work was always characterized by his striving for perfection and his commitment to quality and to the case of international integration.

With his role played in the adaptation and propagation of the Holstein breed in Hungary, he gained imperishable distinctions for himself both in the practice of animal breeding and in scientific circles.

Gödöll?, June 11, 2012

Balázs Akác

Over 300 people traveled to Mystic Valley Dairy, LLC in Sauk City, WI on Saturday, August 25th to take in the 2012 Wisconsin Holstein State Picnic. The farm is located about a half hour northwest of Madison and is the home of Jenny-Lou Holsteins – most known for breeding Jenny-Lou Marshl Toystory (the first bull to sell over two million doses of semen) and his brother, Jenny-Lou Marshall P149.

The 425-cow herd is owned by the Louis & Jean Breunig, Mitch Breunig and Marty Breunig families. They have a RHA of 32,092 3.9% 1256 3.0 951 and a BAA of 106.2%

Siemers Lightning Alanna EX-90, a Lightning granddaughter of 2E-96 Tri-Day Ashlyn out of an EX-90 GMD Outside

Green-Corner Laurin Marva EX-92 from an EX-91 2E Mich, then Mayerlane-SA Durham Mae EX-92 2E GMD DOM back into the Lead Maes

Holding a place of pride in the office is the photo of Jenny-Lou Patron Toyane, the dam of Toystory and Lou! Over 25% of the herd traces back to Toyane either on the maternal or paternal side.

If you have a picnic, you must have a judging contest! Eager attendees sign in for their cards.

Facing away from the parlor and free-stall barn, you see the original milking barn and the part of the farm that now houses the heifers.

A new heifer barn is under construction.

Mitch Breunig introduced his family and thanked the crowd for coming. To his left is Kevin Jorgensen, family friend and a partner in several cows housed at Mystic Valley.

An all-star lunch crew included Doug Hodorff, Paula and Rick Bovre and Linda Hodorff!

Always a nice touch – a bouncy house to keep the kids busy!

It wouldn’t be a social gathering in Wisconsin if a game of ‘cornhole’ didn’t break out somewhere!

The large crowd enjoyed the hospitality put forth by the Breunigs, the delicious lunch and the massive number of door prizes given out throughout the afternoon!

For more about Mystic Valley and the Jenny-Lou herd, please visit their website at: www.holsteinworld.com/mystic-valley