ABOUT US
The Iowa Holstein Association is a membership organization since 1886 and is now 516 members strong. Our purpose is to promote registered Holstein cattle and its breeders and owners within the state of Iowa.
The mission of the Iowa Holstein Association is to act concurrently with the National Association in the promotion and development of registered Holstein cattle. (Adopted by the Iowa Holstein Association Board of Directors, March 15, 2003)
By being a member of our organization you are provided with the opportunity of the following: recognition, shows, promotion, publication, adult and youth convention, scholarship, distinguished service award, master breeder award, outstanding young holstein breeder award and so much more!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President's Perspective
Hello Iowa Holstein Friends,
The term “Expect the Unexpected” surely must have been coined to reflect this year’s Iowa weather. We certainly have had an unusual Winter, with extreme dips and peaks in temperatures and moisture.
Our Minnesota Holstein Neighbors braved the cold and snow, to travel by bus, to several elite herds in Eastern Iowa, on January 20th. Host farms on this crisp, cold day, were Le-O-La Holsteins, Farnear Holsteins, Moondale Holsteins, and Henkeseen Holsteins. I was able to join in the tour at each of the farms, and as usual, was amazed and proud of our Iowa cattle.
Hopefully, most of you have been entertained by our college basketball teams this year. Both Iowa and Iowa State Men’s and Women’s teams have been thrilling!
Congratulations to all the award winners, recognized at our recent Iowa Holstein State Convention, held at The Delaware County Fairgrounds, recently.
The Iowa State Holstein Sale and Raffle will be on March 16th. I hope you are all getting your tickets sold, and purchasing some for yourselves, as this is our main fundraiser for the year! Show up early, in case you are fortunate enough to win a choice of our impressive raffle calf selections. It should be a fine sale, as well!
This years National Holstein Convention will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah, under the Theme “Udderly Utah.” Our delegates from Iowa will be; Kyle Demmer, Trent Henkes and Mark Knudtson. Contact one of them if you have some input. It should be a great destination, if you decide to go. Good luck to our Jr. Teams!
As of this writing, we will be having our bus tour to Illinois and Southern WI, April 2nd & 3rd. I hope many of you can take a couple days away from the farm, and enjoy the comradery of your fellow dairymen.
Once again, have a safe spring and enjoy the Beauty of Nature!
Your President,
Walt Wessel
FAREWELL TO OUR 2022-2024 PRINCESS
Hello Iowa Holstein Members! First and foremost I would like to thank all of you for giving me another year to represent our association. I have enjoyed being able to talk to all of you and have been welcomed by all.
Secondly, I would like to thank my parents, Bill and Shellie as well as my sisters, Brylie, Brenna, and Brielle. Without you guys helping me get to events and being there whenever I needed I don’t think I could have done this.
Lastly, thank you to the Holstein cow for instilling in me the passion that I have today.
After finishing out my reign, I will continue to work for Central Star as a DHI Specialist, working alongside my mom as well as working with my own herds. I have enjoyed working with and alongside all of you and appreciate the support and kindness you have all shown me over the past two years. If there is anything you would like help with or just want to reach out to me, my email is brynleev03@gmail.com and my phone number is (319) 240-6266.
Again thank you all so much for such an amazing two years!
Brynlee Volker 2022-2024 Iowa Holstein Princess
MEET OUR 2024-2025 PRINCESS
Kaitlyn Besler is the daughter of Alan and Jill Besler of Worthington. She is a junior at Beckman Catholic High School. Kaitlyn's involvement with dairy began when she joined 4-H in 4th grade. At this time, Kaitlyn wanted to show dairy animals at the Delaware County Fair and she began a 4-H animal leasing agreement with her great uncle, Duane Gibbs. For the past 7 years, Kaitlyn has housed and cared for her dairy project animals on their farm from May - August. She enjoys showing at the county fair, District 8 Holstein show, Iowa Holstein State Show, and the Youth Dairy Classic.
Kaitlyn is also involved in FFA, serving as the chapter Vice President. She is a member of the North Fork Kats 4-H club where she currently serves as the club President. At the county level, Kaitlyn is a member of the Delaware County 4-H Council. She runs varsity track, sings in the church choir, and was recently inducted into the National Honor Society. Kaitlyn was also awarded the 2024 Top of the Class Scholar at Beckman Catholic. When Kaitlyn is not busy with school and extracurricular activities, she enjoys being a big sister to her four siblings.
Kaitlyn is looking forward to serving the Iowa Holstein Association and being a positive representative for the dairy industry.
If you would like to have Kaitlyn attend one of your events please feel free to reach out to her via email at: 25kbesler@beckman.pvt.k12.ia.us or by phone at: 563-451-3843
