The All-American Dairy Show announced today that it will present Gary Hennip of Rome, Bradford County with its 2014 Image Award. 
Agriculture Secretary George Greig will present the award during the show's Dairy Farmer Appreciation Banquet on Monday, Sept. 15, at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center.The Image Award is presented annually to an individual who has enhanced the image of the All-American Dairy Show with significant contributions to its reputation, prestige and welfare.
"Gary is an example of the All-American's best a long-time dairyman who gives his time and talents freely to make the show a success each year," said Agriculture Secretary George Greig. "The region's producers recognize Gary as a friend of the All-American and the dairy industry, and that association furthers the spirit of the show."
Born and raised on a North Orwell, Bradford County, dairy farm, Hennip served as a dairy cattle committee volunteer for the All-American before becoming Guernsey Cattle Committee superintendent in 2003. In that role, he works with show clerks and the check-in team to ensure entries are accurate and up-to-date and with the judge and showring crew for a smooth, organized and professional show. He is also overall assistant superintendent for the All-American.
After graduating from Mansfield State College, Hennip worked as an eighth grade math teacher, then as a herdsman, and later as a sales and service technician for Sire Power of Tunkhannock, Wyoming County. He became its division director, overseeing its sales and service staff, before joining Penn State Extension in Bradford County in 1999 as a dairy specialist and has provided his expertise locally and across the state.
Hennip is a consultant on several dairy profit teams, where his focus is on cow comfort and reproduction improvement. He also works with estate planning and natural gas royalties in northeastern Pennsylvania.
He is the Pennsylvania Farm Show dairy show superintendent, co-chairs the Bradford County Holstein Club annual calf sale, volunteers with the Troy Fair Dairy Show and serves on the AgChoice Advisory Committee. He also coaches girls softball for the Northeast Bradford High School and sings in his church choir.
He and wife Marianne have three children and four grandchildren.
The 2014 All-American Dairy Show features 22 shows from Sept. 13-18 in addition to the nation's only all-dairy antiques show. Last year's event featured nearly 2,800 animals and more than 1,300 exhibitors from across the nation. The week caps off with the 58th Pennsylvania Dairy Princess Pageant on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Radisson Hotel Camp Hill.
For more information, visit www.allamerican.state.pa.us.
9.8.2014