NYHA President’s Report

By Jason Pullis

August already! Where did our summer go? It seems like the kids just got out of school and now we are inundated with advertisements for back-to-school needs and fall fashions. I hope you were able to get away at some point during the summer, even if it were just for a day to do something fun.

In late June, Holly, Maxwell, and I were able to attend the National Holstein Convention in Lancaster, PA for a few days. Max was part of the Junior division quiz bowl team representing New York at the convention and we are pleased to report that the team won the competition on the last question of the final round. Talk about nerve wracking! Congratulations to him and his teammates: Abbie Ainslie, Kayla Dunston and Carolyn Littrell for a job well done. Also deserving of congratulations are Lily Marshman who won her division in Prepared Speaking contest and to Laura Littrell and Rachel Rouland for both being selected as DJM winners. The DJM award is the highest award that a member of the National Junior Holstein Association can earn and both young ladies are incredibly deserving of the recognition. In addition to the great time with the Junior members, we were able to explore the Lancaster countryside as well as see numerous operations throughout southeast Pennsylvania. Congratulations to the Pennsylvania staff and membership on a job well done with the whole event.

The annual meeting of the convention had a different look to it this year as the meeting was condensed to one full day and all delegates were spaced out at their own tables throughout the hotel ballroom. Delegates were given the opportunity to appear in person or attend the meeting via Zoom. We were very pleased to see that 90% of the New York delegates appeared in person for the meeting. Business numbers for the year 2020 seemed very encouraging, despite having most of the staff out of work for a time last spring due to the pandemic. Topics of discussion throughout the open forum portion of the meeting included the revelation that the Association’s database had been compromised (or scraped as they put it) in 2020, thus resulting in the new sign in protocol when searching for information on the Holsteinusa.com website.

Congratulations to all those from Pennsylvania who were involved with all aspects of putting the Convention on through some trying and difficult times. Your determination to see the event come to fruition made all the difference and a great time was had by all. With summer show season now upon us, I hope you are planning to head to Greenwich for our second annual summer show on August 8th and 9th at the Washington County Fairgrounds. Our show committee is looking to build upon what we started last year and provide the members of New York Holstein a chance to showcase their best cattle in a relaxing and comfortable (for cows and exhibitors) environment. Judging the event will be Callum McKinven from Quebec. If you are at the show and we haven’t met before, please reach out and say hello.

Also, back on the schedule for 2021 will be the summer Holstein picnic and this year’s host will be the Conard family of Ridgedale Farm in Sharon Springs. I believe that this is a picnic you won’t want to miss. Built on cow families, they have bred over 400 Excellent animals and helped develop countless others. In addition, several building projects have been completed over the last few years, including a 40 stall addition and new feed center to their milking barn and major renovations to their bull housing facilities. Put September 11th on your calendar and plan to spend your day in the Mohawk Valley. The farm is only minutes away from the NYS Thruway in Canajoharie and I-88 in Cobleskill. A beautiful facility, a great herd and wonderful hosts seems like a recipe for a must attend event. I can’t wait!

As the summer rolls on, I hope everyone is having a safe and productive harvest season. With so much going on in our lives today, please remember to stay safe and take the time to enjoy the season. See you soon.

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