Illinois Holstein Juniors had the opportunity to hear from the International Agvocate Blogger Danielle Hammer, a student at University of Wisconsin-River Falls and an avid social networking supporter of Agriculture.

http://internationalagvocate.wordpress.com/

During this trying time it is important to support agriculture on social networking sites. Danielle gives the following guidelines on how to use Facebook as a tool.

My top ten things to do with Facebook as an “agvocate” include:

1. Updating your status
2. Sharing a link
3. Asking a question
4. Posting a photo
5. Promoting your cause
6. Creating an album
7. Engaging in a conversation
8. Sharing a video
9. Creating a fan page
10. “Like” other pages

Danielle’s 10 ten tips:

1. It’s about the human connection
2. Stay Positive – Keep it Clean
3. There’s a caption for that
4. KISS – Keep it super simple
5. People love to “like” things
6. Engage in the conversation
7. Do not post something you would not say to a person’s face
8. Words tell the story, photos bring it to life
9. Give credit where credit is due – Say “Thank you!”
10. What you do today, will be on your resume tomorrow.

Start your own Facebook, Twitter or Blog – don’t know how or what these are? Find out more here. http://ofbf.org/uploads/Social-Media-Guide-V2_single-pages-PRESS.pdf

Link web sites that show Myths vs or Facts such as www.dairyfarmingtoday.org

Allow the community to meet the dairy farmers: Here is a great resource to get additional links: http://thedairymom.blogspot.com/2011/01/wonder-whos-producing-your-milk-meet.html

Social networking is a vital tool and is all around us. Check out some of the other dairy blogs that are promoting a healthy and caring industry.

Michele Payn-Knoper http://www.causematters.com/agriculture/mercy-for-animals-calves-animal-abuse/

Brenda (Sousa) Hasings http://thedairymom.blogspot.com/

Ray Prock Jr. http://raylindairy.wordpress.com/ Ray has a list of many more on his April 19, 2011 post

The Dairyman’s Blog: http://gilmerdairy.blogspot.com/

Proud to Dairy blog listings http://proudtodairy.ning.com/page/dairy-blogs-we-love

Dairy Innovation http://dairyinnovation.wordpress.com

Crazymoos: http://crazymoos.wordpress.com

The list is endless

Bottom line is we need to work together to let others know that Chocolate Milk is still MILK and the Majority of Dairy farmers care for their animals; occasionally giving up sleep, family events and a warm meal for the health and well being of their cows.

By Marion Seifert

The 2011 Northeast Youth Show Calf Summit was held on April 1st and 2nd at Cowtown Holsteins, Derby Line, VT. The event was open to all youth interested in showing dairy animals from throughout the Northeast regardless whether they live on a farm or not and regardless of their breed affiliation. The Summit ran from noon on Friday until noon on Saturday. The cost was a $25 registration fee per person which covers all meals, supplies and the cost of the presenters. The only other cost to participants is their hotel room.

Now in its fourth year, this year’s program was probably the strongest yet. The presenters were some of the most highly regarded professionals from the show world. They include Callum McKinven, Quebec of Lookout Holsteins & Jerseys. Callum is not only a successful breeder but a judge of both national and international shows. Bert Stewart, Ontario is one of the most highly respected showmen on either side of the border and has written a book for youth on showmanship that will be available for the participants. Adam Liddle, Argyle, NY of Liddleholm Farm is another successful breeder who is in demand as a judge of national shows. Rick Allyn, Canaan, CT, Allyndale Farm is legendary for his ability to select and grow out calves for the show ring. Abe Light, Idaho and Erich McEnroe, NY are both fitters who have clipped numerous All-Americans. Dr. Jadene Patch, Lebanon, NH, Walhowdon Farm is a large animal vet who has children that show. Lucinda Williams, Hatfield, MA represents the dairy producers on the National Beef Board. She has recently served as Chairman of the Board is the first dairy producer to hold this position. Bonnie Burr, UCONN Extension is not only a breeder but also the Superintendent of the Dairy Show at the Eastern States Exposition. Bob Fitzsimmons, VT is another judge of national and international shows who has successfully managed several famous breeder establishments.

Subjects that were covered included Selection, Clipping, Nutrition, Health, Showmanship, The Udder Side of the Dairy Business, Show Savy and Opportunities Beyond the Show Ring. Also two sessions will be offered for the adults in attendance titled “How to Buy a Calf for my Child” and “A Vaccination Program”. A new feature this year allowed some of the older and more experienced youth to actually work with a calf to take it from unclipped to ready for the show ring which included working with team members to present a display of their calves as if they were at a show and getting the calves entered in a show. They also had a showmanship contest.

For more information New England Holstein Association activities and events, please visit their website at www.nesholsteins.com.

Congratulations to the 2011 Distinguished Junior Member Semi finalists

Philip Bachman, PA
Danae Bauer, WI
Mandy Brazil, CA
Mitchell Kappelman, WI
Kelly Lee, WI
Carl Lippert, WI
Aaron Mitchell, IL
Elizabeth Olson, MN
Christopher Potts, VA
Luke Rauen, IA
Kevin Shaffer, PA
Dan Stewart, IA

From the Holstein USA: The Distinguished Junior Member award recognizes 17-21 year olds who have excelled in preparing for their life’s work, while contributing to their local and state Holstein activities.

Established in 1922, this contest is the longest running Holstein youth program, and is the highest honor that can be given to a Junior Holstein member.

Each state, based on their National Junior Membership, may nominate up to four youth to compete in the National contest. Contestants prepare entry books summarizing their Junior Holstein activities and provide their views on current industry topics.

Twelve semi finalists are chosen to attend the National Holstein Convention, where six Distinguished Junior Member finalists are selected. The top six DJMs receive an annual renewed adult membership with the Holstein Association USA, Inc.

Congratulations to the 2011 Young Distinguished Junior Member Finalists

Anna Culbertson, MN
Elizabeth Davis, MD
David Hardesty, Jr., VA
Jaylene Lesher, PA
Jessica Pralle, WI
Ruben Schaapman, GA
Jacob Shaffer, PA
Crystal Siemers-Peterman, WI

Similar to the Distinguished Junior Member contest, the Young Distinguished Junior Member award recognizes 9-16 year olds for their accomplishments working with Holsteins, achievements and leadership in Holstein activities, as well as school and community involvement. The top individuals are honored at National Holstein Convention.

The Illinois Juniors competed for their placement on the National Holstein Dairy Bowl team, Dairy Jeopardy, Poster Displays and Speaking contests. Their annual “Spring Thing” was held March 5th & 6th at the Chateau Hotel in Bloomington, IL. Over 80 members, chaperons and volunteers participated in the two day event.

The top 10 Dairy Bowl participants in each division went head to head during their evening banquet which resulted in the final selection of the contestants to represent IL in Virginia.

Click on the picture to view larger

Contest Winners:

Speech: Megan Exner – Junior Division
Kaitlyn Carlson – Intermediate Division
Sarah Sheehan – Senior Division

Dairy Bowl:
Tri County – Senior Division
Boone Winnebago – Junior Division

Dairy Bowl Top Ten Seniors: Top Ten Juniors:

1. Aaron Mitchell                                                     1. Emily Irwin
2. Morgan Bollech                                                    2. Dan Obert
3. Elizabeth Myelle                                                   3. Lane Heinzmann
4. Ryan Sheehan                                                       4. Bri Sheehan
5. Sarah Sheehan                                                      5. Jessica Crull
6. Justin Crull                                                           6. Bria Koester
7. Matt Drendel                                                        7. Anna Folgate
8. Phillip Shanks                                                        8. Morgan Olbrich
9. Josh Huelsman *                                                   9. Meredith Ziller
10. Kristi Droste                                                        10. Kaitlyn Carlson
11. Miranda Kollman

*Did not compete for the National Team

Dairy Jeopardy
Anna Folgate – Junior Division
Morgan Bollech – Intermediate Division
Aaron Mitchell – Senior Division

Poster Contest Winners Advancing to Nationals:
Brock Irwin
Emily Irwin
Kaylen Miller

Yesterday, September 27th, twenty teams competed for the coveted honor of being named the 1st place National Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Team. This year’s contest was one of the highest scoring contests in history with all contestants doing extremely well. The participants judged 12 classes with well qualified cattle from all seven dairy breeds. Besides placing scores, the participants were scored on oral reasons from six classes.

During an awards breakfast this morning, the team from UW-Madison earned top honors. Team members were Kelly Sime, Brian Coyne, Chelsea Holschbach and Ben Sarbacker. They were coached by Dr. Ted Halbach and Brian Kelroy. Brian Coyne also placed 1st overall and was recognized as having the highest total points in history! He scored 876 points out of 900 possible points! His teammate Chelsea Holschbach earned 2nd place honors with a score of 865 points. Holschbach and Coyne also placed 1st and 2nd in reasons, respectively.

The team from University of Minnesota has a lot to be proud of as well. The team consisting of four girls: Megan Herberg, Caitlin Kasper, Mikayla Krause and Abby Udermann won 1st place team in oral reasons. The team was coached by Dr. Les Hansen. Indvidually overall Herberg placed 3rd, Kasper 4th and Udermann 7th.

Top 10 overall

Individuals
1. Brian Coyne- UW Madsion
2. Chelsea Holschbach- UW Madison
3. Megan Herberg- Univeristy of Minnsota
4. Caitlin Kasper- University of Minnesota
5. Joshua Ebert- Penn State
6. Ashley Sears- Cornell University
7. Abby Uderman- University of Minnesota
8. Hannah Thompson- Ohio State University
9. Corey Kayheart- Cornell University
10. Jessica Perkins- Cornell University

L to R: Steve Howard, Brian Kelroy (coach), Chelsea Holschbach, Brian Coyne, Ted Halbach (coach), John Meyer

Teams
1. UW-Madison
2. University of Minnesota
3. Cornell University
4. Penn State
5. Ohio State University
6. Virgina Tech
7. Cal-Poly
8. UW-River Falls
9. UW-Platteville
10. Iowa State University

1st place team overall University of Wisconsin Madison
L to R: Brian Kelroy, Kelly Sime, Chelsea Holshbach, Brian Coyne, Ben Sarbacker and Ted Halbach

2nd place team overall University of Minnesota

L to R: Scott Elinghuysen, Abby Uderman, Caitlin Kasper, Megan Herberg, Mikayla Krause, Alicia Thurk and Les Hansen

Top 10 Reasons

Individuals
1. Chelsea Holschbach- UW- Madison
2. Brian Coyne – UW-Madison
3. Joshua Ebert- Penn State
4. Megan Herberg- University of Minnesota
5. Caitlin Kasper- University of Minnesota
6. Abby Uderman – University of Minnesota
7. Elaina Rader- Penn State
8. Ashley Sears- Cornell University
9. Katlyn Hendershot- West Virgina University
10. Hannah Thompson- Ohio State University

High Indiviual in Oral Reasons
L to R: Brian Kelroy, Chelsea Holschbach, Tom Morris and Ted Halbach

Teams
1. University of Minnesota
2. UW- Madison
3. Penn State
4. Cornell University
5. Ohio State University
6. Cal-Poly
7. Universityh of Georgia
8. Virginia Tech
9. UW- Riverfalls
10. Kansas State University

High team in oral reasons- University of Minnesota
L to R: Scott Elinghuysen, Caitlin Kasper, Megan Herberg, Abby Uderman, Mikayla Krause, Alicia Thurk and Les Hansen

*(individual points/points possible)

Ayrshire
Individuals
1.Brian Coyne- UW Madison (100/100)
2.Elaina Rader- Penn State (98/100)

Teams
1. UW- Madsion
2. Penn State

Brown Swiss
Individuals
1. Brian Coyne- UW Madison (148/150)
2. Lynnae Slavik- Michigan State (148/150)

Teams
1. UW- Madison
2. Ohio State University

Guernsey
Individuals
1. Abby Uderman- University of Minnesota (149/150)
2. Megan Herberg- University of Minnesota (148/150)

Teams
1. University of Georgia
2. Virginia Tech

Holstein
Individuals
1. Megan Herberg- University of Minnesota (149/150)
2. Ashley Sears- Cornell University (148/150)

Teams
1. Cornell Univeristy
2. Penn State

Jersey
Individuals
1. Elaina Rader- Penn State (149/150)
2. Caitlin Kasper- University of Minnesota (149/150)

Teams
1. University of Minnesota
2. Cornell University

Milking Shorthorn
Individuals
1. Chelsea Holschbach UW- Madison (96/100)
2. Anna Savelle- University of Georgia (95/100)

Teams
1. UW Madison
2. University of Minnesota

Red and White Holsteins
Individuals
1. Abby Uderman- University of Minnesota (100/100)
2. Joesph Coleman- Cal Poly (100/100)

Teams
1. UW- Madison
2. University of Minnesota

While the Green Mountain State isn’t the nation’s biggest, it is one of the best! The state Holstein Show, held at the Essex Fair on September 5, not only featured the best of Vermont Holsteins, but the best of Vermont Holstein breeders. Enjoy the sites from Essex!

Master Showmen! From left: Peter Rainville (Most Improved Showman); Maggie Kirby (Overall Champion); Isabel Hall (Pre-Junior winner); Shelby Biasini (Intermediate winner); Emily Wiggett (Senior winner); and Judge Bill Taylor.

A busy lady! Showmanship winner Maggie Kirby visits with fair goers after her big win.

Vermont Outstanding Service Award Winner John Cornell, congratulated by Marion Seifert.

Waiting patiently to get back into the ring are cousins Megan and Britney Hill.

Girls with ‘tude! Premier Exhibitor of the Junior Show Britney Hill (left) and Premier Breeder Chelsea Abbott.

The Woodlawn Holsteins LLC Crew! What’s next…a sale in the spring?

The Senior Champion lineup

Enjoying her first visit to the Vermont State Show is Sloan Nelson, with very happy parents Andrea & Cy!

Vermont Master Breeders Diane & Don Langmaid

Tim Abbott presents the Outstanding Youth Service Award to Martha Seifert.

Chelsea Abbott was the recipient of the John Knapp Leadership Award.

More scenes…

Dairy Leaders for Tomorrow Campaign Launched
By Jodi Hoynoski

Recently, I was putting together a PowerPoint presentation and I pulled up a picture from the 1994 World Dairy Expo, when they first named a Supreme Champion of the Junior Show.

My co-worker asked, “Who is that boy holding the Brown Swiss?” Once the boisterous laughter subsided, I admitted it was me. It is “Cruella Rose” and me in the moment that changed my life. I was a high school kid from Berlin, Wisconsin that just decided I wanted to spend the rest of my life dedicated the dairy industry, with the cows and people I so dearly love.

I know so many of you have amazing, similar stories (maybe even with embarrassing photos) to share. Be sure to check out the September Holstein World guest editorial for the inspirational story from Judy and Charles Iager from Fulton, Maryland, and a bull they bought into at the 1964 National Holstein Convention. Since then, they have been giving back to the dairy industry so generously, you can’t help but get excited being around them, no matter how tough things get.

The Iagers are Chairs of the Holstein Foundation’s Dairy Leaders for Tomorrow capital campaign, and top-level donors. They announced the campaign at the recent National Holstein Convention in Minnesota. The campaign support will help provide professional leadership training for dairy producers, and those involved in the dairy industry, namely the Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI). Hundreds of young adults have graduated from the YDLI program, and are now using their leadership skills and network to help them succeed in the dairy business.

At this time, LEADERSHIP is so urgently needed in the dairy industry. If you have been looking for a way to get more involved and give back the industry that we love, now is the time. Holstein Association USA has offered a dollar for dollar match on donations up to $1 million received by December 31, 2010. Holstein Foundation Trustees and friends have already raised close to $350,000. We are now asking for broader support from the dairy community. Every donation will make a difference.

Visit www.holsteinfoundation.org for more information and to give online today. Or, contact Jodi Hoynoski 800.952.5200 ext. 4261.

More pictures from this past weekend’s California Cow Camp!

Novice Judging Winners: Bailey Allen 6th, Cort Rowley 3rd, Morgan Nunes tied 1st, Kylie Konyn 5th, Alexandria Lopes tied 1st, Raeanne VanTol 4th

Intermediate Judging Contest Winners: Tony Lopes 1st, Caitlin Lopes 2nd, Maddie Davis 5th, Brandon Almecia 3rd, Colleen Allen 4th

Senior Judging Contest Winners: Brook Parsons 1st, Regina Pozzi 3rd, Anton Fernandes 2nd, Katie Migliazzo 4th, Catie Kunde 5th

High Reasons Score (any age): Tony Lopes 2nd, Brooke Parsons 1st, Regina Pozzi 3rd, Emilie Strand 4th, Anton Fernandes 5th

Fun in the sun at Avila Beach.

Nothing beats a BBQ at the beach after a long day of judging!

Smores for everyone!

2010 Cow Camp Group Photo

California Junior Holstein Cow Camp is being held at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Thursday through Saturday this week, according to our field reporter and CA Holstein Association Office Manager Kate Chapman. “A huge thank you is extended to Dr. Stan Henderson and the folks at Cal Poly for their hospitality, and assistance with our events!”

A mock sale was held at the Cal Poly Dairy, with live animals, picks and embryos. Junior members acted as auctioneer, pedigree man, ringman, clerks, buyers and cattle prep.

The high seller at $15,000 was a Planet calf, pictured with buyers and sales staff.

Watch for pictures and results later today from the judging contest and beach bonfire!

Junior Dairy Bowl
1st – California
2nd – Minnesota

Senior Dairy Bowl
1st – Pennsylvania
2nd – Washington

Congratulations to these teams and the states they represented! Look for more information and results from the Junior Convention to come later today following the annual Junior Awards Luncheon.