Pictured: 2022 Wall of Fame inductees
The Jefferson County Holstein Breeders, in coordination with the Wisconsin Holstein Association, report their annual Adult Holstein Convention in Fort Atkinson was a success! Holstein breeders from across the state were in attendance for meetings, speakers and tours, and to receive recognition for accomplishments in 2021.
At the convention, 2021 Wisconsin Top Performer cows were announced. Recognized were cows owned by Tom Kestell, Ever-Green-View, Waldo, and Wargo Acres, Lodi. The overall Top Performer was Ever-Green-View Aclaim-ET EX-91, owned by Tom Kestell, Waldo. Aclaim produced 57,248 pounds of milk, 2652 pounds of fat (4.6 percent) and 1809 pounds of protein (3.2 percent) in 305 days at 4-06.
Also recognized were owners of cows that have produced more than 300,000 and 400,000 pounds of lifetime milk. There were 57 cows recognized for producing over 300,000 pounds and four cows that produced over 400,000 pounds in 2021. Outstanding advertisements in the Wisconsin Holstein News in 2021 were also recognized. Taking top ad honors for the year was Chris-Le Acres, the Kramer family of St. Cloud.
Four new members were elected to a three-year term on the WHA Board of Directors: Nicole Miller-Speich, Orfordville; Ty Hildebrandt, Hustisford; Ralph Petersheim, Viroqua and Krista Luedkte, Hortonville. Ryan Weigel of Platteville was re-elected to a second three-year term.
This year’s 2022 Wall of Fame inductees were people, Ben Dibble of Delavan and John Selz of Humbird; bull, Opsal Finley; and cow, Fobes Mechthilde Ollie. Opsal Finley belongs to the Opsal family of Blue Mounds. Fobes Mechthilde Ollie belongs to John and Katheryn Bartlett of Oshkosh.
The Holstein Horizon is a new award that recognizes those in the industry who are still involved in breeding outstanding Holsteins but may not, or no longer, be milking cows. The first Holstein Horizon was awarded to Lynn and Sara Harbaugh of Marion. Lynn works as an area sales manager for CentralStar Cooperative and Sara as a territory business manager for Zoetis. Together they run a successful show heifer operation with their kids, Jacob, 16, Logan, 14, and Madison, 11.
The 2021 Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder is Bryan and Brittney Mauk of Plymouth. Brian’s father, Kyle, started farming in 1987 with 13 grade Holsteins that became 40 grade cows. When Bryan and Brittney joined the farm in 2009, they started the process of registering the herd. The herd is now made up of 50 cows with 12 excellent, 18 very good, and 10 good plus cows. Their herd averages 25,000 pounds of milk, 1000 pounds of fat and 780 pounds of protein. Bryan and Brittney have four children who are also very interested in the farm lifestyle.
The Marlowe Nelson Distinguished Service Award was awarded to Ron Sersland, owner and CEO of International Protein Sires. Ron was raised on a dairy and hog farm in Iowa and attended Iowa State University. Following graduation, he started working in the AI industry and pursuing his goal of being an international businessman. He and his late wife, Sandy, started Our Help Inc. to assist those in other countries with quality products. Our Help Inc. purchased International Protein Sires in 1999 and is now owned by Ron and his wife Nellie.
The Distinguished Holstein Breeder is William (Bill) Schultz III of Lyn-Vale Holsteins. Bill grew up on his family’s grade Holstein farm near Waldo. He was introduced to registered cattle at this uncle Carl’s farm near Kewaskum. Bill has developed an outstanding herd of cows and heifers from the ground up that can show at all levels of competition. He also enjoys seeing animals he bred do well for others, especially youth that have purchased heifers or partnered with him on projects.
The WHA Board of Directors met to elect officers for the upcoming year. Steve Endres of Waunakee will serve as president. Vice President will be Ryan Weigel, Platteville, and Erica Ullom of Bloomer will serve as secretary for a sixth year. Kurt Loehr and Sara Feldmann were also elected to serve on the Executive Committee.
See photos of honorees: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/d4wlv57ozgmq9lz/AABpidSImdVztbZy4t4daU5va
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