Youths Complete Summer Internships With Holstein Association and Foundation

BRATTLEBORO, Vt., July 20, 2006–Two youths have completed summer internships at the Holstein Association USA, Inc.. Jeff Brantmeier, Holstein Association Classification Program Intern and Lindsey Worden, Holstein Association and Holstein Foundation Youth Programs/Education Intern.

Jeff Brantmeier, Sherwood, Wis., was the first Holstein Association Classification Program Intern.

Brantmeier is the Association’s first Classification Intern and spent his internship in two phases. During the first phase, he worked with the office Classification staff, learning about the program and its background. Brantmeier then took to the field and shadowed several different Classifiers to learn hands-on classification skills.

Brantmeier’s activities at the University of Wisconsin–Madison include being a member of the dairy judging team that placed first at the 2005 National Collegiate Contest at World Dairy Expo. At that same contest, Brantmeier placed fifth in Individual Reasons. Brantmeier was also a member of the dairy judging team that placed first at the North American International Livestock Expo in 2004, and is a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity.

Brantmeier grew up on a Registered Holstein farm in Sherwood, Wis. and has an extensive dairy background. He has worked as the Animal Care and assistant herdsman for the past ten years at Hilrose Dairy Farm; and as herdsman for Calumet County Junior Holsteins at the past seven Wisconsin State Fairs. Most recently, Brantmeier served as the Public Relations Intern for the Wisconsin Holstein Association where he attended and represented the Association at district shows throughout the state.

“I learned so much during my internship about the Holstein Classification program and the Holstein Association,” said Brantmeier. “My knowledge of dairy cattle judging made this internship a great fit for me, and provided an opportunity for me to gain experience and training in classification.”

Lindsey Worden, Cassville, N.Y., was the 2006 Holstein Association and Holstein Foundation Youth Programs/Education Intern.

Worden, the Holstein Association and Holstein Foundation Youth Programs/Education Intern, assisted with the preparation and coordination of youth activities held during the National Junior Holstein Convention in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She also prepared post-convention press releases and assisted in the development of educational materials for Junior Holstein Members.

Worden is a senior at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, majoring in Dairy Science and Life Science Communications. She is an active member of Badger Dairy Club, the Association of Women in Agriculture and the UW-Madison Dairy Judging Team. Most recently, she received High Individual Overall and High Individual-Linear Evaluation at the All-American Dairy Judging contest.

Worden grew up on a Registered Holstein farm in New Mexico and was active in showing Holsteins and Jerseys. Her family now dairies in Cassville, N.Y. Last summer, Lindsey was the Dairy Youth Program Intern for the University of Wisconsin Extension. Her responsibilities included coordinating the 2005 Wisconsin Guernsey Dairy Bowl, the Brown Swiss Youth Olympics and the Badger Dairy Camp. She also assisted in planning an area animal science day judging contest, several linear classification workshops and the state 4-H judging contest.

“My internship was a great opportunity for me to see the inner workings of the Holstein Association,” said Worden, “while at the same time gaining experience in youth programs.”

Outstanding Junior Holstein Breeders Recognized by Holstein Association

BRATTLEBORO, Vt., July 17, 2006—The Holstein Association USA, Inc. is proud to recognize Junior Holstein members who own and breed exceptional Holstein animals. Presented at the National Junior Holstein Convention in Sioux Falls, S.D. during the Junior Awards Banquet, these awards seek to reward and encourage Junior members to continue their excellent breeding programs.

The Breeder of an Excellent Cow award is presented to Junior members who have bred and owned a cow officially type classified “Excellent” on or after January 1, 2004. 2006 recipients were: Brittney Black, Pa.; Evan Creek, Md.; Matthew Erb, N.H.; Thomas Ewing, Mo.; Sonja Galley, N.Y.; Casey George, Kan.; Jessica Geurink, Mich.; Ryan Haines, Md.; Shane Hall, Pa.; Daniel Hardesty, Va.; Leslie Hardesty, Va.; Aaron Hoover, Pa.; Danyel Hosto, Wis.; Julie Hudyncia, N.Y.; Ryan Hudyncia, N.Y.; Krysty Kepler, Wis.; Alex Kerr, Va.; Ava Koebel, Mich.; Greta Koebel, Mich.; Kelly Lee, Wis.; Kelsey Ling, Mo.; Monica Ling, Mo.; Justin London, Pa.; Kristin Natzke, Wis.; Kyle Natzke, Wis.; Christopher Potts, Va.; Hannah Riser, Pa.; Brent Schuler, Pa.; Kyle Schuey, Pa.; Jacob Taylor, Md.; Nathan Thyen, S.D.; Aaron Walker, Md.; and Robert Walker, Md.

The National Breeder of a Multiple “E” Excellent Cow Award was received by Junior members who have bred and owned a cow classified Multiple E “Excellent”. The breeders who received this award were: T. Jason Ewing, Mo.; Jessica Geurink, Mich.; Julia Hudyncia, N.Y.; Ryan Hudyncia, N.Y.; Monica Ling, Mo.; and Ava Koebel, Mich.

The National Progressive Breeder Award recognizes cattle bred by Junior members that meet high production and classification standards for her age group. A cow may qualify the breeder for a star on only one occasion. Every cow qualifying receives a star and an accumulation five stars or more over the Junior’s career enables the member to be recognized at National Convention.

One star winners were: Amelia Cooper, Wis.; Julia Cooper, Wis.; Alisa Hartle, Pa.; Hillary Hartley, Wis.; Bret Long, Wis.; Becky Martin, Wis.; Laurel Moore, Md.; Megan Opperman, Ill.; Kathryn Osborne, Pa.; Kelly Reist, Pa.; Malorie Rhoderick, Md.; Megan Schantz, Pa.; Ryan Shank, Md.; Jenna Smith, Pa.; Kurt Wohlk, Wis.; and Alyssa Yager, Wis.

Two star winners were: Matthew Erb, N.H.; Ty Hildebrandt, Wis.; John Mitchell, Ill.; Curtis Rhoderick, Md.; Hannah Riser, Pa.; and Davis Schwartzbeck, Md.

Three star winners were: Danielle Brown, Wis.; Thomas Ewing, Mo.; Sonja Galley, N.Y.; Kelly Lee, Wis.; Maureen Lee, Wis.; Brandon Long, Wis.; Bryant Long, Wis.; Ashley Martin, Maine; Joseph Sarbacker, Wis.; Bethany Wohlk, Wis.; and Clayton Wood, Pa.

Four star winners were: Gregory Byham, Pa.; Evan Creek, Md.; Jessica Geurink, Mich.; Justin London, Pa.; and Melissa Schuler, Pa.

Five star winners were: Cole McLaughlin, Pa.; Kyle Natzke, Wis.; and Christopher Potts, Va.

Six star winners were: Anne Dorshorst, Wis.; Casey George, Kan.; and Holly Wright, Md.

Seven star winners were: Krysty Kepler, Wis.; Ava Koebel, Mich.

Eight star winners were: Leslie Hardesty, Va.; Brent Schuler, Pa.

Nine star winners were: Samantha Foster, Pa.; Amy Hartle, Pa.; Kristin Natzke, Wis.

Ten star winners were: T. Jason Ewing, Mo.; David Wilson, Pa.; Ashley Yager, Wis.

Eleven star winner was: Greta Koebel, Mich.

Sixteen star winner was: Charann Foster, Pa.

The National 30,000 Pound Cow Award was received by Junior members who own a cow producing over 30,000 pounds of milk in 305 days or less between the dates of May 2004 and May 2006. The cow must be under the ownership of the Junior member applying for the award during the entire milk record. This year’s recipients are: Charlene Barlieb, Pa.; Andrew Betchel, Pa.; Robyn Betchel, Pa.; Dallin Buttars, Utah; Amber Elliot, Wis.; Matthew Erb, N.H.; Charann Foster, Pa.; Jessica Geurink, Mich.; Christin Guest, Pa.; Shane Hall, Pa.; Amber Hallowell, Pa.; Kelsi Hendrickson, Wis.; Krysty Kepler, Wis.; Greta Koebel, Mich.; Katherine Larson, Wis.; Kelly Lee, Wis.; Eric Ling, Mo.; Monica Ling, Mo.; Brandon Long, Wis.; Bret Long, Wis.; Austin Martin, Pa.; Cole McLaughlin, Pa.; Zachary Mertz, Pa.; Kyle Mitchell, Ill.; Kristin Natzke, Wis.; Kelly Reist, Pa.; Joseph Sarbacker, Wis.; Brent Schuler, Pa.; Melissa Schuler, Pa.; Kyle Shuey, Pa.; Eric Troutman, Pa.; Ted Wolf, Iowa; Clayton Wood, Pa.; and Corbin Wood, Pa.

The National 150,000 Pound Cow Award was received by Junior members who own a cow who has produced over 150,000 pounds of milk in her lifetime. The cow must be under the ownership of the Junior member applying for the award during the entire milk record. Winners were: Dakota Barrett, Vt.; Jessica Barrett, Vt.; Robyn Bechtel, Pa.; Sean Brown, Wis.; Gregory Byham, Pa.; Amelia Cooper, Wis.; Julia Cooper, Wis.; Donna Delp, Pa.; Amber Elliot, Wis.; Sonja Galley, N.Y.; Matt Hardesty, Va.; Hillary Hartley, Wis.; Robert Hershey, Jr., Pa.; Krysty Kepler, Wis.; Alex Kerr, Va.; Zachary Mertz, Pa.; Kyle Mitchell, Ill.; Laurel Moore, Md.; T.J. Remsberg, Md.; Megan Schantz, Pa.; Brent Schuler, Pa.; Jacob Taylor, Md.; Jason Troutman, Pa.; Turner Schwartz, Pa.; David Wilson, Pa.; Holly Wright, Md.; and Emily Yeiser, Md.

The National 200,000 Pound Award was received by Junior members who own a cow who has produced over 200,000 pounds in her lifetime. The cow must be under the ownership of the Junior member applying for the award during the entire milk record. Winners were: Christin Guest, Pa.; Charles Hamilton, Wis.; Kelsi Hendrickson, Wis.; Krysty Kepler, Wis.; Bryant Long, Wis.; Christopher Potts, Va.; Joseph Sarbacker, Wis.

Holstein Juniors Receive Awards at National Junior Holstein Convention

BRATTLEBORO, Vt., July 17, 2006—Over 500 Junior Holstein members from across the country attended the 2006 National Holstein Convention, hosted by the South Dakota Junior Holstein Association. The week kicked off with the Dairy Jeopardy competition and concluded with the Junior Awards Banquet. Junior members participated in a wide variety of activities throughout the week, including contests and tours, and received awards from Holstein Association USA, Inc.

The new Junior Advisory Committee (JAC) were elected at the 2006 National Holstein Convention in Sioux Falls, S.D. Pictured from left, Kelli Dunklee, Holstein Association Youth Specialist, Matt Mitchell, Area II youth representative, Kalli Keen, Area IV youth representative, Dawn Mausser, Area III adult representative, Michele Ruby, Area IV adult representative and Julie Drendel, Area III youth representative. Missing from the photo: Emily Yeiser, Area I youth representative, Irene Osborne, Area I adult representative and Steve Moff, Area II adult representative.

Elections to select new Junior Advisory Committee (JAC) representatives for Area II and Area IV were held during the National Junior Forum on Saturday, June 24. The newly elected youth committee members are: Matt Mitchell, LaFollette, Tenn., Area II, and Kalli Keen, Baldwin City, Kan., Area IV. Two adult representatives were also appointed to serve on the committee. They are Irene Osborne, Millerstown, Penn., Area I, and Steve Moff, Columbiana, Ohio, Area II. The JAC consists of four youth and four adult members who represent areas across the nation. The committee serves as a liaison between the National Junior Holstein Association and its members, with the purpose of introducing and promoting new and existing Holstein youth programs.

The Prepared Public Speaking Contest gives youth the opportunity to take the stage and present a speech on a topic relating to Registered Holsteins and the dairy industry. This year, 38 Juniors participated in the contest. Winners in the Junior Division were: first place, Katelyn Mohr, Minn., “Holsteins – The Superior Choice”; second place, Logan Moore, Md.; and third place, Sara Kitchen, Pa. Winners in the Intermediate Division were: first place, David Jones, Calif., “Agroterrorism”; second place, Nancy Jackson, Mo.; and third place, Carolyn Braun, N.Y. Winners in the Senior Division were: first place, Emily Miller, Ore., “Immigration Reform and the Dairy Industry”; second place, Jessica Berg, S.D.; and third place, John Mitchell, Ill.

For the first time in the annual state scrapbook contest’s seven year history, all states competed in the same division. Fifteen states entered, with first place awarded to Iowa, second place to Missouri, third place, Minnsota, fourth place, Pennsylvania, and fifth place, California. State banners lined the hallway at the Sioux Falls Convention Center during National Junior Holstein Convention, proving that each state takes great pride in their Holstein activities! Thirteen entries were received in this year’s contest. The first place banner award went to Illinois, second to Maryland, and third to Washington.

“Kiss the Cow,” a new fundraiser for the Holstein Foundation, raised over $800 to support youth programs. Each of the twelve Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) Semifinalists competed to collect the most money in their container. The DJM that raised the least amount of money had to kiss a cow at the Junior Awards Banquet. Laura Leazer, Wilton, Iowa, raised the most money, bringing in a total of $336.10. Glen Meier, Ridott, Ill., raised the least amount, and had to kiss an inflatable cow at the conclusion of the Junior Awards Banquet.

“The participation of the many Juniors during our annual convention shows that the excitement and energy of our nation’s dairy youth is strong,” said Kelli Dunklee, Holstein Association’s Youth Programs Specialist. “Each year, more youth get involved in the tremendous Junior programs offered by the Holstein Association USA.”

Foundation Youth Competitions Create Excitement at National Holstein Convention

BRATTLEBORO, Vt., July 11, 2006–Over 200 Holstein youth competed in the National Dairy Bowl and Dairy Jeopardy contests, sponsored by the Holstein Foundation, at the 2006 National Junior Holstein Convention in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

A total of 36 teams from 21 states competed to bring home the National Championship during the 26th annual National Dairy Bowl contest.

The Iowa Junior Holstein Association Junior and Senior Dairy Bowl teams captured the National Championship titles. Pictured are: (seated, from left), Ben Althoff, Kyle Demmer, Jennifer Vander Veen and Matt Henkes. (Standing, from left) Heidi de Gier, coach, Katie Steinlage, Elizabeth Gaul, Aaron Palmer, Matt Simon and Marilyn Steffens, coach.

During the Junior division finals, the audience was kept on the edge of their seats, with Iowa besting the undefeated Florida team in two games to capture the title. Iowa team members are: Ben Althoff, Kyle Demmer, Matt Henkes and Jennifer Vanderveen, coached by Marilyn Steffens and Heidi de Gier. The second place Florida team members are: Kelly Buchanan, Jamie Burnham, Austin Pluskot and Lindsey Rucks, coached by Brent Broaddus and Debbie Clements.

Iowa also claimed the championship in the Senior division, this time overcoming the unbeaten Pennsylvania team in two matches. The winning team members are: Elizabeth Gaul, Aaron Palmer, Matt Simon and Katie Steinlage, coached by Marilyn Steffens and Heidi de Gier. Members of the second place Pennsylvania team are: Chris Blauch, Joel Bomgardner, Aaron Hoover and Elizabeth Smith, coached by Jared Zimmerman.

“Our team was thrilled to win the championship!” said Matt Simon, Iowa Senior Dairy Bowl team member. “Our success was a team effort, we each had to work hard and be team players, and our commitment to doing our best paid off.”

Dairy Bowl Sportsmanship awards were given to the team in each division who exhibited outstanding behavior and courtesy throughout the entire competition. The Junior Division Sportsmanship winner was North Carolina. Team members are: Cole Davis, Courtney Elliot, Mickey Jo Grubb and Cole Strickland. Receiving the Senior Division Sportsmanship award was the Washington team of Dan Frohning, Amy Odens, Alycia Schoenbachler and Lacey Vanderveen.

Special recognition is given to the top three individuals in each division with the highest dairy bowl written exam score. The Junior division winners are: first place, Isaac Salfer of Minnesota; second place, Lindsey Rucks of Florida; and third place, Lisa Zimmerman of Pennsylvania. The senior division winners are: first place, Aaron Palmer of Iowa; second place, David Jones of California; and third place, Christina Sousa of California.

This year marked the seventh annual Dairy Jeopardy competition, with over 60 participants in three age divisions. The contest is an individual competition designed to develop members’ knowledge about the Holstein cow, dairy products and the dairy industry. Senior division winners are: first place, Brent Schuler of Pennsylvania; second place, Emily Everett of Massachusetts; and third place, John Mitchell of Illinois. Intermediate division winners are: first place, Jason Miley of Ohio; second place, Mandy Brazil of California; and third place, Alissa Arata of California. Junior division winners are: first place, Jake Mills of Iowa; second place, Katie Wendorf of Wisconsin; and third place, Alden Brown of New Jersey.

The Holstein Foundation is a nonprofit organization, supported by generous individual and corporate donors. Through its premier leadership programs, the Holstein Foundation is growing the future of the dairy industry.

Distinguished Junior Member Finalists Named at National Holstein Convention