DHIA 2024 by Lynden Tribune

DHIA 2023

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GREETINGS FROM YOUR WADHIA MANAGER

Hello to all, I’m Greg Irwin. Some of you have known me for years as Manager of Whatcom County DHIA. I was approached at the end of 2022 to become the WADHIA Manager and upon Kathy Sackman’s retirement in July 2023 I became just that.

Right away many challenges presented themselves. First among them was the need for a new Lab machine for processing milk samples. I’m happy to report one was found in Wisconsin, a deal was made and the Combifoss FT has been delivered and setup. We hope to be running samples soon.

Our Technicians are a year older and still doing a great job of meeting your needs. We lost Dale McKernan and transitions were made. Our technician family has shrunk to 8 with a lot of State to cover. I wish to thank each Technician for their hard work and continued loyalty.

As the WADHIA Manager I’m pleased to report we passed National QC in 2023. A lot of hard work went into this and I wish to thank each department for a job well done.

WADHIA had to adjust rates as the cost of doing business has skyrocketed. I don’t have to tell you how things have changed over these last three years. Shipping has increased at a alarming rate. Mileage has too. Wages increased. Chemicals increased. You get the idea.

Our Goat Division has grown to approximately 250 herds over 36 States. Many days at the Lab they are our only work as our cow herds continue to shrink away.

We look forward to 2024 with a strong determination to continue serving your testing needs.

There have been a few changes here at Washington DHIA. Kathy Sackman has retired. With that taking place I have added to my many hats here. I am still the Lab Manager.

I am also the Goat Program Coordinator and Data Entry Coordinator. We have one full time employee in the lab, DeeEtta Rambow who does most of the sample running.

Greg Irwin is now the General Manager/Field Service Manager. The lab had its QC Certification in October of 2023. We passed. It takes a lot of paperwork and commitment to be able to pass.

The goat program has grown, we now test 231 goat herds from 34 different states. I like to say from Alaska to Florida and from California to Maine. The herds range from 1 sample to 70 samples.

We processed around 210,000 samples in the lab for 2023 with 10,600 of those goat samples. In 2024 we plan to get the Foss FT and FS up and running, when that occurs we will be able to allow for MUN testing also.

As always it has been a pleasure working with everyone.

Julie Barnes, Lab Manager, Goat Program Coordinator and Data Entry Coordinator

Greg Irwin

Julie Barnes

METER SHOP MESSAGE:

We have been busy in the meter shop this last year. Quality Certification was here and our shop passed and was certified for another year.

During the last 50 years we have mostly repaired and calibrated portable meters and we had only calibrated a small number of scales. Due to our growing number of goat herds, we calibrated 225 scales this past year. Our industry is changing and the meter shop is here to change with the times. Along with these changes come some Q.C. certified scale changes. We will keep you up to date with these changes to better serve you and your farm.

Thank you from the meter shop. -Donna Herrin

Washington State DHIA Technicians

Donna Herrin

Tory Bennett Adena Head

Eric Herrin

Kelly Irwin

Carlos Lopez

Gwen Hoople

Crystal Lopez

In Memorium

Dale Leory McKernan

June 14, 1946 ~ September 6, 2023

Dale Leroy McKernan, 77, of Silvana, WA, passed away peacefully at home on September 6, 2023. He was born on June 14, 1946 in Spokane, WA. Dale was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Dale was a man of great character and values. He lived life to the fullest and held his family close to his heart. Whether it was a joyous family reunion or a simple gathering at his home, Dale could always be found in the center of the festivities, bringing laughter and warmth to all. He had a special talent for whipping up the most delicious pancakes, a skill that made him a favorite among the younger members of the family.

Survived by his devoted wife, Jenni McKernan. He is also survived by his brother Gary McKernan and wife Cindy, his son Michael and his daughters Ashley and Tiffany, his daughter Sheri McKernan-Kindell and John and her children Cas, Courtney and Cameron, his daughter Tracey McKernan-VanPutten and Curt, with her children Brandon and Kaitlyn, his son Ric Eastman and Renee, and their daughter Leah, his son Ryan McKernan and Jessica, and their children Abbigayle and Randy and Darren Redding’s daughter Stacey. Dale is collectively survived by five great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and so many other important members of the family. Dale leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

Dale is preceded in death by his father, Walter Lee McKernan, mother, Ellamae Whybra, his brother, Larry McKernan, his son Randy McKernan and son Darren Redding.

Dale’s early years were marked by his dedication to the construction industry. Later in life, he devoted 40 years of service to DHIA, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and the community.

A graveside service was held on September 22, 2023 at 2 PM at The Little White Church on the hill, located at 23605 Pioneer Highway, Silvana, WA. Following the service a reception (Party) was held at Dale and Jenni’s home.

Dale Leroy McKernan will forever be remembered as a pillar of strength and love within his family. His warm presence, kind heart and unwavering support will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.