President's Perspective
Hello Iowa Holstein Friends,
This may possibly be one of my favorite times of the year. Nature has come back to life. As we drive the rural roads, we see the beginning of everyone’s spring planting. The crops are extending a canopy over the ground and the smell of the freshly cut alfalfa is uniquely amazing. The cattle in the pastures completes the landscape and makes you take a second glance.
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Thanks to district 8 for hosting The State Holstein Convention. Be sure to read the profiles of this year’s award winners. Congratulation to each of them. I was totally surprised, honored and grateful to receive The Hall of Fame Award. Thank you to Brynlee Volker, our last Holstein Princess for all your service to our Assoc. and Good Luck with your next endeavors! Congratulations to our new Iowa Holstein Princess, Kaitlyn Besler! Contact her if you need her assistance with dairy events. Special thanks to Myron Rediske for the entertainment!
Thanks to Courtney Sales for managing the auction this year at the Iowa Spring Holstein Sale. We had some high-quality cattle and they sold well. Thank you to Blake Courtney for running the successful raffle again this year! We netted just under $10.000. Congratulations to the winners!
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The bus trip took us to northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, with an overnight stay at Lake Geneva, Wi. The wet cool weather did not dampen the enthusiasm of our group. Special thanks to all seven of the dairy farms for welcoming us on two less than ideal days. We were able to see some tremendous cattle and dairy facilities!
Safe travels to those who will be attending the National Holstein Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, and good luck to the Junior Contestants!
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Good luck to all exhibitors as you prepare for the county fairs, district shows and The Iowa State Holstein Show, which will be held in Des Moines during The Iowa State Fair on August 9th and 10th.
The Iowa Holstein Picnic will be at a centralized location for most, as we travel just north of Petersburg to KCCK Genetics. Tom and Sara, Kaleb, Cole and Carter Kruse will be hosting this event on August 24th. It should be a great destination! We will also be having our State and District Board meetings there, as usual.
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Our Granddaughter, Cambrie Wessel turned her reign as Clayton County Little Miss Squirt over to her younger sister, Cagney Wessel last month. We feel honored to escort her, as well, to the Clayton County Parades and other dairy events.
It is very encouraging to see the milk and cheese market finally creeping up. Hopefully, the prices will be sustained with the shortage of dairy replacements in the country.
See all of you at the shows!
Your President,
Walt Wessel