Holstein breeders review progress

BRATTLEBORO, Vt. – One thousand Holstein enthusiasts gathered in Sioux Falls, S.D., June 23-24, for the 121st National Holstein Convention.
Members. In Chief Executive Officer John Meyer’s membership address, he highlighted expanded participation in programs that took place in 2005.
Registration activity continued to grow with more than 301,000 animals registered, representing an increase of 2.8 percent in 2005, from 2004.
Classification activity continued at a brisk pace: 200,955 cows in 4,980 herds were linearly appraised in the regular classification representing an increase of 6 percent and 7 percent respectively.
‘Complete’ program. The group’s marquis program, Holstein COMPLETE, continues to grow. In 2005, 132,717 animals in 1,133 herds enrolled in the program, which is a 13 percent increase in animals, and a 15 percent increase in herds compared to 2004, according to Meyer.
Chief Financial Officer Barbara Casna reported that for the third consecutive year, the association has shown a profit on operations.
For the year ended Dec. 31, 2005, the association recognized consolidated net income before investment returns of $1,015,000.
Elections. During the meeting, Glen Brown, of Coalville, Utah, was re-elected to a three-year term on the board of directors representing Region 8, and Thomas Thorbahn, of Vickery, Ohio, was re-elected to a three-year term as an at-large director.
Two first-time board members were elected at the convention as Robert Nigh, of Viroqua, Wis., was elected to represent Region 5, and Hank van Exel, of Lodi, Calif., will represent Region 9.
Young breeders. Spencer and Stacey Hackett of Rice, Minn., were presented with the prestigious Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder Award.
The Hacketts, along with their two sons, milk 135 Registered Holsteins.
The Hackett’s herd averages more than 25,000 pounds of milk, 900 pounds of butterfat, and 800 pounds of protein.
Association members welcomed guest speaker U.S. Sen. John Thune of South Dakota as he addressed agricultural issues.
Up next. Next year’s Holstein Association USA annual meeting will be June 25-26, 2007 at the Holiday Inn Select hotel at the Convention Center in Knoxville, Tenn.