From the state Department of Agriculture and Markets:
Following
the return of the National Holstein Convention to New York, state
Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball on Tuesday highlighted the success
of the conference, held in
Saratoga Springs from June 27 to July 1.
New York state, which was the
birthplace of the
National Holstein Association, last
hosted the gathering more than two decades ago in Rochester in 1993. Since then, it has been held throughout the country.
This year, the
convention drew more than 1,000 industry professionals
from Canada, Mexico and nearly every state in the U.S., including more
than 400 youth.
“I was thrilled to take part in the National Holstein Convention this
year,
and proud to see New York’s important role in the Holstein breed on
display. During this five-day event, farmers from all across the country
were able to swap stories, find out what’s new in the industry, and to
learn from the best," Ball said.
"And while they were here,
they had the chance to experience all that Saratoga Springs has to
offer. I look forward to the convention’s next return to the Empire
State,” he said.
The
National Holstein Convention is sponsored by Holstein Association USA,
the world’s largest dairy breed organization and a nonprofit membership
group that offers
programs and services to the dairy industry.
This
year’s theme, “New York Charm: City to Farm,” was fitting given that a
priority for the Department is to help connect New York’s farmers
to new markets and provide as many consumers as possible better access
to fresh, local agricultural goods, including our world-class milk and
dairy products.
The convention provided members interested in breeding, raising and milking Holstein cattle the opportunity to go on farm tours, check out informational seminars, participate in contests and auctions and even buy animals at the cattle sale, which this years grossed nearly $2 million. The top selling cow came from Schuylerville, outside Saratoga, and sold for $180,000.
The convention also offered a wide variety of activities for Junior Holstein members, ages 21 and under, aimed at increasing their knowledge of the dairy industry, strengthening self confidence and building leadership skills.
New York Junior Member Awards
During the convention, the Holstein Association recognized distinguished junior members. This award is the highest honor a Holstein Association USA junior member can receive.
This year, Kayla Windecker and Jonathan King, were finalists for the Distinguished Junior Member and Young distinguished Junior Member awards.
Five Junior Holstein members from New York also finished in the top rankings during four different dairy competitions.
·
Dairy Jeopardy
Based
on the popular television game show, the contests tested the
participant’s knowledge on a wide range of dairy-related topics. Nearly
eighty participants in the
Dairy Jeopardy competition were divided into three age groups. This
year, George Andrew of Newark won third place in the Junior Division, and
Stephanie Bishop of Delhi won third place in the Senior Division.
·
Prepared Public Speaking
This
year, 51 youth participated in the prepared public speaking
competition. Stephanie McBath of Schuylerville claimed the top prize in the 18- 21 year
old age group with her
speech, “When in Rome, on an Italian Dairy Farm.”
·
Folding Display Contest
Fifty-seven entries were submitted in this year's Folding Display
competition where participants create a free-standing display educating
people about a dairy industry-related topic of their choice. The
competition is divided into two categories -- Scientific
and Creative. Shannon Sears of Schenevus won first place in the Senior Scientific
Division with a display on “Hairy Heel Warts.”
·
Dairy Knowledge Exam
The
Dairy Knowledge Exam participants put their knowledge to the test with a
25-question written exam. New Yorker, Christine Putman of Schuylerville finished
second in the Junior
Division.
In
addition, New York ranked among the top five in both the State Banner
and Digital State Scrapbook contests, and a team of New York youth made
it to the final Senior Division
Dairy Bowl.
Known as the “Cradle of the Holstein Breed,” New York state was the birthplace of the
National Holstein Association in 1885 and home
to the first registered Holstein herd, raised by Gerrit Smith Miller in Madison County, east of Syracuse. Today, the state’s Holstein
breeders and owners offer substantial contributions to the dairy
industry and the state’s economy.
