The Savage family of Savage-Leigh Farm, MD has once again out-done themselves! The family held a Tag Sale at the farm March 14-15 during the busy sale festivities that took place at the fairgrounds in Frederick. The outstanding line-up had something to offer for everyone! The animals were beautifully presented while the Savage hospitality was at its best! Sale manager, Chip Savage reports that the Tag Sale was a great success! A Complete report will follow on www.holsteinworld.com!

The line-up!

Little helpers! The entire Savage Family was onhand to greet and show off the cattle.

Auctioneer Lynn Lee, Ringman Ron Ratliff and Pedigree Reader Herby Lutz converse before the sale.

A large crowd gathered to view the line-up and watch the sale on Friday, March 14th in Frederick, MD.

The sale featured some of the best Jerseys from both sides of the border! All consignments were hand selected by Mike Heath of Spring Valley Farm, Westminster, MD.

L-R: Terri Packard representing Arethusa, Herby Lutz, Lynn Lee and Mike Heath, sale manager.

Top seller for the day was Lot A, a First Choice of 4 ultrasound females due in March 2008 by Hollylane R Response out of Huronia Centurion Veronica 20J (EX95)! The Choice sold for $24,000 to Johnathan Lamb, NY. Arethusa Farm, CT was the consignor.

Back Row: Herby Lutz, Lynn Lee, Mike Heath

Front Row: Kevin Ehrhardt, buyer, Ashley Mayer, leadsperson, consignors Pete & Michelle Stern.

High Selling live animal was Lot #78, Maple Ridge Remake Presence. a 12/05 Remake that was fresh in December backed with 7 generations VG or EX! Ehrhardt Farms, MD were the buyers while Pete and Michelle Stern, Ontario consigned the individual who struck off for $14,000.

For more Spring Valley 7th Edition Sale results check out www.allbreedaccess.com!

Day Four of YDLI – Wrapping Up
By Lindsey Worden, Holstein Association USA

The dust has settled and the smoke has cleared…Phase I of Class 6 of Young Dairy Leaders Institute is now complete! Saturday provided a busy day of workshops preparing attendees for their Phase II projects and wrapping up with a final banquet.

Jolene Brown being the morning with her session, titled “Pilot Your Leadership Journey”, where she talked about taking charge of their actions and guiding their own path. Also discussed were questions that all leaders should be able to answer, generation differences and strengths that can affect team situations, and making sure that your actions and behaviors reflect your dedication.

Next was the highly anticipated Key Industry Issues Panel discussion. Sitting on the panel was Richard Cotta, CEO of California Dairies (a milk cooperative), Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Wolff, and Liz Doornink, a Wisconsin dairy producer and co-chair of American Farmers for the Advancement and Conservation of Technology (AFACT). Panelists gave brief presentations concerning their businesses, interests, and motivations, then gave class members the opportunity to ask questions, which covered a wide variety of topics. Popular subjects related to milk labeling and rBST usage, relating to consumers, milk marketing tactics, and how dairy producers can adapt to the ever-changing demands of consumers while still running a profitable operation.

After lunch, people were challenged to step outside of their comfort zone and explore differing opinions. Everyone matched up with their learning partners and ventured out around Albuquerque to the airport and University of New Mexico campus to do some “man on the street” style consumer interviews. They were given a set of questions to ask, relating to factors that affect consumers purchasing decisions and their feelings on hormones, antibiotics, and animal welfare. Although some were a little nervous at first, the exercise turned out to be fun, and a great learning experience for all. Some even got to test out their “key messages” answering interviewees’ questions and providing a positive image of the dairy industry.

Michele Payn-Knoper lead the final session of the day, preparing everyone for their Phase II work, which will take place over the next year. YDLIers are given a set of “assignments” to accomplish during this phase, reinforcing the ideas learned during Phase I. The tasks include an outreach project of their choice, as well as encouraging interaction with their community, local media, and consumers. Class members brainstormed ideas and discussed them with YDLI Advisory Committee members. It will be exciting to see what this very talented group is able to accomplish!
After four intense days of training, everyone was ready to relax and enjoy a final evening with their classmates at the Fiesta Finale banquet. During dinner, everyone was entertained by a six-person, authentic mariachi band. Some class members even joined in the fun, singing and dancing with the group! Jolene Brown gave a memorable keynote on “letting go of the rope”, and soaring to new heights in the dairy industry. Everyone enjoyed their last evening in Albuquerque before getting up early and heading home.

The class will come together again in Albuquerque February 25-28, 2009 for Phase III, which focuses more on group leadership skills and advanced media training. All-in-all, Phase I was a resounding success. Thanks for reading this week! For more information on YDLI, visit www.holsteinfoundation.org or contact Jodi Hoynoski – jhoynoski@holstein.com or 800.952.5200, ext. 4261.

Panelist Liz Doornink answers a question

Groups work together to build bridges in a closing activity

Annie McCullough and Allison Specht enjoy the final evening

Class member Elias Torres Barrera sings along with the mariachi band!

Holstein Foundation Trustee and banquet sponsor WestfaliaSurge representative Rob Kolb poses for a quick picture with the band.

Enjoy these additional scenes from the meetings and sale during the 2008 California Holstein Convention, held the last weekend in January in Sacramento! Photographs courtesy of Carolina Evangelo.

Sale time!

Winners of the A.J. Quist Junior Breeder Award are Jon & Tami Tollenaar.

There”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””’’s nothing quite like a dairy bowl victory!

Frankie J. Coderniz, retiring from the Board, gets a useful and beautiful gift of appreciation.

The Van Exel family did a phenomenal job getting things ready for sale day and took every precautionary measure to protect from the ongoing rains. The family was also recognized the night before at the convention banquet, as Hank & Carolyn were awarded the coveted Senior Breeder award.

It”””’’s a boy! Proud parents Amy & Chad Ryan of Fond du Lac, WI, welcomed their first child, Dylan Joseph, into the world on Sunday at 6:30am. Chad is a partner in Ryan-Vue Holsteins, while Amy is employed at ABS Global. Congratulations!

Accelerated Genetics staff Kari Stanek, Communications & Public Relations Coordinator, and Amber Elliott, Advertising and Public Relations Intern, finish off the ””””””””blog”””””””” from the 2008 Young Producer Winter Get-Away - ””””””””Winter Safari at the Kalahari””””””””.

Another successful Accelerated Genetics Young Producer event comes to an end. The final day began with a delicious breakfast buffet followed by an exciting Wild Animal scavenger hunt, with members able to explore all of the facilities at the Kalahari Resort.

Then Dana Zurbuchen, a motivational speaker, talked with the group about “How to Master the Work/Life Balance.” Dana encouraged the group to keep family time a priority and how to balance family with work.

Finally, both adult and youth learned about “Confined Space Farm Safety” with Cheryl Skjolaas. The final session was an interactive program where families were able to discuss their farms and how to stay safe in confined spaces.

Before the conference concluded, a drawing for a ””””””””free”””””””” stay at the Kalahari Resort was done and the winner was Hannah Iverson of Plum City, Wis.

Everyone in attendance enjoyed all the weekend had to offer, especially the INDOOR water park. A special thank-you to the Young Producer Committee, without their help and commitment this get-away and other Young Producer events would not be possible.

The next Accelerated Genetics Young Producer event is the Leadership Conference titled ””””””””Cultivating Leaders”””””””” featuring speakers Jolene Brown, Donna Moenning and Tom Jadin. This conference will be held March 29-30, 2008 at the Wintergreen Resort and Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells, Wis.

Again if you live in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois and are interested in attending future Young Producer events check out the Accelerated Genetics website www.accelgen.com or call Kari Stanek 800.451.9275 ext. 222 or kstanek@accelgen.com.

The Grady family of Oregon, Wis. found the ””””””””elephant”””””””” during the wild scavenger hunt.

Dana Zurbuchen gets some input to her Mastering the Work/Life Balance session from this young man.

Cheryl Skjolaas demonstrates how easily a person can get sucked into a gravity box filled with corn during the farm safety session.

Mike Korth of New London, Wis. shares his new farm safety rule for at home.

Katie Martin, Portage, Wis. and Chris Davis, Wisconsin Dells, Wis. brainstorm different things that could happen in the combined space of a silo during the safety session.

Winners of the Safari Hat Decorating contest in ages 6-8 (l to r) 3rd Holly Oberreich - Plymouth, Wis., 2nd Phebe Christen - Monroe, Wis. 1st - Libby Pankratz of Auburndale, Wis.

Taking home the most coveted prize of the weekend a stay a the Kalahari Resort is Hannah Iverson (center), she with her brother Nate and mother Nancy.She said she will using her gift card during this summer”””””””’’s National Holstein Convention to be held in Wisconsin at the Kalahari Resort June 23-26, 2008!

Also, Accelerated Genetics, as a convention sponsor and Wisconsin-based agricultural business, wants to welcome Holstein enthusiasts to Wisconsin this summer for the 2008 National Holstein Convention to be held June 23-26 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.

Written by Amber Elliott, 2008 Advertising & Public Relations Intern:

After a fun-filled Safari afternoon, it was time for dinner of roast beef, ham, and all the fixings. An exciting night of magic and comedy was ahead. Jerry Fraiser, a well known magician provided suspense and excitement. Adults and children alike enjoyed card tricks, escape acts and even a floating attendee.

Next the best dressed awards were announced with the top 5 receiving prizes. The awards went to families and individuals that fulfilled the safari theme to the fullest. 5th place - Elle Walker and Ben Tibor of Minnesota City, Minn. 4th place - Doug & Jane Popp of Royalton, Minn., 3rd place - Jim & Barb Davis of Tomah, Wis., 2nd place - Tom & Katie Grady of Oregon, Wis., and the Best Dressed Safari Family was Ryan and Tonya Wayerski and their children Mackayla, Riley, Landyn and Taryn of Pittsville, Wis.

Finally, it was time to relax by watching movies, playing games or going to America”””””””’’s Largest Water park. Participants were able to choose from floating down?the lazy river, flying down one of the many water slides, or splashing in the wave pool.

As the first day of the Accelerated Genetics Winter Get-Away ended, producers still had much to look forward to with more opportunities to explore the Kalahari and the Young Producer Program.

3414 - Ellie Larson…sporting her bathing suit in the wonderfully warm indoor waterpark!

3427 - These to ”””””””’’safari”””””””” kids are enthralled with the comic magician.

3434 - Kelly Oberreich and Mike Lewien get their 5 minutes of fame helping Jerry Fraiser with a magic trick.

3471 - This ””””””””lil hunter spots the some big game!

3499 - The finale of the magic act was floating this young girl on stage and everyone was in ahhh!

Another short burst of snow didn”t stop 241 from migrating to the Accelerated Genetics Young Producer Winter Get-Away “Winter Safari at the Kalahari” in Wisconsin Dells, Wis.

Big Safari Hunters of all shapes and sizes (otherwise dairy and beef producers along with their families) from across Wisconsin, parts of Minnesota and Iowa gathered together to network, learn new things and get out of the cold for the weekend.

After a welcome program and introductions the group split up and went a variety of directions. The adults learned about nutrient management and air quality issues from Chris Baxter, UW-Platteville Professor & Extension Nutrient Management Specialist. Youth ages 8-18 headed to Knuckleheads entertainment complex to try their hand at bowling or ride on one of the many indoor amusement rides. The tiny tots of the group had their own special room to head to where they excitedly colored safari pictures, designed some crafts and even went on a safari hike.

Now the group is taking a break in the Kalahari Resorts HUGE indoor waterpark…many of them were talking about trying their hand at surfing or going on the wild water coaster ride.

Tonight, the group will enjoy a Safari feast followed by a Comic Magician, Jerry Fraiser. Plus much more to come for late evening and Sunday!

The Accelerated Genetics cooperative Young Producer Program is available to customers (herd owners and employees) in the membership area of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois. If you live this area and wish to learn more about upcoming events check out Accelerated Genetics website at www.accelgen.com or contact Kari Stanek at 800.451.9275 ext. 222 or kstanek@accelgen.com.

Tony and Maizie Scheffler Family - Zumbrota, Minn.

Someone spotted a wild animal at the Kalahari

Tim Servais, Stoddard, Wis., Introduces him and his family during the welcome program.

The Popp family of Royalton, Minn. really got into the Safari spirit…they are hunting for the big cats!

Amy Larson of Larson Acres, Evansville, Wis. helps her daughter Ellie and others with craft projects during the tiny tot session.

Some little hunters gather butterflies.

More young hunters make there way through the ”wild” safari.

The Holstein breeders of California know how to throw a party! Convention activities so far have been a great combination of serious junior competitions, insightful senior meetings and lots of laughter, good food and entertainment.

Today”’’s dairy bowl contests are involving five Pee-Wee teams, eight Junior teams and five Senior teams. Speech winners and Breeders of the Future winners will be announced at today”’’s junior awards luncheon, as well as those winning Junior All-American and Res. Junior All-American honors.

Convention report by the numbers:
Last night”’’s Host Night at the Train Museum was sold out at 350 tickets, with the banquet tonight selling 225.

Holstein Association President and California Holstein breeder Doug Maddox delivered the State of the Association address, highlighting the fact that animals in the Complete Program as of 11/07 number 197,000, while animals classified through 11/07 were 325,000, a 5% increase over last year at the same time. There”’’s also 10,000 junior Holstein members nationwide.

Jodi Hoynoski gave the financial report from the Association, mentioning that income from registrations is up by 6%; classification revenues are up by 11%; ear tag revenues up 35%; and Holstein Complete revenues are up 17%. SET revenues are down 4%.

The Association has given the Holstein Foundation three million dollars from the reserve fund to aid with their programs, mainly the YDLI program, which will start its sixth class next month.

Stay tuned for more convention news!

Even if it was cold and snowy (which it definitely was) there was no way I was going to miss seeing the herds on the tour last Thursday: Lindale Holsteins, Luck-E Holsteins, and Lenkaitis Holsteins! I was a little unfamiliar with the territory, but, not to worry! A fun group of Holstein breeders from the southern part of the state had rented a fifteen passenger bus,and they invited me to tag along, so off we went on the snow caravan!

First~a word about what all three of these herds had in common-they are multi-generational and have enthusiastic family members just getting their own Holstein careers really rolling. As a result, just like the industry, they””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””re never standing still! New barns, new practices, and new ways of thinking only insure the future sucess of these great breeding establishments and add to the superb foundations they have already built!

Lindale Holsteins-Dale, Linda, Jeff and Julie Drendel are the principals in this operation along with the Team Holsteins partnership of Jeff Drendel, Kevin Kriegel, and Tyson Pace. As you go through this barn, there is one good cow right after another, but commanding your attention always is the massive and beautiful Supreme Champion of the Illinois State Fair, Lindale Mac Dynasty (EX-94) It”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””’’s hard to take your eyes off her, but if you do, you””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””ll find plenty to capture your fascination including the always lovely EX-93 Irwindale Leduc Molly, Reserve Grand Champion of the Mid-East Fall National and Winner of the 5-Year-Old Futurity at the Illinois State Show. Two EX-93 Durhams also grace the powerhouse herd at this time, along with an EX-92 Eland, EX 91 Brent, and and EX-91 Forbidden. Another really nice milking Forbidden had recently arrived in the herd also and was making the adjustment nicely. Younger members of the cow herd that are rising in prominence are sired by Durham, Ito, Hi Metro and Dante.

Next, it was on to the Luck-E Holsteins herd. Dennis, Beth, Matt and Joe Engel are the owners. The statistics on this herd are the stuff legends are made of-64 EX cows call the herd home at this time. In the heifer pens, 121 Head are from EX dams that average 93 points. Emphasis in the herd is to stay cutting edge with the deepest pedigrees, fancy show type heifers and cows, and the latest in genetic elite trends such as extreme components and Red and Red Factor animals. Some cow families that are in prominence at this time are: 1) Klassy (3E-94,EX-97-MS) which has produced the popular Excalibur sire Advantage and Kalotta, the Reserve Intermediate Champion, 2006 Mid-East Spring Show, along with many other high profile family members 2)the Bobbis-whose most recently high profiled members include Blackice Blizzard (EX-95,EX-95-MS), along with Bizar Talent (VG-88, VG-88-MS) who was 1st place and BU, IL State Show ””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””07, and Talent Blizzard (VG-86,EX-MS) 3)the Ashleys, which produced the Arizona cow w/56,280M 2872F 1855P, and from which the popular bull mother Blitz Australia (VG-87, VG-87-MS) gets her foundation for greatness. 4)Trust Bardholm Trust Lee (EX-93) heads up this family, which includes family members Linjet Tizzle(EX-91), Linjet Twizzle (VG-89-2Y0 Trinity Charles (EX-94) and EX daughters of Lee and Leduc, as well. These and many others (you can lull yourself into thinking 50,000M records and EX-93+ cows are the norm here) are also the source for an aggressive flushing program at Luck-E. You can see much, much more on this herd at www.holsteinworld.com/Luck-E

The Lenkaitis family, Al Jr, Andy, Albert and Mary Etta, daughter Liz Dorn, and Vicky and Ryan Stohlquist are involved with the Lenkaitis Holsteins herd. Joe Mills is the manager. Herd size is 46 cows and 26 heifers with more animals housed at Stohl-Len Holsteins, (Vicky and Ryan) Major families represented in the small quality herd include Elgin-Vue Regal Arlene (2E-90) (a VG-88 Glen-Drummond Dragon) Pine-Shelter Lucina Fargo (3E-95-DOM) (a VG-85 C-J Button Mickey w/ 1000F) and the 2E-92 Arsenio Jasmine w/1434F. Other important members of the herd are sired by Talent, Red Marker, Cousteau, Charles, Kite, Jordan (from the Enhancer Scarletts) Bacculum, Advent and Shottle. The Lenkaitis herd has been noted for their Red and Red Factor Specialty genetics, and will continue this tradition, from the looks of things!

Every farm had refreshments and a welcoming place for visitors to warm up before heading back to the historic Stratford Inn in Sycamore. It was a real treat for all involved!