Holstein Association USA and the Illinois Holstein Convention Planning Committee are getting ready to welcome hundreds of Registered Holstein® enthusiasts to the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Illinois, for the 2015 National Holstein Convention and Holstein Association USA's 130th Annual Business Meeting June 23-26. Attendees will enjoy enlightening programs for Holstein breeders and fun-filled activities for young and old.Early Bird Session 7:30 a.m., June 25
Stan Erwine, vice president of farmer relations and activation for Dairy Management, Inc. (DMI), will kick off the educational program with his presentation on "Building and Maintaining Consumer Confidence in Dairy: What's at stake and what's your role?" during the Early Bird Session. Erwine works on behalf of dairy farmers with state and regional dairy promotion organizations, cooperatives, trade associations, and agribusiness to build relationships and increase awareness, understanding and support of the National Dairy Checkoff's business plan. The long-time dairy leader is deeply engaged in training and activating dairy farmers and industry stakeholders in checkoff-led consumer confidence efforts, which include the use of social media and farm tours, and engaging customers and community members in conversations about dairy values, practices, and products.
One-of-a-Kind Holstein Genomics Panel 1:45 p.m., June 25
Everyone in the Holstein business will want to take part in a unique Holstein panel that will give insight into genomics specifically for Holstein breeders. Panelists include: Dr. Michael Bishop, senior market development specialist for Illumina; Mr. Chuck Ripp, owner and partner of Ripp's Dairy Valley LLC; Dr. Dan Weigel, director of outcomes research for Zoetis; and Dr. Nate Zwald, USA general manager for Alta Genetics Inc. Each of these leaders in genomics will provide practical ideas on how dairy producers can incorporate genomics effectively into their dairy operation.
Award Winners Unveiled at Banquet
The 2015 Distinguished Leadership, Elite Breeder, and Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder honors will be presented during the convention's evening banquet June 26. Orion Samuelson, the most well-known agriculture broadcaster in the country and host of U.S. Farm Report, will be the banquet keynote speaker.
Officer and Director Elections
Delegates will elect officers and directors during the Annual Meeting June 26. Vice President Gordie Cook of Massachusetts is the sole candidate for president, the position vacated by retiring President Glen E. Brown. Running for the vice president seat are Boyd Schaufelberger of Illinois and Bill Wright of Utah.
In director elections, candidates include R. Paul Buhr of Wisconsin as the incumbent candidate for Region 5, and John Andersen of Idaho and Dan Berry of Washington, candidates for Region 8, a seat being vacated by retiring director Bill Wright. For Region 9 director, Patrick Maddox of California is the incumbent candidate. Barry England of Pennsylvania, John Marshman of New York, and Bruce Tencleve of Arkansas are candidates for the open at-large director seat being vacated by retiring director Jonathan Lamb.
Stay Up-to-Date
Holstein Association staff will be blogging throughout the week with updates and pictures from the convention. If you cannot make it to the convention this year, be sure to follow Holstein Association USA on Facebook, or visit www.holsteinusa.com for latest updates, including junior competition results, award recipients, and election results. For the complete schedule and lodging information, go to: www.holsteinconvention2015.com.
6.16.2015