News from Holstein Association USA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Final Plans Set for National Holstein
Convention
Brattleboro, Vermont (May 27,
2008)…Excitement continues to build for the National Holstein Convention in
Wisconsin Dells, Wis., June 23-26. The Wisconsin Holstein Association is hosting
the event, which promises to be one of the largest attended Holstein conventions
in years.
Monday, June 23, kicks off the first
official day of Convention. The Welcome to America’s Dairyland reception will
be held that evening, featuring several Wisconsin-made products. On host day,
Tuesday, June 24, attendees will have the option to tour some of the area’s
prominent farms, or enjoy a variety of activities around the Dells. Following
the tours will be the National Convention Sale at Heatherstone Enterprises, Inc.
in Baraboo, featuring several lots of premier Registered HolsteinsSM.
During the Annual Meeting business
sessions on June 25 and 26, delegates and attendees will hear reports from
President Doug Maddox and CEO John M. Meyer.
An exciting feature of the business
meeting on Wednesday, June 25, will be a panel discussion on “The Future of
the Dairy Industry from a Young Holstein Breeder’s Perspective.”
Participants will be Stephen Maddox, Jr. from California, Randy Gross from South
Dakota, Kylie Quesnel of Vermont, and Mark Crave and Mark Ulness from Wisconsin.
Two new awards, the Star of the Breed and
Herd of Excellence honors, will be presented during Wednesday’s business
session. This year’s 40-year member honorees will also be recognized that day.
Four members will be elected to the
Association’s board of directors. The candidate for Region 2 Director is James
Burdette, Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. Vying for Region 3 Director are Thomas
Atherton, Gaines, Michigan, and incumbent Ron Fuhrmann, Hoagland, Indiana. Up
for election as Region 7 Director are incumbent Kate Geppert, Columbia,
Missouri, and Douglas Unruh, Walton, Kansas. For At-Large Director, the
candidates are Harlan Bohn, Twin Brooks, South Dakota, Gale Hoese, Glencoe,
Minnesota, and Boyd Schaufelberger, Greenville, Illinois. Retiring from the
board of directors this year are John Bierbaum, Burnsville, Minnesota and Jay
Houser, Spring Mills, Pennsylvania.
Convention will conclude on Thursday
evening with the highly anticipated banquet. The recipients of the
Association’s most prestigious honors, the Distinguished Young Holstein
Breeder, Elite Breeder, and Distinguished Leadership Awards, will be presented.
Also, the six National Distinguished Junior Member finalists will be revealed.
Juniors have several exciting events
taking place during the Convention, including Dairy Jeopardy and Prepared Public
Speaking on Monday, the popular Dairy Bowl competition on Wednesday, and a
National Fitting Contest on Thursday.
Holstein Association USA’s website,
www.holsteinusa.com, will be updated daily during Convention with pictures,
contest results, and daily summaries. If you cannot join us in Wisconsin, be
sure to check in to see the latest news.
For updates on convention activities or
for lodging information, go to www.wisholsteins.com or call the Wisconsin
Holstein Association at 800.223.4269.
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