Dairy Cattle Breeders' Convention Coming to Lake Raystown Next Week: 2015 Ayrshire National Convention, June 22-26
PA Secretary of Agriculture Russell C. Redding to Speak at Farm Tour Dinner on Wednesday, June 24
Local Farms on Planning Committee, Featured in Farm Tour
This year's Ayrshire National Convention will be held on June 22-26, 2015, at Lake Raystown Resort & Conference Center and in the surrounding area. Each year, the Ayrshire National Convention attracts hundreds of breeders of Ayrshire dairy cattle from across the United States. The 2015 convention, hosted by the Pennsylvania Ayrshire Breeders Association, is drawing breeders and their families to the Lake Raystown Resort & Conference Center.Two local Ayrshire breeders are co-chairs on the convention planning committee: John Rodgers, owner of Plum Bottom Ayrshires in Belleville, PA, and his daughter, Audrey Gay Rodgers, owner of Hameau Farm, also in Belleville, PA.
"The convention is an opportunity to celebrate the Ayrshire breed and its rich heritage," said John Rodgers, Convention Committee Co-chair. "It's a chance to work with our youth, coming together as a community, and promote and advance the breed, ultimately propelling it to its full potential for the future."
"We selected Raystown as the location because of the abundance of opportunities for outdoor recreation and family fun," said Audrey Gay Rodgers. "It's a popular vacation destination and one of the most beautiful areas in Pennsylvania. We are thrilled to bring more visitors to our area, and to give tehm an opportunity to enjoy family-friendly activities and the vast outdoor resources."
Schedule & Media Opportunities
WHEN: Monday, June 22 Friday, June 26, 2015
WHERE: Lake Raystown Resort & Conference Center and surrounding area, Huntingdon County
A full schedule of events are planned. Members of the media are welcome to attend the following:
- Youth contests will take place throughout the day
The youth present will participate in multiple contests, including a Photo Contest, Youth Quiz Bowl, Dairy Jeopardy, the Ayrshire Queen Contest, and more
- 6 PM- The Youth Awards Banquet
Announcement of youth contest winners and award presentations
Wednesday, June 24*
- 3:30 PM - Tour of Hameau Farm in Belleville, PA, owned by Audrey Gay Rodgers
Locally-sourced dinner, farm antiques and memorabilia display,
*Special presentation by Russell Redding, Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture
Thursday, June 25
- 7 PM Awards Banquet and dinner
The annual banquet held at the conference center
Friday, June 26
- Noon - Grand National Ayrshire Sale, Morningstar Farm (2250 Entriken Rd., Entriken, PA 16638)
The premier event of the year will feature over 45 consignments, including some embryo lots
Tuesday, June 23
The convention concludes with the Grand National Sale. This year, farms have the opportunity to donate a percentage of proceeds from their sales to the U.S. Ayrshire Breeders Foundation, a three-year old non-profit organization founded by members of the U.S. Ayrshire Breeders Association. The non-profit works to advance the breed through education, research, awareness, and youth engagement.
The Pennsylvania Ayrshire Breeders Association works to encourage involvement through progressive leadership, promotion, and marketing, and to support youth advancement and interest for the Ayrshire breed. Representing over 50 members throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and West Virginia, the PA Ayrshire Association brings local Ayrshire breeders together to promote the Ayrshire breed and provides fellowship among families and friends that hold a common interest.
6.24.2015