COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Dear National Holstein Convention Attendee: On behalf of the Department of Agriculture, welcome to the 2021 National Holstein Convention. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is honored to host this prestigious event, and we hope you embrace all that Pennsylvania agriculture has to offer as you bring together and celebrate the best of the dairy industry. Pennsylvania’s dairy sector is a leading economic driver, supporting over 53,000 jobs and contributing more $14 billion to the commonwealth’s economy. From the smallest traditional farms to long-established family businesses, the dairy industry supports jobs, anchors Pennsylvania communities, and provides fresh, nutritious dairy products to consumers across the commonwealth and the east coast. 2020 was a year like no other. The coronavirus pandemic unveiled numerous challenges for the agriculture and food industry, something the dairy knows all too well. If there is one take away from trials of COVID-19, it is the need of our agriculture and food industry. To the dairy farmers and processors joining the convention, thank you. You have been and always will be essential, and we cannot thank you enough for the life sustaining work you do every day. This year’s convention theme is “Leading the Holstein Vision.” In many ways, dairy farming as we know it today has been influenced by the Holstein breed. Genetics, milk production and performance have been driving the breed’s vision since its introduction to the United States in the mid-nineteenth century. Throughout your convention, I hope you are inspired to continue strengthening your vision not only for the Holstein breed, but the entirety of the dairy industry. Welcome to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We wish you a successful and fruitful event where the dairy industry learns and grows together, truly “Leading the Holstein Vision.” Sincerely,
Russell C. Redding Secretary
Office of the Secretary 2301 North Cameron Street | Harrisburg, PA 17110-9408 | 717.772.2853 | www.agriculture.pa.gov SUMMER 2021 PA Holstein Profiles 7
