District 8 of the Ohio Holstein Association hosted the 92nd annual Ohio Holstein Association Convention in Richland County with great friends, food and the best weather in years.
With temps in the 70s Holstein enthusiasts gathered for the convention sale at the Richland County Fairgrounds where 60 live lots averaged $2639. After the sale, Berg Farms in Bellville opened the farm gate where breeders enjoyed a great meal, a judging contest and an evening of great fellowship as folks relished the warm temps, visiting with friends near and far while the sun set on the scenic farmstead.
Folks enjoyed the Berg Farm open house.
There were three classes to judge in the judging contest.
Ohio Holstein News Editor, Esther Welch and the Spikes enjoy dinner on the farm.
The annual meeting was held Saturday morning where President Joe Miley presided over the business of the day. Officer elections were held and were as follows:
President – Joe Miley
Vice President – Dallas Rynd
Secretary – Cathy Berg
Treasurer – Lisa Kerr
Holstein Association USA (HAUSA) regional director Mike Jones of Marshall, Indiana was in attendance and highlighted some association news as did HSUSA Field Rep, Max Dunseth. Scott Higgins from the American Dairy Association provided updates on marketing trends and demand in the dairy industry and commended Ohio for their proactive work with livestock handling.
Lewis Jones of the Ohio Spring Dairy Expo provided updates on the show that will be held the end of March.
When the meeting adjourned, members moved into the awards luncheon where hardware was handed out and queens were crowned.
The Ohio Holstein Queen competition began the afternoon. Each queen was asked to answer a question in front of the audience.
Katelynn McDaniel of Springfield was the first candidate.
Kalley Martin of Fayette was the second candidate to answer the question.
Jacquelyn Sherry of Greenville was the final candidate.
Standing in the back is the 2011 Queen, Mikayla Conrad while in the front from left are Kalley Martin, the first runner up, Jacquelyn Sherry, the 2012 Ohio Holstein Queen and Katelynn McDaniel, the Honorable Mention.
The Junior Buckeye Builder award went to Eric Topp, ToppView of Botkins. Pictured with his wife Mary and his daughters Mackenzie(left) and Madelyn
The Senior Buckeye Breeder award when to Terry and Marcia Stammem.
Ken and Kaye Janes were given the Distinguished Service Award.
Regina Berg, left, was awarded the Ohio Holstein Woman of the Year.
Kate McGovern, Jeromesville and Louis Liming, Lordstown, were the Ohio Junior Holstein Production Award winners.
Matthew Oechsle was named the Distinguished Junior Member.
Harrison Oechsle was presented the Ohio Holstein Memorial award by Julie DeLavergne.
The Ohio Holstein Women held a fun auction to close the convention.
Eric Topp being a good dad during the luncheon.
Another good daddy.