Meet the Board of Director Election Candidates

that settled in Fort Atkinson in the 1830’s, and the six-generation family-owned company best known for all-natural sausage. The Jones Market has tripled in size (now 2,600 square feet) and expanded its offerings to include many exclusive items made on-site like fresh brats, natural casing wieners, hot and mild Italian sausage, and sausage meatballs. The Jones Market also offers the entire Jones product line including favorites like all-natural breakfast sausage, dry-aged bacon and naturally smoked hams and Canadian bacon, as well as a large selection of specialty food items from around the Badger state.

Information and registration forms can also be found on the Wisconsin Holstein Association website - www.wisholsteins.com.

Board of Director Election Candidates

WHA Board of Director Elections will take place during the business meeting on Saturday, February 19. Pam Selz-Pralle and Craig Carncross will have completed two three-year terms and Bob Cramer Jr. has decided not to run for a second term. Below are members vying for a board seat. We will need at least five candidates to run for the four open board positions.

Ryan Weigel

Hello Holstein Friends. My name is Ryan Weigel and I would like to announce my candidacy for a second term to the Wisconsin Holstein Board of Directors. I currently am employed at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in Fennimore as an Animal and Dairy Science Instructor. I am also a managing partner on my family’s dairy: Weigland Registered Holsteins. I reside in Platteville with my wife Traci and children Kaelyn (18), Kenadee (16), and Keegan (11).

Giving back to an organization that has given so much to me is a very strong reason of why I am seeking a second term on this board. I currently serve on the WHA Executive Committee and Co-Chair the District Shows Committee. I have previously served on the Lafayette County Holstein Board, National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) and the UW-Platteville Ag Advisory Board. Additionally, I have had the pleasure of serving as one of your delegates to the National Holstein Convention in recent years.

For me, our association is a family affair from showing to conventions and everything in between. The youth in our industry are our future and very important to me. Not only do I have three children that are involved in the association, but I also work closely with youth through Dairy Cattle Judging and Post-Secondary Education. Our youth programs are possibly the strongest asset we have as an organization and I know that will continue for years to come. Keeping enthusiastic youth involved in our organization as they transition to adulthood is vital to our success! With your support, I look forward to working with a wonderful group of individuals that will lead your Wisconsin Holstein Association through many successful years. Thank you!

Nicole Speich

Hello fellow Holstein enthusiasts. My name is Nicole Miller-Speich and I’m pleased to announce my candidacy for the Wisconsin Holstein Board of Directors. I have worked in banking for 20 years and I am currently a Bank Controller and Board Secretary at a Dane County community bank. I hold a degree in finance from UW-Whitewater. In addition to my full-time job, my family and I milk anywhere from 15 to 20 cows year-round at our dairy Hobby-Hill Holsteins in Orfordville. My husband Josh and children Gracin and Chesney work alongside me to care for our Registered Holsteins and crop 45 acres and 25 acres of rented grass land. My daughter Riley farms with her husband Brooks Hendrickson in Belleville. Our dairy is small, but I am passionate about promoting the industry and getting youth involved in showing and providing guidance as they grow in their projects. I am on the Rock County 4-H Fair Board, Rock County Dairy Promotion Council and involved in the Rock County Holstein Breeders group. When I’m not farming, working or being involved with my county group, my hobbies include running, biking and baking. I would be honored to serve you as a member of the board of directors. My skills in finance and leadership will help propel our association for years to come. Thank you!