Michigan Dairy Cattle News Spring 2017 by Blodgett Communications

SPRING 2017

District VII 2017 Dairy Shrine Hall of Fame - Joe and Ruth Kulhawick

2017 District VIIÂ Atta Boy Award Winner Mark Bontekoe (pictured with son Damion)

District VII sale will be Thursday, April 13 at the UPI-Marion Dairy Sales Arena in Marion Consignments are being accepted by Mark: 231-510-0764 or tddairy74@gmail.com

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Volume 3 • Issue 1 Spring 2017 The Michigan Dairy Cattle News is the official publication of the Michigan Holstein-Friesian Association, Inc. and the Michigan Jersey Cattle Club.

Melissa Hart, Editor Cell: 517-398-1957 email: farm.writer@hotmail.com 4520 Holcomb Rd., North Adams, MI 49262

on the cover . . .

....And the winner is.....Brittany Benedict! The photo on the cover is the winning photo of the MHA Photo Contest. Brittany’s daughter Claire, was showing some affection for a new calf at the family farm, Westvale View Dairy in Nashville. Congratulations Brittany! See details about the 2017 MHA Photo Contest in this issue.

Michigan Dairy Cattle News 401 Harvest Trail, Midlothian, TX 76065 Ph: 517-490-7736 michholstein1@gmail.com Published 4 times per year Michigan Dairy Cattle News EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Tim Baker, Byron Center Brent Moyer, Caro Ike Hunt, Elsie Suzanne Tuttila, Williamston Tammy VanHaistma, Dorr

616-813-6745 989-553-4333 989-862-4864 517-490-7736 616-795-2256

Michigan Holstein Association Ike Hunt, President 6386 N. Meridian Rd., Elsie, MI 48831 Tammy VanHaitsma, Vice President 4480 18th St., Dorr, MI 49323 Suzanne Tuttila, Executive Secretary 401 Harvest Trail, Midothian, TX 76065 Ph: 517-490-7736 michholstein1@gmail.com Michigan Jersey Cattle Club Brent Moyer, President Mary Costigan, Vice President Carrie Delong, Secretary Elizabeth Rupprecht, Treasurer

989-553-4333 616-430-1258 810-614-4025 989-640-6913

Holstein Association USA Phone: 1-800-952-5200 1 Holstein Place, Brattleboro, VT 05302 Michigan and Indiana Representative Max Dunseth 278 S. Sprague, Coldwater, MI 49036 Cell: 269-251-0232 Michigan Upper Peninsula Representative Mandi Ramsburg De Pere, WI • 920-530-5023 mramsburg@holstein.com The Michigan Dairy Cattle News, the Michigan Holstein Association or their staff assume no liability for errors, omissions, content or for the effectiveness of advertising and cannot be held responsible for the timeliness of sale advertising that is scheduled less than thirty days ahead of the press date. Indexes are provided as an additional service. Publisher assumes no liabiltiy for errors or omissions. Subscription rate is $15.00 / year.

Melissa Hart

table of contents Notes from the Field.................................................................................... 6 Michigan Junior Holstein News................................................................. 7 Youth Excel in National Judging Contests......................................... 8 & 9 Michigan Jersey Cattle Club News........................................................... 10 2017 National Holstein Convention Schedule........................................ 11 From the Jersey Desk................................................................................. 13 Caught on Camera............................................................................14 & 15 In Memoriam.............................................................................................. 17 Michigan Holstein Association entry forms..................................... 18-20 2018 National Holstein Convention Tour Sneak Peek.......................... 22 From the Holstein President’s Pen........................................................... 23 Production Leaders.................................................................................... 27 One More Thing......................................................................................... 28 Calendar of Events..................................................................................... 30

Summer 2015

Notes From the Field

Mandi’s Memo

Hello, I hope everyone is off to a good start to their new year and have started to achieve those new year’s resolutions. Holstein Association USA Inc, is ready to assist you in achieving your goals this new year. We ended the year very successfully and we are proud of all the members who helped us achieve them. We would like to see you achieve the most potential out of your herd and make this your best year yet. If you have any questions about our products and services, please let us know we would be happy to help. The Complete Program is a very affordable way to get all

the benefits that we have to offer. It includes one year national membership, 1 area classification, registrations included for animals under 3 months of age, Tri-Star premier and MultiMate/Redbook Plus. In addition to this, discounted prices will be given to registrations over 3 months of age and genomics. If you are thinking about starting up your herd in registrations this would be the most efficient way to do it. If you are interested please contact your Area Sale’s Representative to get you signed up. I hope everyone has a great planting season, and their winter is coming to an end. We look forward to seeing you this year! Sincerely,

Mandy Ramsburg Regional Representative Upper Peninsula of Michigan Mandi Ramsburg: 920-530-5023 Max Dunseth: 269-251-0232

2017 Advertising Rates 2017 Calendar ISSUE Summer Fall Winter Spring

ADS DUE May 5 Aug. 11 Nov. 11 Feb. 12

MAILED June 1 Sept. 1 Dec. 1 March 5

Please make checks payable to “Michigan Dairy Cattle News”

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Spring2015 2017 Summer

Michigan Junior Holstein News

From Your President The start of the New Year opens up many new doors for the Michigan Junior Holstein Association. We are excited about expanding and serving different opportunities for youth in the state of Michigan in 2017. First being a showmanship clinic that will take place on Friday, March 24th at 6:00 p.m. in the show arena at the MSU pavilion. This is free of charge and is open to any youth who are interested in gaining knowledge on showmanship skills and learning about the new showmanship protocol. There will be a money prize for the showmanship winners at the show on March 25th. At the conclusion of the clinic, there will be ice cream so please come join us and have some fun getting prepared for the show! We would also like to remind everyone that at the Michigan Spring Show we will have our new auction items. Each board member has come up with a basket that will be sold within the sale on Friday. All proceeds will go towards our youth who are traveling to Washington this summer to represent Michigan at the 2017 National Holstein Convention. Furthermore, any juniors who are interested in attending the 2017 National Holstein Convention, the deadlines are coming up quickly. Please contact me if you are interested in attending! As

a reminder, since the convention is in Washington, participants will be responsible for their own airfare costs. We would love as much attendance as we can to represent Michigan before we host the convention in 2018! All in all, the board is very excited about what we have planned for the youth in the state of Michigan this coming year. I hope to talk with you soon and thank you for your time! Sincerely,

Kristen Burkhardt burkhardt.k43@gmail.com

The 2018 National Holstein Convention will be here before you know it! If you want to be a part of this fantastic convention in Traverse City, June 29-July 3, let us know!

Contact Darwin Sneller at 989-977-3718 if you're interested in serving or sponsoring any part of the convention when we

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Explore the Shore and More!â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Spring 2017

Michigan Dairy Youth Excel in National Judging Contests

Members of the 2016 MSU Ag Tech Team who competed at WDE (from left) Coach Dr. Joe Domecq, Rachel Ekkel, Erin Fritz, Shelby Berens, Evelyn Okkema and coach Sarah Black

By Bev Berens Two first place individuals at Madison, a trip to Europe and a pile of ribbons and hardware are just some of the highlights of another successful judging year attained by Michigan 4-H, Ag tech and collegiate dairy judging teams all coached by Dr. Joe Domecq, Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University. Rachel Ekkel, 20, of Fremont and Cameron Cook, 19, of St. Johns placed first in the post-secondary and 4-H divisions respectively at the World Dairy Expo Dairy Judging contest in Madison, Wisconsin. The post-secondary team ranked third overall in the contest, earning an invitation to Europe this summer where they will compete in the Royal Scottish Highlands judging contest. The 4-H team took home a 4th place ranking. Ekkel was joined by teammates Evelyn Okkema of Blanchard, Shelby Berens of Holland and Erin Fritz, West Branch. Craig Sutherland, Alto, competed in the All-American Dairy Judging Contest in Harrisburg, PA., in September. Rounding out the 4-H team competing in Madison were Allison Schafer of Westphalia, Madeline Meyer, St. Johns and Lauren Heberling, Carsonville. MSU Collegiate team members included brothers Bryce and TJ Frahm from Frankenmuth, Natalie Horning, Manchester, and Suzanna Hull of North Adams. Sibling teammates was another first for coach Domecq this year. “It really isn’t about cows, it is just the tool we use. If they learn something about cows and the dairy industry in the process, it’s a bonus,” said Domecq. “I really enjoy watching these young people develop and grow. It’s about the friendships---many will be lifelong---the way they carry themselves, learn to present an argument and network within the industry.” “Judging isn’t about winning, but it is nice,” he added. 8 8

Domecq is joined by a host of people who help by listening to and critiquing oral reasons, chaperone and drive teams to contests and schedule judging practices. Sarah Black has served as assistant coach and the right hand for the program for many years. Second generations---children of people coached by Domecq--- are now part of the program, a fact that is very satisfying to coaching staff. Two high individuals out of three judging contests at World Dairy Expo is a significant honor for Michigan’s dairy judging program. “But it doesn’t change who these young people are or the futures they will have. They are outstanding individuals no matter where they placed,” Domecq said. Cook said that she had butterflies before the contest, “But when I stepped onto the colored shavings, it was just like another Saturday morning practice on a farm.” Ekkel felt confident about half the classes, “But I prayed my way through the rest. I felt good coming out of each set of reasons, confident and ready to rock the next set. I have always been competitive and I just love looking at cows.” A lesson each dairy judging student learns is that practice and commitment pay off. “Placing in the top five was something I dreamed about, but never really thought I could actually achieve,” Ekkel said. “Hearing my name in first place was a top of the mountain moment. It’s given me more confidence; it’s shown me that yes, I do know what I am doing and can do well in things I dedicate myself to.” Building experience and confidence is the goal for beginning 4-H judging competitors. The first contest experience is usually the All-American Contest in Harrisburg. This year’s team included Morgan Louma of Ceresco, Miriah Dershem and Carmen Hicks from St. Johns and Hope McAlvey, Sumner. The second level is the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville. Lance Frahm, Frankenmuth, Morgan Louma, Hope

Members of the 2016 MSU Collegiate Dairy Cattle judging team (from left) Coach Dr. Joe Domecq, Suzanna Hull, T.J and Bryce Frahm, Natalie Horning and coach Sarah Black Summer Spring 2015 2017

Michigan Dairy Youth Excel in National Judging Contests McAlvey and Kristin Burkhardt of Fowlerville comprised that team. Ekkel, Berens, Fritz and Okkema are busy raising funds for their highly-anticipated trip to Europe this summer. The effort is no small task since the excursion will cost the group about $20,000. During their trip, they will visit farms, learn about European dairy industry, take in sights and spend a long weekend with a host family in addition to competing in the judging contest. They are hosting a bake sale and dessert auction in Anthony Hall on March 1 and will host a second dessert auction and bake sale during the Spartan Spectacular Sale in March. Proceeds from the sale of calf donated by Swiss Lane Dairy for the auction will also go towards the bill. Drawings for a Spartan quilt and a Ruger rifle are also part of fund raising efforts and tickets for each item will be available at the spring sale. Tax deductible donations toward the effort can also be made through Joe Domecq and MSU. It goes without saying, that all contributions are appreciated and will help meet the financial obligation. It’s been a year of achievements for the state’s dairy judging program and the future promises many more accolades. But more importantly, it promises new crops of kids who will break the barrier of shyness and become confident, skilled speakers who happen to embrace dairy cattle and judging as a tool to an

Great Lakes Video Sale results The 12th annual Great Lakes Video Sale was held at the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth in conjunction with the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference on February 2, 2017. United Producers Inc., managed the sale and Cowbuyer.com handled the online bidding. There were 700 head of cattle that went through the sale in one hour. Buyer interest was shown throughout the United States and cattle sold as far as Texas. Two lots topped the sale at $2,400, Lot 1 a pick of Green Meadow Farms fresh heifer pen and Lot 4, five fresh second lactation cows from Daybreak Dairy. Spring 2017

end.

“Dedicate yourself and give it your whole heart, if it’s judging or anything else,” is Ekkel’s advice to young, prospective judges. “If you get criticized, just keep pressing on and set your goals higher.”

Members of the 2016 National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Team(from left) Coach Dr. Joe Domecq, Allison Schafer, Lauren Heberling, Cameron Cook, Madeline Meyer and coach Sarah Black

Buell’s Bovines Drew, Deanne, Skylar & Stoney Buell

7075 Lewis Ave. • Temperance, MI 48182

Drew: 734-693-1408 • Deanne: 734-693-3689

Michigan Jersey Breeders Plan for 2017 The Michigan Jersey Cattle Club (MJCC) held their annual meeting on February 4th in conjunction with the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Hardware was handed out, elections were held and preparations were made for the year ahead for the MJCC.

A new MJCC Board was elected: from left: Elizabeth Rupprecht – Treasurer, Carrie Delong – Secretary, Mary Costigan – Vice President, Brent Moyer – President, Tim Shaver-Director, Greg Palen – Director, Deanna Buell – Director, Malissa Reed – Director, Nick Clark – Director.

Award Winners

All Michigan Jersey winners were announced and those in attendance to receive their award are shown here: From Left: Drew Rupprecht with son Braxton, Elizabeth Rupprecht, Brent Moyer, Malissa Reed, Sadie Green, Susan Green, Deanna Buell, Tom Atherton.

Spring News The Michigan Jersey Spring Sale will be held on April 13, at the UPI Marion Dairy Sale facility in Marion, Michigan in conjunction with the Michigan Holstein Association District VII sale. The sale committee is looking for quality consignments and those who may have something for the sale should contact Brent Moyer, Mary Costigan or Drew Rupprecht. The Michigan Spring Show will be held on March 25 with the Great Lakes Holstein Show, alternating classes with the Holstein show. Adam Liddle of Argyle, New York will be serving as the judge. Entry forms can be found in this issue. In Junior News Congratulations to Skylar Buell of Buells Bovines, for The Vitality Crew of Sadie Green and Susan Green locked up all the making the cut for the Jersey Youth Academy. This is an in- Michigan Jersey Production awards. tensive educational program focused specifically on the Jersey cow and the many elements of the Jersey dairy business. Academy challenges participants to understand the long history and recent growth of the Jersey breed in this country and shows them the opportunities and challenges of the dairy business in the future. The Juniors are selling calf raffle tickets for a calf to be raffled off on Friday of Michigan Dairy Expo that will be held at the MSU Pavilion in East Lansing, July 17-21, 2017. Brent Moyer was presented with the Outstanding Young Breeder Award by Susan Green, President of MJCC

10 10

Summer Spring2015 2017

From the Mountains to the Sea in 2017 Washington State Holstein Breeders are eager to host Holstein enthusiasts from around the USA June 27-July 1, in Bellevue for the National Holstein Convention. They are excited to introduce everyone to the other Washington! From their rugged coastlines, tranquil islands and snowcapped peaks, Washington is home to both urban hotspots and a deep agricultural tradition from apples to wine to Holsteins. The action packed convention will be headquartered in downtown Bellevue, a short drive from the Sea-Tac airport. The Hyatt Regency Hotel Bellevue is ready to start taking your reservations! Room rates start at $145 a night, just call 888-421-1442. For the advance planner, here is a tentative schedule of the Adult events. The registration form will be available this spring. Keep up with updates on the 2017 National Holstein Convention Facebook page. And visit the https://2017holstein.wordpress.com/ for online registration.

2017 ADULT HOLSTEIN SCHEDULE Tuesday, June 27 Registration opens Wednesday, June 28 Pre-convention tour to Claquato and Hol-Star (Portman’s) Thursday, June 29 Host Day includes three tour options to choose from (includes lunch): • Whale Watching around the San Juan islands • Head north to tour Sildahl Farms, followed by lunch and a tour Ronelee Farms before heading to Markwell Raspberries where there will be a showcase of cow families from around Washington • Explore downtown Seattle The day finishes with Family Night at the Museum of Flight (dinner included) Friday, June 30 • Let the Annual Meeting commence! • Or choose the non-delegate tour and head to Woodinville to sip some of Washington’s best wines • Finish out the day at the National Convention Sale Both lunch and dinner will be available Saturday, July 1 The final day wraps up with: • Annual meeting • Junior Awards Luncheon • Finale banquet 11 Spring 2017

2017 JUNIOR HOLSTEIN SCHEDULE Tuesday, June 27 The first day of the junior convention starts in the evening with: • Dairy Jeopardy Orientation • Junior Convention Kick-off Event @ Hyatt (dinner included) Wednesday, June 28 This full day is filled with contests including • Dairy Jeopardy Contest… • NHWSO Interviews • DJM Interviews • Prepared Public Speaking Contest • Dairy Knowledge Exam Lunch will be served After a long day of competition, Juniors will head downtown Seattle – and up in the Space Needed for dinner and a dance Thursday, June 29 Host Day includes three tour options to choose from (includes lunch): • Whale Watching around the San Juan islands • Head north to tour Sildahl Farms, followed by lunch and a tour Ronelee Farms before heading to Markwell Raspberries where there will be a showcase of cow families from around Washington • Explore downtown Seattle The day finishes with Family Night at the Museum of Flight (dinner included) Friday, June 30 The focus today is buzzers and bids! • Dairy Bowl Contest • National Convention Sale Both lunch and dinner will be available Wind down with the day at Casino Night Saturday, July 1 The final day wraps up with: • Dairy Bowl Finals • National Junior Forum • Junior Awards Luncheon Relax in a comfy chair and enjoy the flick at Movie Night (hotel theatre)

Summer 2015 11

Summer 2015

From the Jersey Desk

Michigan Jersey Cattle Club Hello All, Writing this I hope it finds you all well and that you all have all survived winter. Spring is upon us. I would first like to thank Melissa Hart for all she has done with the magazine over the last year, she has done a great job getting “Michigan” out there. I would like to say thank you to the Jersey breeders and members that were in attendance at our annual meeting in Frankenmuth in February. I felt we had a good turnout. For those not in attendance I would like to take a minute and introduce to you our new officers and board members and also thank them for devoting there time to the club. Mary Costigan - Vice President Beth Rupprecht - Treasurer Carrie DeLong - Secretary Our Board: Tim Place, Nick Clark, Tim Shaver, Greg Palen, Deanne Buell, Malissa Reed, & Susie Green (past president) Our club is planning a sale this year that will take place on April 13, 2017 at the Marion Dairy Sale Arena, in Marion in conjunction with the Michigan Holstein Association District 7 Holstein sale. We are excited to try a new format that will hopefully meet the needs of our buyers. The sale committee is working hard at trying to make this sale the best the association has had. If you have a consignment, please make contact with someone on the sale selection staff. One thing as Jersey breeders and promoters we have to be grateful for is the high component milk in which the Jersey is known for, although 2016 was a tough year, imagine it without the components. This attribute of the Jersey has her in strong demand at the moment, so we have that going for us with this new sale format as people are looking to add Jersey genetics to their herds. So let’s use this to our advantage and show the dairy industry of Michigan what the Jersey breeders have to offer. Being involved in other sales as a consignor, I want to encourage you not to be afraid to sell the best, remember you are promoting your herd!

I believe this new board and set of officers have your best interest in mind, along with the club’s best interest, so I ask that you support them whole heartedly. I would also like to extend the invitation to you as members to please contact me with any concerns you may have with the club moving forward. Hope to see you at the Great Lakes Spring Show and our State Jersey Sale. Thank you,

Brent Moyer President MJCC 989-553-4333

Matt, Sarah & Andi Dillon

Registered Holsteins & Brown Swiss

4300 Jerome Road • North Adams, MI 49262

(517) 398-1521

poseycreekfarms@gmail.com Spring 2017

at the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference The Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference was held in February in Frankenmuth, MI. Here is a glimpse of the event.

) ted of (from left hafer. is s on c m a te g n -H Dairy Judgi er & Allison Sc The Michigan 4 uren Heberling, Madeline Mey La Cameron Cook,

The 2017 Michigan Lindsay Larson, SeniorDairy Ambassador winners Junior winner. They will winner and Jessica Nash, Dairy Ambassadors in pr lead the rest of the Michigan for the following year in omoting the goodness of dairy events around the state.

Bill and Lisa Bow er enjoyed time at th man Brown Swiss breeders from e GLRDC. Quincy

Dairy reat Lakes Regional hina, G e th e ad m en m le These three gent ational event. Dale Senestraro of C iConference an Internio and James Mann of Australia all partic Chris Gwyn of Ontar pated in the event.

Right - The Dairy Girl Network held a networking event at the GLRDC where these ladies enjoyed getting to know one another. 14 14

Summer Spring 2015 2017

at the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference The Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference was held in February in Frankenmuth, MI. Here is a glimpse of the event.

This group of young people make up the cool kids table at th Most of them were e GLRDC. participants at the M ichigan Dairy Amba ssador Contest.

. and Bryce (not picNatalie Horning, Suzanna Hull and brothers T.J lishments as the MSU tured) Frahm were recognized for their accomp Collegiate Dairy Judging Team in 2016.

in ards From Left: Mar aw al nu an r ei th t ou d; Madeline lub handed The MSU Dairy C Ekkel with the Outstanding Techer awar with the on hel Western honored Rac ding First Year Member and Jared Sanders an Meyer with the Outst Member. The MSU Ag T b lu ec Outstanding Dairy C Europe in June as h Dairy Judging Team was honor a ed contest. From result of placing third at the World and will head to Left: Rachel Ek kel, Erin Fritz, Dairy Expo Judging Shelby Berens. Evelyn Okkema and Spring 2017

Selling this Spring To the Spring Foundation Sale

Jenesis-B Brokaw Arista VG 87 88 Mammary

2-01 365 29360 4.4 1293F 3.4 994P 3-04 290 27200 4.3 1157F 3.4 927P Dam & Grand dam VG 87 & 86 with over 26,000m

To the Spartan Spectacular

Starward Malone Pastel

Fresh Jan.18, 2017 1st test 60# 4.6 3.4 Dam by Advent Ex with EX Mam 4-00 365 32260 4.1 1338 3.1 997 Lifetime over 110,000m Grand dam 86 @ 3-09 with over 34,000m

TWO Great Additions to Any Herd!

BAA 108.4% • PBR 26 Years RHA DHI 28,000M 1080F 900P

Walter Gremel • 989-883-3772 9393 Canboro Rd., Sebewaing, MI 48759 Darwin and Kathy Sneller • 989-883-3716 Eric and Cassie Sneller • 517-420-6840 8677 Kilmanagh Rd., Sebewaing, MI 48759

In Memoriam Edward Gehring

November 14, 1926 ~ December 30, 2016 Edward J. Gehring Sr., 90, of Harbor Beach, MI passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, December 30, 2016 surrounded by family. Edward was born on November 14, 1926 in Harbor Beach, MI, the son of the late John and Edith (Zmich) Gehring. Edward and Marianne Shaltry were united in marriage on April 4, 1959 at St. Anthony of Padua Retreat House in Saginaw, MI. Together with his wife Marianne and family, Edward owned and operated Rock Falls Farm just south of Harbor Beach on M-25 where Edward raised Registered Belgian Horses and Registered Holstein Cattle. Edward was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Lake Huron (Holy Name of Mary Parish) Catholic Church and attended Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic School. Edward served as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corp, 4th Division during WWII in the Pacific Theatre. Upon returning from the war Edward was instrumental in organizing the Harbor Beach VFW Post #9344 and served as a Charter Member. He was a member of the “WWII Fighting Fourth” Marine Organization which had its final muster in August of 2015. Edward served his community as a Sand Beach Township Board Member, Huron County Soil Conservation/ASCS Committee member, Michigan Milk Producers Advisory Board and Member Delegate, Huron Community Fair Board, Huron County DHIA Board, Huron County Holstein Association Board, Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America, and he was the Charter President of the Thumb Draft Horse Association. Edward’s hobbies and interests were many and varied. He enjoyed Antique Cast Iron Farm Seat Collecting, Golden Bantam Chickens, Flemish Blue Giant Rabbits, Draft Horse Shows, Dairy and Beef Cattle Shows, was supportive of 4-H and FFA events, vegetable gardening, but most of all he enjoyed his two favorite passions of fine and detailed woodworking in his woodshop, and the sight and sound of his Purple Martins. He loved visiting with family, friends and neighbors, and especially his grandchildren. Edward is survived by his wife Marianne of Harbor Beach, MI. Children: Edward J. Gehring Jr. of Harbor Beach; Constance M. (Terrance) Kramer of Harbor Beach, Robert J. Gehring of Harbor Beach, William G. (Lenai) Gehring of Harbor Beach, Paul (Tracy) Gehring of Harbor Beach, Jean (Thomas) Booms Jr. of Port Hope, MI; Mark Gehring of Nashville, TN; and Joseph (Rhonda) Gehring of Harbor Beach. Grandchildren: Kristin (Charles) Rawlings of Cass City, MI; Ryan (Dannia) Kramer, of Harbor Beach, MI; Jenna (Justin) Gentner of Ruth, MI; Keith Kramer of Harbor Beach, MI; Aaron, Brandon, Alyssa, Renee, Kara, Jared, Kaylee, and Luke Gehring, all of Harbor Beach, MI; Kyle, Trevor, and Tyler Booms of Port Hope, MI and Landon Gehring of Nashville, TN. Great Grandchildren: Derek, Rylee, Brynn, Reagan, and Brielle. Spring 2017

He is also survived by Sisters and Brothers-in-law Magdalene (Hessling) Gehring of Bridgeport, MI; Jaqueline (Shaltry) Knudson, CA; Gerald Shaltry, CA; Michael Shaltry, CA; Michael and Kathleen (Shaltry) Gunther, CA; Dr. John (Sue) Shaltry, Big Rapids, MI; Sharon Shaltry, Freeland, MI; Jed and Susan (Shaltry) Batcke, Saginaw, MI; Tom and Therese (Shaltry) Luplow, Saginaw, MI and numerous nieces and nephews. Edward was preceded in death by his son, Michael Joseph Gehring, his parents John and Edith Gehring, his father and mother in law, John Lawrence and Frances (Cashin) Shaltry; God parents: Frank and Mary Grates, brothers: Elmer Gehring, John Gehring; Sisters: Elizabeth (Gehring) Dutcher, Marie (Gehring) Ryckman; Brothers-in-law: Clarence Dutcher, Quentin Ryckman, Thomas Shaltry, Joseph Shaltry, and Dennis Shaltry; Sisters-inlaw Grace (Allen) Gehring, Patty Lu Shaltry.

2017 MHA Photo Contest We’re kicking off our second Michigan Holstein Association (MHA) membership photo contest. Send in your photos of your herd favorites, kids with cows, new arrivals, etc… These are photos you took; not professional photos. Photos should capture the Holstein cow/calf in all her glory. All winners will be notified and will be given credit in our magazine. One grand prize winner will receive a prize valued at $100 and have his/her photo published in the magazine. To enter: • You must be a MHA member • All entries must be postmarked by November 15, 2017. • Photo may have either landscape (horizontal) or vertical orientation. *Only vertical photos can be used on the cover of the magazine. • You may submit up to four photos for consideration. • Entries must be submitted as an 8x10 print or a 300dpi or greater digital photo via email or on a disc. Final resolution eligibility will be determined by MHA. Digital photos should be saved as JPEG, TIF or BMP. Entries should be mailed to: Michigan Holstein Association 401 Harvest Trail Midlothian, TX 76065 Or emailed to: michholstein1@gmail.com (Files < 10MB only) • All photos submitted for contest become property of the Michigan Holstein Association and may be used by the MHA for any purpose. Photos submitted will not be returned. 17

Spring 2017

The Michigan State University Dairy Club & Dairy Judging Teams Present:

The Leading Ladies of Spring In Conjunction with the Michigan Spring Foundation Sale Friday, March 24, 2017 MSU Pavilion, East Lansing, MI Selling outstanding Holstein, Jersey and Red & White heifers and cows

More Exciting Consignments: Fancy Doorman fall calf with 5 generations EX behind her. Fourth dam is a maternal sister to Paul-Farm Counsel Pixie-ET EX-96 3E………………………………....….…….Paul Farms Stylish December Talent x 2YO Guthrie x VG-88 Damion x EX-91 2E Morty x VG-87 x 7x All-Michigan winner Rod-er-Dic Starbuck Ada EX-94 5E………………....Rod-er-Dic Farm Flashy Atwood spring yearling x VG-85 Gold Chip 2YO x EX-90 Stormatic x 14 generations of EX…………… ……....Tri-Koebel Fresh Malone-Red 2YO out of an EX-92 Advent x VG-86 Stormatic…….Starward Farms

Westvaleview Ss Wow-ET VG-85 An exciting Delta springer due 5/28 to sexed Bandares. Out of a VG-85 Supersire x VG-86 O-Man x EX-93 Goldwyn x EX-95 Outside x 5 gen. of EX…..SunQuest Holsteins

MS Tri-Koebel Go-Getter EX-90 A balanced July Archrival x GP-82 Barbwire 2-year-old x Go-Getter EX-90 x 9 generations of EX from the Grace Red line of the Roxy’s………….....King Street Dairy

Cloverfield Teq Toonzani EX-90% A fancy December Joel from the show winning Toonzani followed by 6 gen. of VG/EX! Toonzani EX90% was the Grand Champion @ the 2016 Great Lakes Spring Show & All-Michigan Summer Show…………....Brenhaven Jerseys

Winterfield SC Treny-Red-ET VG-86

Full age Diamondback summer yrlg X VG-86 Dempsey 2YO x EX-90 Brick…….Reed Dairy Angular Applejack summer yearling out of an EX-91% Jade……….…..Blackview Jerseys Additional Consignments from StarSummit, Winterfield Farms, SunQuest Holsteins, Rod-er-Dic, Ri-Val-Re Holsteins, Jeff-Len Holsteins, Green Meadows, MSU Dairy farm and more!

A red September Diamondback out of Treny VG-86 x EX-91 Rampage x EX-92 Durham x EX-92 Rudolph x EX-92 2E Blackstar x EX-91 2E Lincoln x EX-90 Astro x EX-90 3E Mandingo x 5 gen. of VG/EX……………….….Carson Acres

Sponsorship Opportunity

The sale is one of the largest educational experiences and fundraisers for the Michigan State Dairy Club and the Michigan State Dairy Judging program. Please consider placing a business name, farm name, or business card in our sale catalog to show your support for the dairy programs at MSU.

Pricing:

Business Card—$25 Business Name—$15 Full Page Ad—$150

Sale Contact Info: Spring 2017

Kelly Raterink: (616) 283-4652 raterin9@msu.edu

Allison Pung pungalli@msu.edu Nicole Chase (616) 916-9175 chaseni1@msu.edu

2018 National Holstein Convention Tour Sneak Peek

When summer begins in 2018, hundreds of Holstein enthusiasts will converge on Michigan for the National Holstein Convention, June 29-July 3. The Michigan Holstein Association has invited everyone to Explore the Shore in Northwest Michigan at the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City and have tasked the convention tour committee with filling the event with fun tours that will not only show off the beauty of Michigan but the quality of its dairy industry. The tour committee has put together three fun-filled days of tours that will highlight great Holstein genetics and why Michigan remains one of the most popular tourist destinations

in the country. In a state where you can stand anywhere and be within 85 miles of a Great Lake, a charter fishing boat tour was a natural fit for the convention. If reeling in the big one isn’t your thing then a half a day trip to the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes followed by kayaking, canoeing and biking will complete a tour day. The world’s longest suspension bridge has been a normal part of everyday living for those who make their home in the Great Lake’s State but enjoying the expanse of the water as they drive across the bridge to hop on a ferry to visit Mackinac Island was a ‘tour day must’ for the National Holstein Convention. Mackinac Island void of any motorized vehicles will charm convention goers as they pedal around the island on bikes, enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride and lunch at the Grand Hotel. No trip to the island is complete without tasting the famous fudge that will satisfy the the most demanding sweet tooth. Michigan has more freshwater coastline than any other state in the U.S and that coastline will provide a scenic backdrop for the Leelanau tour that will include sailing, wine tasting at Black Star Winery and a tour of the MSU Horticultural Center. Shopping in Traverse City is also on the list of ‘must-dos’ and is included on the tour docket. The Northwest area of Michigan is home to some of the greatest Registered Holsteins in the nation. Several farms have agreed to open the farm gate and welcome their Holstein peers to look over their genetics and operations. But the tour of great genetics doesn’t stop there, a Select Michigan Showcase of Holsteins will be on display from renowned breeders from around the state and presented at the Falmouth Fairgrounds. The goal of the tour committee is to provide the best of the best as Holstein enthusiasts come from every corner of the nation to explore the shore, Michigan Holsteins and more. The convention committee headed by Darwin Sneller is looking for volunteers to help at the event. Sponsorships are also available for several areas of the convention. Anyone interested in volunteering or sponsoring any part of the event should contact Darwin at 989-977-3718.

Spring 2017

From the President’s Pen

Michigan Holstein Association Hey There, Recently, at the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference in Frankenmuth, the “big picture” speakers on the program all seemed to have the same assessment of the dairy industry: Things are a little better but it will be awhile yet before they’re back to being good. It’s a good thing dairymen are mostly of the optimistic bent, so we can take that glowing forecast and continue on. We did hear, recently, that there are plans for a cheese plant to come to Michigan. So that’s a step in the right direction as it’s cheaper to haul a finished product to market than to haul our raw commodity hundreds of miles to find a home. We had a presentation at the farm the other day that dealt with using the genetic information from genomic tests for something other than selling bulls to a stud or for culling. It was the first I had heard of genomic mating of our cows and heifers. When this becomes mainstream, I think the cost of genomic testing every heifer born becomes a lot more affordable. With spring on the horizon, the pace has picked up around the dairy. Scouring the pens looking for animals to take to the spring show and finding heifers to consign to the spring sales that abound makes for some busy days. Guessing how an animal will

EMPHASIS ON BARBWIRE-RED

Bel Barbwire Zaza was named Jr Champion at the 2017 Swiss Expo. She was exhibited by Beltranio Akkevamento from Italy.

look in in 6 weeks after she freshens for the first time is always a challenge. Wondering if someone has a better looking 3 or 4 year old headed for the Pavilion for show day keeps your heart going. Showing off your beautiful ladies at the show is part of why we deal in registered cattle, it’s always fun to have bragging rights. Although, quite often we have to be content with the “wait ‘til next time” attitude. The tillage equipment and planters have been gone though and sit waiting for the weather to break so we can once more rush into the hectic cropping season. The haying gear waits in line and is ready to go as soon as the corn gets in the ground. One never knows what the season will bring for sure, but we do know that all those hungry cows will need feed for next winter so we can’t delay. Please be sure to stay hydrated and get enough rest so you can stay safe out there. As always, see you around,

Ike President MHA

RED

RAINY *RC

Heatherstone Redhot-Red, a 566HO553 RAINY *RC daughter, is making a statement for becoming one of the best young Red & White show cows today. She was Reserve Grand Champion of the Canadian National Red & White Holstein Show at The Royal Winter Fair. First, Redhot-Red won the Jr. 2-Year-Old class, then she was named Intermediate Champion on her way to being named Reserve Grand Champion.

CIRCLERIDGE AFLUENTREDET CDCB PTAs 8/16 GTPI +2341 Milk +793 +.08% +50F +.04% +34P 75% Rel. Type +2.47 74% Rel. Udder Comp. +2.43 Foot & Leg. Comp +1.52 DPR -0.2 PL +3.1 SCS 2.74 CE 7.4% NM $498 CM $524 DWP$TM $642 A young sire with great promise for beautiful daughters comes from 7 generations of VG or EX dams and DOM and GMD

Gene Van Rhee (616) 318-0243 • Dean Wittenbach (989) 277-6032 Greg Palen (989) 277-6031 • Matt Biermacher (989) 277-6033 In the “Thumb” area, contact Dan Rich (810) 404-4669 23

Summer 2015

REACH beyond the normal traditional advertising. Dairy Agenda Today offers unlimited REACH for your advertising dollar. More EYES on YOUR ad when YOUR ad is on DAIRY AGENDA TODAY!

Visit www.dairyagendatoday.com

26 26

Summer Spring2015 2017

Congratulations to our Production Leaders! JANUARY

Lew-Max Holsteins, LLC, Belding

COW: LEW-MAX NIAGRA 4762 • USA 69197071 100-NA CLASSIFICATION: VG-87 SIRE: RI-VAL-RE 2338 NIAGRA-ET *TR • USA 62067753 DAM: LEW-MAX O MAN 2588 • USA 62315253 LEADER RECORD: AGE: 5-03 • X: 3X • DAYS: 365 • MILK: 58,640 • DCRM: 100 • %F: 3.5 FAT: 2066 • %P: 3.0 • PROT: 1759 • DCRC: 79 • STATE: MI • OWNER: 29700 NATIONAL/STATE PLACING AGE CATEGORY 2X/3X MICHIGAN 1ST MILK MATURE 3X

DAYS 365

Westvale View Dairy, LLC, Nashville

COW: GLEN-VALLEY IOTA CELINE-ET • USA 70819347 • 100-NA CLASSIFICATION: GP-84 SIRE: REGANCREST ALTAIOTA-ET *TV • USA 61898306 DAM: GLEN-VALLEY BOLT CENITIA-ET • USA 65986213 LEADER RECORD: AGE: 3-11 • X: 3X • DAYS: 365 • MILK: 50,710 • DCRM: 102 • %F: 3.5 FAT: 1756 • %P: 3.0 • PROT: 1513 • DCRC: 78 • STATE: MI • OWNER: 34996 NATIONAL/STATE PLACING AGE CATEGORY 2X/3X MICHIGAN 3RD MILK SR 3YR 3X

Melissa Hart, Editor Cell: 517-398-1957 farm.writer@hotmail.com Michigan Dairy Cattle News 401 Harvest Trail Midlothian, TX 76065 Ph: 517-490-7736 michholstein1@gmail.com 27 Spring 2017

ISSUE

DAYS 365

AD DEADLINE

Spring

Feb. 12

Summer

May 5

Fall

Winter

Aug. 11 Nov. 11

Summer 2015 27

One More Thing . . . Showmanship Premiums This year at the Great Lakes Spring Holstein Show there will be cash prizes for showmanship! Kalmbach Feeds, Diversified Farms and STGenetics will sponsor the three division winners. Participants must be a member of the Michigan Junior Holstein Association. If you have purchased a consignment the day before at either the Spartan Spectacular of the Michigan Spring Foundation Sale, your membership to the Michigan Junior Holstein Association will be paid for by Northstar Select Sires.

Off the

Farm

Contact Jess Jakubik at 616-889-3849 for more information. Jersey Calf Raffle The Michigan Jersey Juniors will again be selling raffle tickets to win a Registered Jersey calf. The drawing will be on Friday of Michigan Dairy Expo, July 17-21st at the MSU Livestock Pavilion in East Lansing, MI. Contact any Jersey Junior member for tickets. Great Lakes Spring Show Judge Adam Liddle of Argyle, New York will be the judge for the Great Lakes Spring Holstein Show in East Lansing, Michigan slated for March 25th. Adam owns Liddleholm Holsteins with his wife and three kids and this fall he will be judging the International Holstein Show at World Dairy Expo. You can find Great Lakes Spring Show entry forms in this issue. Great Opportunity for Youth Bruce and Tricia Gingerich of Sunrose Holsteins from Millersburg, Indiana are hosting a sale this May at their farm to offer some of their top Holstein genetics to Holstein breeders around the world. The Gingerich’s have decided to give a chance to the youth of the dairy industry for their own start into the registered dairy cattle business. They are holding an essay contest for any youth

We caught Registered Holstein breeder, John Clark, of Pittsford, Michigan, off the farm as he was officiating at a local basketball tournament at Pittsford High School. John credited milk for powering him through two long days of running up and down the court as an official. Great job John! “Off the Farm” will be a new feature to the MDCN as we catch dairy producers serving their local communities off the farm. 28

from across the country who would like a chance at some of their best Sunrose genetics. Youth who want to enter the contest have to write an essay on why they love the registered dairy cattle business. If you are under 16 years old, write an essay and send it to: sunrose20064@aol.com or blissfulsaints@yahoo.com. Or, if you think including pictures may help you, feel free to send via snail mail to: 13330 CR 42 Millersburg, IN 46543 by April 1st. If you win, you will get to choose one of two calves out of one of their best cows, Sunrose Jess. And if you’re second, you will receive $500 toward a purchase at their sale and if you place third thru fifth, you will receive $100 toward a purchase at their sale. Jersey Value-Added 101 For every Jersey owner asking “Should I process my own milk?” Here is your chance to draw upon the experience and advice of the experts to develop a strategy for success! Attend the National All-Jersey Workshop on March 29-30 in St. Charles, MO. Entrepreneurs in Jersey value-added products will share their stories; for fluid milk processing and marketing, John Kokoski, Mapleline Farm, Hadley, Mass., and for farmstead cheese, Mark Gillman, Cato Corner Farm, Colchester, Conn. For more information and to registered by March 10th. Contact National All-Jersey Inc., at 614-861-3636 or email: naj@usjersey.com.

Like the Michigan Holstein Association and the Michigan Jersey Cattle Club pages on Facebook! And remember, all issues of the Michigan Dairy Cattle News are online at www.dairyagendatoday.com Spring 2017

MMPA DAIRY FARM FAMILIES SHAPING THE FUTURE

Together

At MMPA, our dairy farm families work with pride and care every day to produce wholesome, nutritious dairy products for your table. Serving the Great Lakes Region, these farmers are shaping the future together as a leading member-owned cooperative.

mimilk.com

Siemen family Harbor Beach, Michigan

MICHIGAN MILK PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION 41310 Bridge Street, Novi, MI 48376

Â»

248-474-6672

calendar 2017

March 15: Great Lakes Holstein & Jersey Show entries due March 24: Michigan Holstein Spring Foundation Sale, MSU Livestock Pavilion, East Lansing, Michigan

Accelerated Genetics....................................... Pg. 12 Bovine Beautician.......................................... Pg. 22 Brenhaven Holsteins & Jerseys............... MW Pg. 10 Buellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bovines................................................. Pg. 9 Dairy Agenda Today...................................... Pg. 26 District VII...................................................... Pg. 2

March 25: Great Lakes Holstein & Jersey Shows entries close at 4 pm

End Road Farm.............................................. Pg. 30

March 25: Great Lakes Spring Holstein Show, MSU Livestock Pavilion, East Lansing, Michigan

Germane Environmental.................................. Pg. 7

Genex............................................................. Pg. 31 Germane Environmental................................ Pg. 13

March 30-April 1: Spring Dairy Expo, Columbus, Ohio

Green Meadows Farm............................ MW Pg. 22

April 13: MHA District VII Sale,UPI Marion Sale Arena, Marion, Michigan

King Street Dairy................................... MW Pg. 10

April 13: Michigan Jersey Cattle Club Spring Sale, UPI Marion Sale Arena, Marion, Michigan

Michigan Jersey Spring Sale............................ Pg. 16

June 28-July 1: National Holstein Convention, Bellevue, Washington

Michigan Milk Producers Association............ Pg. 29

July 5-8: National Brown Swiss Convention, Canton, Ohio June 21-24: National Ayrshire Convention, Altoona, Iowa June 27- July 1: National Guernsey Convention, Saratoga, New York

Michigan Holstein Association............... MW Pg. 37 Michigan Livestock Service............................. Pg. 23 Michigan Spring Foundation Sale...........Pg. 24 & 25 Moram Holsteins & Jerseys.................... MW Pg. 35 NorthStar/Select Sires..................................... Pg. 32 Oakfield Corners.............................................. Pg. 4 Posey Creek Farm........................................... Pg. 13

June 21-24: National Jersey Convention, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Reed Dairy............................................. MW Pg. 35

June 14-17: American Milking Shorthorn Society National Convention, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Spartan Spectacular....................................... Pg. 21

June 7-9, 2017: National Red and White Convention, Rochester, Minnesota

Rod-er-Dic............................................. MW Pg. 59 Starward Farm............................................... Pg. 16 Star Summit Holsteins............................ MW Pg. 54 ST Genetics...................................................... Pg. 3 Sunrose Holsteins..................................... MW Pg. 8 Tomerton......................................................... Pg. 6 Vitality Crew............................................ MW Pg. 5 Wardin Brothers............................................. Pg. 22 Weston Jerseys.................................................. Pg. 9 Wonderbred Holsteins.................................... Pg. 22

index to advertisers

You Asked.

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Not only are all of these sires in the breed’s top 10 for GTPI, they are part of our industry-leading gender SELECTed lineup. We offer a large number of sexed sires, that are truly our very best. When creating more heifers for your herd, why not use the best the industry has to offer? Call your local Select Sires representative today to place an order for these elite gender SELECTed sires!

All bulls except BOB qualify for export to Canada. CDCB/HA Genomic Evaluation 12/16. ™gender SELECTed is a trademark of Select Sires Inc. ®GTPI is a registered trademark of Holstein Association USA. gender SELECTed™ semen processed by Sexing Technologies for Select Sires shall be used only for the single insemination of one female bovine during natural ovulation with the intent to produce single offspring unless specifically approved on an individual customer basis by Sexing Technologies in writing. This semen is produced using the proprietary technology of XY LLC and Inguran LLC, as partially represented by U.S. Patents: 6372422, 7094527, 7208265, 7371517, 6357307, 7723116, 7758811and 7799569. Patents pending in US and foreign markets. XY® is a trademark of XY LLC. All gender SELECTed semen is processed using SexedULTRA™ technology. ™SexedULTRA is a trademark of Inguran LLC.

Spring 2017