Wisconsin Holstein Wraps Up a Successful 2012 Junior Convention
By Larry Nelson, WHA

The annual Wisconsin Junior Holstein Convention was hosted by the Clark County juniors in Eau Claire, Wis., at The Plaza Inn & Suites, December 28-30, 2011. Over 500 Holstein members, chaperones, and volunteers were in attendance to help make the weekend a huge success. Throughout the convention, junior members participated in numerous contests, including speaking, arts and crafts, photography, Dairy Jeopardy and Dairy Bowl.

The largest competition of the weekend was Dairy Bowl, in which 24 junior, 29 senior, and five rookie teams competed.

Junior Team winner – Manitowoc County – Bieke de Bruijn, Jake Siemers, Jordan Siemers & Josh Siemers
2nd place Jr. team – Dodge County

Senior Team winner – Polk County – Brett Getschel, Cody Getschel, Chris Rassier & Ethan Dado
2nd place Sr. team – Vernon County

Dairy Jeopardy Results
Junior: 1st Jake Siemers, Manitowoc; Adam Field, District 5 Junior Club; Kylie Nickels, Dodge
Intermediate: 1st Crystal Siemers-Peterman, Manitowoc; Jordan Siemers, Manitowoc; Andy Sell, Dodge
Senior: 1st Kyle Natzke, Fond du Lac; Stephanie Nagel, Manitowoc; Rachel Hartlaub, Manitowoc

Speech Contest Results
Junior: Reece Lehman, Trempealeau; Courtney Moser, Vernon; and Abby Field, District 5 Junior Club
Intermediate: Kati Kindschuh, Fond du Lac; Jordan Siemers and Barloe Brisson, both of Manitowoc
Senior: Kaitlyn Riley, Crawford; Laura Finley, Jefferson; and Rachel Hartlaub, Manitowoc

Outstanding Holstein Boy & Girl
Kyle Natzke of Fond du Lac County and Laura Elliott of Dane County

Distinguished & Younger Distinguished Member finalists:

DJM candidates: Amelia Cooper, Dane; Stephanie Nagel, Manitowoc; Kyle Natzke, Fond du Lac; and Kayla Wright, Jefferson

YDJM candidates: Katherine Larson, Vernon; Elizabeth Sarbacker, Dane; Jordan Siemers, Manitowoc; and Nicole Wright, Jefferson

2012 Wisconsin Holstein Princess – Laura Finley, Jefferson
2012 Wisconsin Princess Attendant – Anna Blake, Waupaca/Waushara

Special recognition is given to youth leaders that have been nominated by youth in the Junior Holstein Association and selected by the Junior Activities Committee. This year’s WHY (Wisconsin Holstein Youth) Friends were Kelle Calvert of Lafayette County and Laura Wackershauser of Grant County, both in the six years and over division.

Wisconsin Holstein awarded nearly $12,000 in scholarships this year, and following the award presentation, an auction was held to raise funds for future awards. Donated items auctioned off included clippers from Andis, UW-Madison Men’s Hockey tickets donated by Ted and Sandy Halbach, a certificate for a Bonnie Mohr print, UW-Madison Men’s Basketball tickets donated by Corey Geiger and Krista Knigge, another two pairs of men’s basketball tickets donated by the Rob Rippchen family, and a show package donated by NASCO. Also donated was a Bonnie Mohr Print from Second-Look Holsteins, a Steiger 600 Replica Pedal Tractor from Case-IH, a stay at the “Doctor’s House” by Daluge Travel, and an Agri-Graphics gift package. Funds from these items, along with a silent auction, are put into the WHA scholarship fund, and nearly $3,000 was added this year.

The Wisconsin Junior Holstein Association awards interested juniors the opportunity to travel to an area of the state to tour farms and learn from their dairy operations. This Farm Tour award was given to twelve recipients including Morgan Lundy of Jefferson County, Theresa Madland
of the District 5 Junior Club, Tony Weier of Iowa County, Brooks Hendrickson of Green County, Riley Bricco of Shawano County, Elizabeth Sarbacker of Dane County, Cassi Miller and Jackie Breuch of Wood County, Kati Kindschuh and Derrek Kamphius of Fond du Lac County
and Joshua Butler and Andy Sell of Dodge County. The group will be traveling the state early this spring.

JAC Committee – New members – Andrea Pagenkopf of Grant County (southwest district), Ryan Pralle of Clark County (northwest district), John Klossner of Green County (southeast district), and Nicholas Schuster of Fond du Lac County (northeast district)
Already elected – Katie Wendorf of Vernon County, Cara Biely of Waupaca/Waushara County, Brett Hildebrandt of Dodge County
and Nathan Huser of Wood County.

Advertising Contest
Junior: Carley Krull, Jefferson; Cole Booth, Sheboygan; Jordan Siemers, Manitowoc
Senior: Andrea Pagenkopf, Grant; Bryce & Cassy Krull, Jefferson
People’s Choice winners – Carley Krull and Bryce Krull

Photography Contest
Juniors: Ava Booth, Sheboygan; Morgan George, Trempealeau; Rachel Nigh, Vernon
Seniors: Tony Weier, Iowa; Andrea Pagenkopf, Grant; Valerie Kramer, Fond du Lac County
People’s choice winners – Ava Booth and Tony Weier

Photography Farm Scenes
Juniors: Paige Nelson, Pierce; Jessica Steger, Crawford (2nd and 3rd)
Seniors: Jackie Breuch, Wood; Tony Weier, Iowa; Danae Bauer, Waupaca/Waushara
People’s choice winners – Paige Nelson and Tony Weier

Photography Farm Animals
Juniors: Morgan George, Trempealeau; Rachel Coyne, Pierce; Kristen Broege
Seniors: Danae Bauer, Waupaca/Waushara (1st and 3rd); Felicia Opsal, Dane
People’s choice winners – Rachel Coyne and Megan Miller

Arts Contest
Juniors: Hannah Nelson, Pierce; Rachel Nigh, Vernon; Joey Opsal, Dane
Seniors: Tony Weier, Iowa; John Klossner, Green; Sarah Gerbitz, Rock
People’s choice winners – Rachel Nigh and Tony Weier

Crafts Contest
Juniors: Sara Dorshorst, Wood; David Petersheim, Vernon; Anna Christensen, Polk
Seniors: Tony Weier, Iowa; Justin Peper, Polk; Elizabeth Sarbacker, Dane
People’s choice winners – David Petersheim and Tony Weier

Scrapbook
1 – Green County; 2 – Grant County; 3 – Vernon County
Digital Scrapbook
1 – Grant County; 2 – Polk County

Folding Display
Juniors: Hope Petersheim, Vernon; Emily Steger, Crawford; Rachel Nigh, Vernon
People’s choice – Rachel Nigh
Intermediates: Valerie Kramer, Fond du Lac; Katherine Larson, Vernon; Katie Bauer, Waupaca/Waushara
Seniors: Tina Barton, Lafayette; Danae Bauer, Waupaca/Waushara
People’s choice winner – Tina Barton

Essay Contest
Junior: Marcus Schroepfer, Langlade
Seniors: Charlie Hamilton, Grant; Stephanie Nagel, Manitowoc; Morgan Lundy, Jefferson
Spirit Award – District 5 Junior Club

Bell-R-Ring Contest – Sheboygan/Langlade – Red Solo Cup
Penny War Jug Decoration – Vernon – “Rockin” cheese guitar

Dairy Bowl Written Exam
Juniors: Jordan Siemers, Manitowoc; Matthew Kramer, Fond du Lac; Kenni Bores, Wood
Seniors: Jessica James, Iowa; Matthew O’Leary, Fond du Lac; Dane Thompson, Barron

111 Students from 14 Colleges Participate in 9th Annual Northeast Regional Dairy Challenge
By Raechel K. Sattazahn

Morrisville State College hosted a successful Northeast Regional Dairy Challenge that drew 111 students from 12 northeast colleges and two Canadian universities to Watertown, New York on October 27-29, 2011. This event marked the ninth annual Northeast Regional Dairy Challenge which is an innovative, three-day educational competition designed to prepare students for careers in the dairy industry.

Working in mixed-university teams of four or five students, contestants assessed all aspects of a working dairy farm, including facilities, nutrition, financials, reproduction, animal health and much more. Students collaborated on a 20-minute team presentation that detailed their observations and suggestions to a panel of judges and participating farm families. Teams were ranked as platinum, gold or silver based on how well their evaluations matched the judges’ evaluations of the dairy operation.

The objective of this evaluation process is to create a real-life situation that stresses the importance of teamwork and professionalism. Industry chair Cathy Wickswat of Cargill Animal Nutrition explained, “Not only does the Dairy Challenge teach technical knowledge, it excels in helping students to develop people skills.”

Farms evaluated at the 2011 competition included Beller Farms, LLC in Carthage, NY, Deer Run Dairy, LLC in Adams, NY and Murcrest Farms, LLC in Copenhagen, NY. All teams also participated in educational workshops at Wood Farms in Clayton, NY and attended an industry career fair. Team-building and fun activities were held throughout the weekend to encourage networking among students and sponsors.

Teams, which were named after top sponsors of the Northeast Regional Dairy Challenge, were ranked as follows:
Platinum – Farm Credit, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative, Merck Animal Health and Zinpro Corporation

Gold – AgChoice Farm Credit, Alltech, Dairy One, Dairylea Cooperative, DSM Nutritional Products, Elanco Animal Health, Farm Credit Northeast Ag Enhancement, Genex Cooperative, Inc., Kent Nutrition Group and Select Sires, Inc.

Silver – ABS Global, Inc., Cargill, Inc., Cows Come First, Dairy One, Holtz-Nelson Dairy Consultants, New England Jersey Breeders Association, Northeast Ag & Feed Alliance, Northeast Dairy Producers Association, Shur-Gain, Table Rock Farm and Woody Hill Farm

University of Maine will host the 2012 Northeast Regional Dairy Challenge. For more information about next year’s contest, please contact David Marcinkowski of University of Maine at davidm@umext.maine.edu. You may also contact industry chair Brett Denny of Vermont DHIA at bdenny@vtdhia.org.

Participants, sponsors and planning committee members of the 2011 Northeast Regional Dairy Challenge.

Larry Bardoff of Cornell University and Melissa Boess of Penn State University review farm information.

Jacob Brandt of Cornell University takes notes during the farm visit to Beller Farms, LLC.

Students evaluate heifer facilities at Murcrest Farms, LLC.

Team members achieving platinum honors at 2011 Northeast Dairy Challenge included (from the left), front row: Lauren Williams, Cornell University; Christy Hindman, Penn State University; Melissa Boess, Penn State University; Audrey Ervin, University of Maryland; Lindsey Peterson, University of New Hampshire; back row: Randy Miller, Cornell University; Megan Hathaway, University of Guelph; Larry Bardoff, Cornell University; Matthew Grab, SUNY Cobleskill; Kyle Sudhoff, The Ohio State University – ATI; Hillary Knight, University of Maine; Chelsea Hargrave, Cornell University; Kenneth Nearhoof, Morrisville State College; Eric Winsor, Cornell University; Aubrey Swanson, Delaware Valley College; Andrew Whitney, Vermont Technical College; Seth Ripley, Morrisville State College; Wade Deaken, University of Guelph; Katie Hanehan, Cornell University.

For more information on the Dairy Challenge programs and contests, please visit http://www.dairychallenge.org.

Youth comes to the fore in WWS competition

14 year-old Matthew Patton from Newtonnards, Northern Ireland, has been announced as the winner of the World Wide Sires (WWS) UK national stockjudging photo competition.

Running over the summer shows, over 1,000 entries were submitted and young Matthew impressively matched the order of expert judge Iwan Morgan, Erie Holsteins, placing them as follows:
1. Wormanby Damion Sandra 77 VG87 (Sire: Erbacres Damion)
2. Hawksmoor Decker Dora 47 VG87 (Sire: Far-O-La Debbi-Jo Decker)
3. Lordsplain Sam Brandy VG88 (Sire: Regancrest-Mr Drham Sam)
4. Ortongrange Design Flirt VG87 (Sie: Regancrest Design)
5. Tonbrook Perform Natalie VG85 (Sire: Windy-Knoll-View Perform)

Unable to make the grand prize of an international trip to Cremona, Italy for the International Dairy Cattle Show in October, Matthew, who comes from the renowned ‘Ards’ herd, has been awarded flights to the Royal Highland Show next year with three nights accommodation for two.
In addition to the judging competition, the breeder of the first placed animal also receives a prize and in this instance, Mr Hodgson, Wormanby Holsteins, Cumbria, has won two places on the WWS Italy trip to Cremona.

Places for the WWS Italian tour in October are still available, to book and for more information call FREEPHONE: 0800 1613371.
~provided by Isobel Whittaker, Cogent Breeding Ltd.

Judge Iwan Morgan giving reasons on his placings at the UK Dairy Event at the NEC.

Winner of the competition, Wormanby Damion Sandra 77 VG87.

First annual Cream of the Crop Dairy Challenge was a success
By Mark Lundy

The first annual Cream of the Crop Dairy Challenge was held at the Fort Atkinson High School and at Lundy Farms on September 17, 2011. Youth from across the state of Wisconsin came to test their dairy industry knowledge and teamwork skills. Teams of four worked together through six stations covering sire selection, commercial heifers, registered heifers, DHIA herd reports, dairy cattle disease identification, and a quiz on basic dairy industry knowledge. At the completion of the contest everyone was treated to Rocky Rococo pizza, which was sponsored by Badgerland Financial and Accelerated Genetics. Milk for the lunch was supplied by the Sassy Cow Creamery. Officials were Maureen and Gerrit DeBruin.

Winning the contest was the team of Carrie Urbanek, Casey Urbanek, Brooke Muenzenberger all of Cashton and Nicole Wright of Johnson Creek. Placing second in the contest was the team of Colin Uecker, Dawson Nickels, Ben Uecker, and Andy Sell all from Watertown. Placing third was the Laconia FFA team with members Matthew and Nathan O’Leary and Darren and Derrek Kamphuis.

The Cream of the Crop 4-H Club that hosted the event would like to thank Gerrit and Maureen DeBruin for officiating the contest and the numerous volunteers that kept the contest running smoothly. This contest would not have been possible without the tremendous support of ABS Global, Ag Source, Busy Barns Adventure Center, East Central Select Sires, the Fort Atkinson FFA Alumni, and Premier Insurance Solutions LLC who all generously supported the event.

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

The second place team from Watertown. Back Ben Uecker and Andy Sell. Front Colin Uecker and Dawson Nickels.

The Laconia FFA team finished third with members Matthew O’Leary, Darren Kamphuis, Nathan O’Leary and Derrek Kamphuis.

354 youth from nine states competed on Sunday September 18th in the largest ever showmanship contest held in Harrisburg, PA during the All-American Dairy Show.

Topping the 107 head of junior competitors was Mason Mazzaro of Williamsfield, Ohio.

The remaining winners were:

2nd – Jordan Helsley, Roaring Spring,PA
3rd – Eric Smith, Sadlersville, MD
4th – Jaclyn Isiminger, Union City, PA
5th – Brooke Andera, Great Valley, NY
6th – Cecelia Winkler, Woodbine, MD
7th – Jocelyn Snyder, Greenville, PA
8th – Mikayla Davis, Leesport, PA
9th – Natalie Youse, Ridgely, MD
10th – Lane Kummer, Evans City, PA

Top 10 Junior Showmanship from left to right: Brooke Andera, Eric Smith, Joclyn Snyder, Natalie Youse,Judge Janet Ludwig, Mikayla Davis, Mason Mazzaro, Jordan Helsley, Jadyn Isiminger, Lane Kummer, Cecelia Winkler

Sabrina Clark of Springville, PA topped the 140 contestants in the Intermediate division.

The remaining winners were:

2nd – Lexi Winkler, Woodbine, MD
3rd – Bailee Mazarro, Williamsfield, OH
4th – Daniel Kitchen, Danville, PA
5th – Kyle Jackson, Columbia Crossroads, PA
6th – Kayla Umbel, Emmitsburg, MD
7th – Jason Randall, Chittenango, NY
8th – Kyle Barton, Ancramdale, NY
9th – Mike Barton, Ancramdale, NY
10th – Ashlee Heath, Andover, OH

Top 10 Intermediate Showmanship from left to right: Jason Randall, Kyle Barton, Mikey Barton, Daniel Kitchen, Kyle Jackson, Sabrina Clark, Bailee Mazarro, Ashlee Heath, Kayla Umbel, Lexi Winkler, Judge Emily Yeiser

Cassidy Schirmer of Galena, Md., bested 107 other contestants in the Senior Division which also included a fitting portion for the 10 contestants.

Other winners included:

2nd – Logan Derickson, Middletown, DE
3rd – Lena Aiken, New Wilmington, PA
4th – Sabrina Dixon, New Wilmington, PA
5th – Troy Longenecker, Annville, PA
6th – Amber Dietz, Southington, OH
7th – Haley Groat, Walton, NY
8th – Ashlee Dietz, Columbus, OH
9th – Jordan Kennedy, Butler, PA
10th – Austin Johnson, Latrobe, PA

Top 10 Senior Showmanship from left to right: Troy Longenecker, Jordan Kennedy, Austin Johnson, Logan Derrickson, Cassidy Schirmer, Lena Aiken, Sabrina Dixon, Haley Groat, Ashley Dietz, Amber Dietz

Chairman Kathy Walton and fitting judge Aaron Eaton

This afternoon, six teams took over the showring in a flurry of clipping chutes, blow dryers, spray, power, clippers and energy! It’s the 4-H Dairy Clipping Contest, a very popular, 20+ year tradition at the Big E. One team of three from each of the six New England States will compete in a one hour competition to get their supplied animal “show ring ready.” Animals arrived washed and with their heads clipped. The teams do the rest. This year’s judge is Scott Davenport of Salem, CT. The contest follows the PDCA fitting guidelines and as one volunteer said, it’s a program that graduates many New England youth into professional cattle fitters.

Team Connecticut and some rowdy fans!

Team New Hampshire – the Clipping Ninjas

Team Maine

Team Massachusetts

Team Vermont

Team Rhode Island

And the action begins…

o

Congratulations to Team Maine for winning this year’s contest!!
And the rest of the results:
2. Massachusetts
3. Rhode Island
4. Vermont
5. Connecticut
6. New Hampshire

Welcome to the great New York State Fair! Dairy cattle showing kicks off this morning with the Holstein Youth Show, being officiated by Randy Frasier of Johnstown, NY. Check back for continuing coverage. Classes will be getting underway shortly!

Spring Calf (12)
1. Ms Sanches Georgia Rain (Gen-Mark Stmatic Sanchez), Gillian McEvoy, Cortland, NY
2. Roseland Advent Destiny (KHW Kite Advent-Red), Elie Holland, Marathon, NY
3. Highborn Kite Absolute-Red (Apples Absolute), Kyle Cacciola, Cobleskill, NY
4. Pricestead Dundee Stella (Regancrest Dundee), Bryce Warriner, Andover, NY
5. Kissamee MrSam Honeysm (Regancrest-Mr Durham Sam), Dylan Anderson, Cazenovia, NY

Winter Calf (17)
1. Sicy Attic Rachel (Allyndale-I Attic), Jaclyn Booth, Sandy Creek, NY
2. Ransom-Rail Rain Dance E (Maple-Downs-I GW Atwood), Ryan Dueppengiesser, Perry, NY
3. OCD Aspen Lark-ET (EK-Oseeana Aspen), Kelsey Warriner , Andover, NY
4. Horizon Phoenix Jitter (Windy-Knoll-View Phoenix), Bryant Hill, Gilbertsville, NY
5. OCD Laramie Twilite-ET (Wedgwood Laramie), Ryan Hamilton, Castile, NY

Fall Calf (23)
1. ZBW Sanchez Triumph (Gen-Mark Stmatic Sanchez), Taylor Morrill, DeKalb Jct., NY (calf is a great-granddaughter of the showring legend, Gaige Highlight Tamara)
2. Rossdale Knowledge Ritz (Sicy Knowledge), Chelsie Ross, Lowville, NY
3. Maple-Downs-CC DU Amelia (Regancrest Dundee), Emily Tillapaugh, Warnerville, NY
4. Lima Cuba Accapulco (Dupasquier Accapulco), Paige Morrill, DeKalb Jct., NY
5. Ridgedale Ripple (Sicy Knowledge), Cyrus Conard, Sharon Springs, NY

Summer Yearling (7)
1. Ms Joleanna Absol Apple (Apples Absolute-Red), Cooper Galton, Nunda, NY
2. Co-Vale Talent Jen-ET (Ladino Park Talent-Imp), Jason Randall, Chittenango, NY
3. Curr-Vale Linjet Twist (Sunnylodge Linjet), Matthew Currie, Tully, NY
4. Headline Chaz Jipsy (ZZ Tom Damion Chaz), Cassie Lynne Head, Hubbardsville, NY
5. Rossdale Knowledge Riley (Sicy Knowledge), Chelsie Ross, Lowville, NY

Spring Yearling (9)
1. Co-Vista Sanchez Dixie-ET (Gen-Mark I Stmatic Sanchez), Jared Dueppengiesser, Perry, NY
2. Headline Terrason Dixie (Innwood Terrason), Nicole Head, Hubbardsville, NY
3. Tumbleweed Rubens Sutan (STBVQ Rubens), Andrew Chlus, Little Falls, NY
4. Lincoln-Hill Amazing (Picston Shottle), Kealan Hitt, Eagle Bridge, NY
5. Gebarten Proof Tutu (Windy-Knoll-View Proof), Ryan Hight, Gouverneur, NY

Winter Yearling (7)
1. Sunspark Instamatic Kim (Instamatic), Jared Dueppengiesser, Perry, NY
2. Mikelholm Debonr Ribbon (Scientific Debonair), Emily Mikel, Stafford, NY
3. Kulp-Dale Ad Lynn-Red (KHW Kite Advent-Red), Emily Tillapaugh, Warnerville, NY
4. Rohe Shottle (Picston Shottle), Christopher Karasek, Baldwinsville, NY
5. Sweet-Melody Alex Lexie (Golden-Oaks St Alexander), Ashley Oeser, Sprakers, NY

Fall Yearling (4)
1. Sildajak Tristan Sassy-Red, Cooper Galton, Nunda, NY
2. Ms Elm Spring R Trix-Red, Andrew Tudor, Eagle Bridge, NY
3. Ransom Rail Aspen Serena (EK-Oseeana Aspen), Jared Dueppengiesser, Perry, NY
4. Coachside Dolman Mahlia (Regancrest Dolman), Ryan Hamilton, Castile, NY

Junior Champion: Co-Vista Sanchez Dixie, Spring yearling, Jared Dueppengiesser
Res. Junior Champion: Sicy Attic Rachel, Winter calf, Jaclyn Booth
HM Junior Champion: Sildajak Tristan Sassy-Red, Fall yearling, Cooper Galton

Fall Yearling in Milk (1)
1. Tiger Lily Roy Jenny (Roylane Jordan), Katelynn Mack, Greene, NY

Jr. 2-Year-Old (4)
1. Routina Dundee Zerolda (Regancrest Dundee), Paige Morrill, DeKalb Jct., NY
2. Helmcrest Glacier Gloria-Red, Cooper Galton, Nunda, NY
3. Ms Whitedale Dundee Frill, Krista DePew, Argyle, NY
4. Ridgedale Fleur-Red (Dudoc Mr Burns), Cyrus Conard, Sharon Springs, NY

Sr. 2-Year-Old (6)
1. Highborn Ad Koleis (KHW Kite Advent-Red), Kyle Cacciola, Cobleskill, NY
2. Ms Mikelholm-GH Ross Ba (Plain-O Durham Ross 331), Emily Mikel, Stafford, NY
3. Luivu Wildman Fanton (Ladys-Manor Wildman), Karch Manley, Hamilton, NY
4. Ms Lew-Lin Talent Chaos (Ladino Park Talent-Imp), Bryant Stuttle, Dryden, NY
5. Edmaral Marc Dinger (Regancrest-HHF Marcus), Marilyn Lamb, Buskirk, NY

Jr. 3-Year-Old (6)
1. Ms Kalies Advent Kalina-Red (KHW Kite Advent-Red), Jared Dueppengiesser, Perry, NY
2. Curr-Vale Encore Terra (Marcrest Encore), Emma Currie, Tully, NY
3. Kingsmill Tobis Tabytha E (Braedale Goldwyn), Stephanie Luders, Bliss, NY
4. Headline Velvet Heather (Heatherholme Velvet), Cassie Lynne Head, Hubbardsville, NY
5. Entry from Andrew Tudor, Eagle Bridge, NY

Sr. 3-Year-Old (9)
1. Windex Roy Lightning (Roylane Jordan), Kayla Windecker, Frankfort, NY
2. Ridgedale Runway-Red (KHW Kite Advent-Red), Cyrus Conard, Sharon Springs, NY
3. T-Farm Goldwyn Christy (Braedale Goldwyn), Zachary Taylor, Bouckville, NY
4. Entry from Jessica Currie, Tully, NY
5. Royalwater Goldwyn Paris (Braedale Goldwyn), Ed Facer, Newark, NY

4-Year-Old (6)
1. Bodnar Roy Buttercup (Roylane Jordan), Chelsie Ross, Lowville, NY
2. Ms Gins LJ Gabrielle-ET (Sunnylodge Linjet), Brock Liddle, Argyle, NY
3. Clem-El Advent Layla-Red (KHW Kite Advent-Red), Sydney Bennett, Canastota, NY
4. Highborn Stornor Lily 1547 (Highland-H Stormin Norman), Kyle Cacciola, Cobleskill, NY
5. Luivu Wildman Simba (Ladys-Manor Wildman), Karch Manley, Hamilton, NY
6. Donalter Inferno Baily-Red (Chelsea Jones), Little York, NY

5-Year-Old (2)
1. Woodel Pop Prancer (Tatacres Marty Pop), Caleb Vanburen, Lowville, NY
2. HSR Kite Alaska-ET (Markwell Kite), Claire Mulligan, Avon, NY

Aged Cow (1)
1. Wales Allen Fame (Canyon-Breeze Allen), Anthony Liddle, Argyle, NY

Senior & Grand Champion: Windex Roy Lightning, Sr. 3-year-old, Kayla Windecker
Res. Senior & Res. Grand Champion: Routine Dundee Zerolda, Jr. 2-year-old, Paige Morrill

Chelsea’s host experience:
The host family experience was one of the most enjoyable experiences of the Europe trip for me. I stayed with the Arnaud Bossler family from Noertrange, Luxembourg. This was a small village with a population of only 300 people. Arnaud was a Veterinarian who worked with both small and large animals. He went to vet school in Austria, and has been practicing medicine for nearly 25 years. One of the most interesting facts I learned was that all Belgian Blue females must have a cesarian section to remove their calves because of the heavy selection toward the double muscling gene. Also while visiting I performed my first solo neuter of a cat! Arnaud’s wife Marion was a part time teacher, mainly teaching adults German, French, and Luxembourgese. They also had a 19 year old daughter who will be starting college in the fall in Berlin, and a 15 year old son. The whole family spoke very good English, as well as German, French, and Luxemborgese.When not at the National show in Ettlebruck, we spent time touring the countryside. We visited a 700 head milking goat operation, a 120 Holstein cow herd, and a Belgian Blue farm. The goat farm had a 48 stall rotary parlor, and the dairy farm had a double 8 herringbone parlor. It was very common for small herds to have parlors or even robotic milkers. The rumor around the area was that they would soon be eliminating their quota system, so many farms were planning for increased herd size in the future when building new operations. The new freestall operations were all built with pressure treated wood versus aluminum siding like we see in the US. The family was extremely generous and welcoming. I would definetely go back and do something like this again in the future, and highly recommend other youth to step outside of their comfort zone and stay with a host family if given the opportunity.

Kelly’s host experience:
Near the end of our trip we visited Luxembourg and attended their National Holstein Show along with helping out at the Second Luxembourg Classic Holstein Sale. We also stayed with host families in Luxembourg. I stayed with Michele Crochet (23) and her family which consisted of her mother and father, who spoke no English, and her two younger sisters who were very good translators. They milk 55 Holsteins, most of which are Red and White. They also raise about 30 Limousine beef cattle. The beef bulls were surprisingly docile and enjoyed being scratched on the head. Most of the Holstein bulls they use are European bulls, but they also had Mac, Bolton and Super daughters in their herd. The host family was extremely generous and welcoming. While staying with them, we toured a few farms in the area of similar size and set up. We also saw Luxembourg City and much of the countryside as well as ate our first home cooked meal on the trip. It was much needed and enjoyed! We could also see Belgium from the family’s house and learned that you can get just about anywhere in Luxembourg in 30 minutes. I really enjoyed staying with my host family and learning how they farm and feel about the future of farming, which will definitely be changing in Luxembourg by 2015 with the quota system. It was also very interesting to see what we consider small farms in Wisconsin, would commonly have a milking parlor in Luxembourg. I would definitely recommend making Luxembourg a stop if you’re anywhere near Germany, Belgium or France. It’s a small country but full of so much culture and beautiful countryside.
____________________

And from the coach…
Kelly, Ben, Chelsea and I are back on U.S. soil after an incredible two-week tour of Europe that took us to Scotland, Great Britain, France, Luxembourg and Germany, while Brian remains behind for an internship experience in Ireland. My students are happy to be back, and all agree that the tour gave them a broader perspective of the world that we live in and what it means to be an American.

If you have been following the blog, you know that the team learned a lot about European agriculture during the trip, visiting a pasture-based dairy operation in Scotland, competing at both the Royal Highland and Luxembourg National youth dairy cattle judging contests, taking scenic coach tours through the open agricultural landscape of Great Britain and France, living with rural host families for three days in Luxembourg, observing how robotic milking systems work and gaining exposure in Germany to the art of fine wine making.

In each country we visited, we saw numerous sites of historical significance including castles and cathedrals, some dating back as far as 900 years, buildings that mark human engineering success such as the Eiffel Tower, and monuments to those who sacrificed in the two World Wars fought on the continent.

The tour also served as a social science laboratory, as they learned to adapt to cultural differences such as food, currency, public transportation and customs. One of the important things I believe my students learned from their experience is that people around the world are different and that’s okay, and the challenge is to try to understand why. Governments may have policies that we don’t always agree with, but as people they are very much like us, inherently generous and well intentioned.

A particularly moving experience for my students occurred at Luxembourg American and Memorial Cemetery where nearly 5,076 of our war dead are buried. Rows of white crosses and Stars of David mark the final resting place for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in World War II’s Battle of the Bulge. It was here that Allied Forces led by George S. Patton’s U.S. Third Army stemmed the enemy’s desperate Ardennes Offensive, one of the critical battles of World War II. Each grave faces U.S. soil except for one, that of Patton, who is buried facing the troops he commanded in battle. There is a solemn remembrance and resolve that each of us surely felt looking out over the cemetery. For the young people on the tour, there was also the reality of what service to your country can entail and a better sense of the risks that today’s soldiers take when they volunteer. A spontaneous singing of the Star Spangled Banner on the bus after we resumed our travels sent chills of pride through me and great confidence in this current generation of young Americans.

All of the parents and sponsors of the tour participants should be proud of how these young people represented themselves and our country. During their two weeks of travel we couldn’t have asked for better ambassadors. And besides the goodwill and learning that took place, it’s clear that the students had plenty of fun as well. Almost immediately, students from the different teams and schools interacted with each other, in some cases forming friendships that will surely last well beyond the conclusion of the tour.

I can’t begin to express my gratitude to the generous sponsors who helped give our students this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Your thoughtful donations truly enriched the educational experience of my students. Be assured your investment in these young people was a good one that will be rewarded many times over as they pursue their life goals.

Again, thank you and On Wisconsin!
TJH

A listing UW-Madison’s sponsors follows: UW-Madison Department of Dairy Science, UW-Madison CALS International Programs, East Central/Select Sires, Wuethrich Foundation, Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Badger Dairy Club, Mystic Valley Dairy, Badgerland Financial, Al Schultz, Heatherstone Enterprises, Nick and Jessica Sarbacker, Accelerated Genetics, Paul Manley and Sheila McGuirk, Tom Morris, Bob Hagenow, Foremost Farms USA, City Slickers Farm, ANIMART, Dane County Holstein Breeders, Casey and Kayla Jentz, Brian Kelroy, Scott Schugel, Anne Stanton, MilkSource Genetics, Tom and Vicki Sarbacker, Rosy-Lane Holsteins, Holstein World, Bob Behnke, Stoughton FFA Alumni, Eric and Angie Olstad, Bob Traynor, Association of Women in Agriculture, UltraScan, Swiss Valley Farms, Lynn Harbaugh, Filament Marketing, Mark and Beth Heinze, Partee Holsteins and Jerseys, Voegeli Farm, International Protein Sires, Sauk County Holstein Breeders, Peter and Lisa Coyne, Crave Brothers Cheese, Udder Tech, Mary Heinze, Nasco, Cycle Farms and Bruce and Kim Sime.

For more information on the University of Wisconsin’s Dairy Science Department and programs, please visit http://dysci.wisc.edu/.

It’s Day 2 in the life and adventures of the UW-Madison Dairy Judging team! Today, the group toured Edinburgh and went to the Royal Highland Show for a walk around. Judging starts tomorrow with four classes and four minutes to judge each class (two of which are reasons classes). And then it’s off to England! Stay tuned for more from Kelly Sime and the team!

Outside Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh

With Edinburgh in the background!

Edinburgh Castle

Some of the Scottish Highlanders at the Royal Highland Show!

HolsteinWorld intern Taylor Pires reports in after a busy day of Friday events!

The New Jersey Senior Dairy Bowl team “collaborating on a bonus” for the camera.

New Jersey Senior Dairy Bowl team

Illinois juniors supporting their Senior dairy bowl team.

The New York Senior Dairy Bowl team

Michigan juniors sporting their “Got milk?” t-shirts and dairy pride!

Juniors from Utah kickin’ it on the couch, minus their “gangsta” coach J-Money!

Indiana Senior Dairy bowl team, which will be in the finals this morning!

The Iowa Junior Dairy Bowl team with their colorful and creative name tags. Just before this picture they were in an intense round with California which came down to a tie breaker and ended in Iowa’s favor.

The New England Junior Dairy Bowl team. Maggie on the far left is competing in a national dairy bowl contest for the very first time and it is her very first national convention as well.

The Wisconsin Junior Dairy Bowl team is keeping it all in the family! Their team is made up of the Siemers cousins!

The New York Junior Dairy Bowl team.

Best friends Caitlin Lopes and Katie Migliazzo supporting the California Junior Dairy Bowl team.

The California Junior Dairy Bowl team with the infamous Marilyn Herzog, known for being a past California dairy bowl coach, owner of Sleepy Hollow Holsteins, and beloved moderator each year at the California State Holstein Convention.