The 2014 WI Holstein Convention has kicked off in Tomah, WI at the Cranberry Country Lodge. Hosted by the LaCrosse, Vernon & Monroe County Holstein breeders, the theme for this year's convention is "Great Holsteins From Great River Country." The convention got underway Friday with updates from the National Holstein Association by CEO John Meyer and National Board Members Corey Geiger & Paul Buhr, followed by committee meetings. The feature of the night was the Wisconsin Futures Sale, along with a pre-sale dinner and awards program. The evening culminated with a worker auction to benefit the Wisconsin Juniors, with over $3,800 being raised by the Junior Activities Committee and Princesses.
The convention has continued on Saturday morning, featuring a roundtable discussion with Frank Regan and Bob Miller, on their philosophies on breeding registered Holsteins, genomics and a variety of other topics. Members then moved into their annual meeting, where the state of the association was presented, and board member elections were held, re-electing Chad Ryan, Tracy Nelson, Kent Wendorf and Dan Cnossen. Following the annual meeting, a luncheon was held. Members of 40 and 50 years were honored. Snow-N Denises Dellia EX 95 was announced as the new cow placed on the Wall of Fame. Dellia was bred by Bob Snow of Sparta, WI, and later purchased and developed by Frank Regan of Regancrest in Waukon, IA. The bull placed on the Wall of Fame for the year was her son, Regancrest Durham Elton. For the first time, a living legend was honored with placement on the Wall of Fame. Marlowe Nelson of Westby, WI was honored with a touching introduction by Tom Morris, and greeted by a standing ovation of all in the room. Marlowe spoke of the work he did in helping to develop the dairy industry in Japan, among a myriad of other experiences.
Following the conclusion of the luncheon, Holstein enthusiasts boarded school buses to head out on some farm tours, visiting Pierce-Vale Holsteins in Tomah, Hauve Farm in Sparta and Ar-Lor/Johnson-Way Holsteins in Bangor. Look for a separate news item on highlights of those tours.
Upon returning to the convention center, Holstein breeders later gathered for their Awards Banquet, featuring guest speaker Tom Thibodeau of Viterbo University, speaking on service leadership. Ryan & Tracy Weigel and Ryan & Brandi Kamps of KHW Genetics were honored as the Distinguished Young Breeder. Christianne Williams was presented with the Distinguished Service Award, and Bob & Karyn Schauf of Indianhead Holsteins were feted with the Distinguished Breeder Award.
Saturday's highlights:
Distinguished Breeder recipients Bob & Karyn Schauf of Indianhead Holsteins
Distinguished Service Award recipient Christianne Williams, and husband Gary
Young Distinguished Breeder Recipients Brandi & Ryan Kamps and Ryan & Tracy Weigel of KHW Genetics
The 2014 Wisconsin Holstein Board
WHA President Marci Walker presides over the banquet
Chad Ryan and Kevin Jorgensen run the scholarship auction, while Chris McCullough takes bids
Past WHA Presidents
Wall of Fame Honorees, front Marlowe Nelson and Bob Snow with Snow-N Densises Dellia
Back: Frank Regan and Kevin Jorgensen of Select Sires with Regancrest Durham Elton
Marlowe Nelson was honored as the first living legend placed on the Wall of Fame
Bob Snow and Frank Regan receive the Wall of Fame Honor for Snow-N Denises Dellia while presenter Tyrone Johnson looks on
40 and 50 Year Members in attendance
WHA Executive Director Larry Nelson introduced the 2014 Royalty, Princess Attendant Kristen Broege and Princess Kayla Krueger
Holstein USA CEO John Meyer addressed the group
Frank Regan & Bob Miller were featured in the morning's roundtable discussion, moderated by Corey Geiger
WHA President Marci Walker thanks the current WHA board members for their dedication
Friday evening highlights:
A great crowd is on hand in Tomah, WI for the 2014 WI Holstein Convention
Top Performer Awards
300,000 Pound Lifetime Cows
WHA President Marci Walker presents a Young Adult Committee scholarship to Brandon & Shi Ferry