3 minute read
Selz-Pralle Dairy hosts a successful WHA Picnic
The sun was shining, the weather was warm, and the cows were looking fantastic at Selz-Pralle Dairy for the Wisconsin Holstein Picnic on Saturday, October 9. Nearly 300 Holstein enthusiasts attended the event in Humbird.
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The dairy is known for balanced cows that exhibit type and production with longevity. It is also home to the former world record milk production cow Selz-Pralle Aftershock 3918 VG-88. Scott Pralle and Pam Selz-Pralle recognize that management plays a large role in the development in their kind of cows. Attendees saw their freestall housing, parlor and newly built positive pressure ventilation calf barn in addition to the outstanding cows in these facilities.
Shuttles from the milking farm to the home farm where heifers and calves are housed ran constantly all day for attendees. At the home farm, the calf barn was a big hit among attendees. The newest structure at the farm features group housing and feeding with a positive pressure ventilation system. This has overall improved calf health at the farm.
Attendees let loose and relaxed with local wine and charcuterie while admiring the landscaping around the Selz-Pralle home and shopping with A Farm Chick’s Closet and Deb’s Soap Essentials.
Wood fire pizza was made by Kyes Guys Pizza, deep fried cheese curds were provided by the Clark County Holstein Association and everyone enjoyed nachos and root beer floats. Milk and water was generously donated by Kwik Trip.
The parlor office featured an array of historical items from books, to art and old milking equipment. Dave Christopherson of the La Crosse area brought in a display of Holstein True Type cows.
Picnic attendees had an opportunity to judge three fantastic classes of cows. Winners in each division are as follows.
Youth
1st – Easton Brown 2nd – Evan Brey 3rd – Kylie Pierce
Women
1st – Joan Johnston 2nd – Jing Luo 3rd – Hannah Ullom
Men
1st – Tony Brey 2nd – Gary Gehrke 3rd – Kyle Knutson
The day concluded with a short program with introductions from Alice in Dairyland Julia Nunes and WHA Princess Zoe Ertel and Princess Attendant Emily Stumpf. Holstein USA board member Tony Brey gave a brief update on national business. The highlight of the program was the introduction of Sunnyside Standout-Twin, EDR V I Angie Melvina and Emil Titel into the Wisconsin Holstein Wall of Fame. Full stories on these honorees can be found starting on page 30.
The Selz-Pralle Family: David Trimmer and Jessica Pralle-Trimmer, Scott Pralle, Pam Selz-Pralle, Nicole Pralle and Ryan Pralle. Judging Contest Winners: back - WHA Princess Attendant Emily Stumpf, Gary Gehrke, Tony Brey and Kyle Knutson, WHA Princess Zoe Ertl, front - Evan Brey, Joan Johnston, Jing Luo and Easton Brown.
Wall of Fame Cow: back - Scott Franke, Todd Stanek; middle - WHA Princess Attendant Emily Stumpf, Emily Franke, Karen Marsh, Laura Franke, WHA Princess Zoe Ertl; front - Ron and Doris Marsh Wall of Fame Bull: WHA Princess Attendant Emily Stumpf, Todd Borgwardt, Bennett Borgwardt, Roger Borgwardt and WHA Princess Zoe Ertl.
