The National Guernsey Convention has long been recognized for the many exciting opportunities and contests that it offers youth to participate in. Youth from across the country traveled to the convention to compete in the many contests and recognition programs offered by the American Guernsey Association. At the recently concluded National Guernsey Convention, numerous awards were presented for outstanding performance within the Guernsey breed.
Each year at the National Convention the National Guernsey Queen and Princess are crowned. During their one year reign as queen they serve as ambassadors for the Guernsey breed making appearances on behalf of the American Guernsey Association (AGA), speaking with visitors at AGA trade show booths and assisting at national shows. The selection process for queen and princess is based on their public speaking ability, as-well-as poise, knowledge of the industry and their ability to positively represent AGA as a spokesperson.
At this year's 2014 American Guernsey Association Annual Meeting in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, held June 25-30 Robin Kime of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was crowned the 2014 National Guernsey Queen.
Robin is the 19-year-old daughter of Dann and Annette Kime from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Robin currently attends Kirkwood Community College where she is in the liberal arts program. Her long term goals include teaching and working in public relations within the dairy industry.
She was the 2013 Iowa Guernsey Queen and is currently the vice president of the Iowa Junior Guernsey Breeders' association. Robin is actively involved on the farm from nutritional care of the heifers to milking, as well as actively involved in breeding decisions and their flush program.
Robin states "The Guernsey breed needs to promote the specific components found in Guernsey milk that aren't as common in other breeds' milk. I feel the Queen responsibilities would be to spread the word about the Guernsey breed, the health benefits of Guernsey milk and the story of the dairy farmer to as many people as possible."
The 2014 National Guernsey princess is Laura Jensen of Comstock, Wisconsin. Laura is the 18-year-old daughter of Neil and Janice Jensen. She and her family own and operate a 75 cow Guernsey farm where Laura is responsible for many aspects of the dairy including breeding, breeding decisions,
milking, calf care, and health care. She enjoys showing and judging, at which she has been very successful.
As the 2014 Guernsey princess Laura will continue to promote the breed. "Promotion of the Guernsey breed is important in assuring the future of the Guernsey cow. "
Robin and Laura will be traveling the country representing the American Guernsey Association at national shows and events throughout the year.
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