From the Executive Director By Tom Thorbahn
The first snowfall reminds me that ‘old man winter’ is upon us, especially when the weatherman reports single digit temperatures along with it: just seems that early November is way too early for winter to start. This year has been a struggle for farmers, with the challenges of a wet spring, late planted crops, and, now the first snowfall before all the crops are harvested, but as farmers we are a resilient group and weather all the storms. Congratulations to the members and their coaches of the OSU Dairy Judging Team, with their first-place finish at World Dairy Expo. What an honor! Being a member of a judging team provides so many life skills that can be used as they venture down the road of life in their chosen careers. Each of you should have received your 2020 Ohio Holstein membership renewal from the office. To make district quota all memberships must be received by February 1. Do you have neighbors who may benefit from being an Ohio Holstein Association membership? Make a visit and sign them up, call the office, Diana can provide you with additional membership applications. This year’s Annual Meeting will be held in Sandusky, February 28 and 29, 2020, at the Kalahari Resort and Water Park. A herd tour to Eric Havens, Brookview Farm, in Fremont, is planned on Friday afternoon--great cows, great people, consider coming early for a visit. There will be a State Convention Sale on Friday evening, the same format as last year’s sale. The water park will be available for youth activities. Look for the whole schedule of the weekend, remember the Annual Meeting is your voice in your association. A big thank you to ST Genetics
for hosting the Fall Tour and the Ohio Holstein Fall Sale at their facilities in South Charleston. It was a wonderful opportunity to view their new facilities, hear Kevin Ziemba’s presentation, and visit with fellow Ohio Holstein breeders. As we watch 2019 come to a close, I would like to thank Ohio Holstein officers, Board of Directors, committee members, and staff for all their commitment to the Ohio Holstein Association. You, the members, are the backbone of our association; you make this association great. By the time you get this issue, the holidays will be upon us, may you cherish those special moments with family and friends. My wish for each of you is a blessed Christmas filled with His love and peace and a safe and prosperous 2020. OHIO NEWS
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 |
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