Don Langrehr of West Salem, Wisconsin, was awarded the 2014 Master Breeder Award.
At the recently concluded National Guernsey Convention, numerous awards were presented for outstanding performance within the Guernsey breed. Don and Kathy Langrehr of Lang Haven Dairy have accomplished much in the past twenty years making Lang Haven prefix a household name in the Guernsey breed. They have had four Gold star cows, a world record holder for fat, the 2000 Wisconsin cow of the year, All-American nominations, five different number one CPI cows, 15 bulls in A.I. service and over 18 excellent cows. Winners of the 2000 Outstanding Young Farmer award, Don and Kathy have set the standard for the future.
Don and Kathy began their journey in the Guernsey breed together at Hoard's Dairyman farm. Don, with a Holstein background and Kathy, raised on Green Moor Guernsey farm spent a few years as the herdscouple at Hoards. When they left in 1991 to return back to their home territory and begin farming on their own, they purchased one animal from the Hoard's herd, Dairyman Frank Norma. In 1996 they entered a partnership with Kathy's parents, Rich and Barb Schomburg at the Green Moor farm and expanded the herd and facilities.
The bulk of the famous "N" family foundation comes from Norma's daughter, Lang Haven Perfecto Nicole, EX-90, GSD. A Perfecto daughter, she made over 101,000M . Her Fortress daughter, Lang Haven Fortress Natalie EX-90 with over 20,000M was a top CPI cow and the 2000 Wisconsin Cow of the Year. Her Luxury son, Neon was syndicated at World Dairy Expo. Her Option daughter, Nadia was another number one CPI cow. This 90-point class leader for milk, fat and protein put three sons into AI: Nick, Nash and Nomar. All of Nadia's daughters were sired by Tiller and nearly all scored Very Good as two-year-olds including Nirvana, a two-time All-American now owned by Frank Faria in California. At 89-points, she has sons in AI as well. Nadia's daughter Nevah is now 91-points with two daughters milking at Lang Haven and a son being sampled at Semex, Lang Haven Ninja.
Another Nicole daughter, Lang Haven Hot Shot Natasha, was another number one CPI cow. This Excellent daughter of Hot Shot made over 26,600M and had two sons in AI, Lang Haven Decisions Natural and Lang Haven JB Nemo.
Lang Haven Decision Niagra, and 85 point daughter of Nicole is the dam of the 91-point Lang Haven Les Nicolette is another number one CPI cow and Gold Star Dam. She has eight scored Very Good daughters and three sons being sampled in AI. Her two (just scored at 87 and 85-points) Prada daughters created much discussion from the tour goers during this past convention. Another daughter, Lang Haven Grumpy Nettie has ranked on the top of the CPI list just recently.
The Lang Haven breeding program uses sires of all ages and generations and is a big supporter of the young sire programs. He has served on the Dairybelt Young Sire Committee for a number of years.
Don and Kathy are great examples of dairy industry leaders. They contribute to their community through numerous organizations and dairy activities. Don is also active in Guernsey and dairy organizations serving on the board of the Wisconsin Guernsey Breeders' Association for seven years and held the office of President as well. He is currently the President of the La Crosse County Dairy Promoters, serves on the Lla Crosse County Agricultural Society fair board, and coaches the local 4-H dairy judging team. Lang Haven has hosted numerous judging workouts on the farm.
Lang Haven Guernseys have established themselves as a foundation family within the Guernsey breed with cows that produce and transmit through sons and daughters. Their contributions have and will continue to be numerous to the breed.
The American Guernsey Association is dedicated to the advancement and promotion of the Guernsey dairy cows. The American Guernsey Youth Association boasts membership of over 700 young people nationwide.
For more information and photos, contact Lewis R. Jones, executive secretary of the American Guernsey Association at 1224 Alton Darby Creek Road, Suite G, Columbus, Ohio 43228, 614.339.5391, ljones@usguernsey.com or visit the website at www.usguernsey.com.
7.16.2014