A Message From the Executive Director, Tom Thorbahn

From the Executive Director By Tom Thorbahn

This has been quite a year! I am sure each of you are ready to see it end as I am, looking forward to 2021. Hopefully, you had a safe and productive harvest, the weather cooperated and most everyone was finished by Thanksgiving, for that we give thanks.

To all those who worked and planned the North American Dairy Show in Circleville in October, we salute and thank you for a job well done. It was a wonderful opportunity to view registered cattle from across the US, and so close to home. It was great to see many Ohio breeders participating -- and what a better place to see an Ohio bred cow take home the Grand Champion Holstein banner. Congratulations to her owners, but also congratulations to K-Land Holsteins for breeding her, and to the Hawvermale family for developing Black Diamond.

Thinking ahead to shows next year, Show Chairman, Steve Moff, announced that the Ohio Spring Dairy Expo is planned for April 2 and 3, 2021 in Circleville. Chad Ryan is scheduled to judge, watch for the full schedule, as well as possible changes due to the pandemic.

Plans for the Ohio Annual Meeting are being coordinated by the Annual Meeting Committee and members from District 5. The dates are February 26 and 27, 2021; plans are a similar format to previous years, with a Convention Sale on Friday evening in Mt. Sterling. The Covid-19 pandemic may change our plans which will be decided by December 20; watch the Ohio Holstein website and Dairy Agenda Today for possible cancellation, as well as the next issue of the Ohio Holstein News. Look for changes in voting on officers and the sale, should we need to cancel our weekend.

The Ohio Holstein Board discussed putting a new roof on our office building, as Diana had noticed leaks in various places. Quotes we have for a flat roof are $30,000, there is discussion of putting a gabled roof which could be more, and we are awaiting quotes. The Executive Committee and Building Committee will decide what action needs to be taken.

As we draw to a close of 2020, I would like to thank the officers, board, and committees for their commitment to the Ohio Holstein Association. The vision that the Holstein breeders had for this Association as it began in 1920 continues today, thanks to you for your continued interest in the great Holstein cow. Many thanks to Diana for her dedication to the membership and to Melissa for continuing the great traditions of the Ohio Holstein News.

To you and yours, cherish those moments with family and friends for a blessed holiday season, filled with Peace on Earth knowing He has come and with the hope of a prosperous year ahead.

CORRECTION

The Ohio District 7-8 Show results had a mistake. The Reserve Junior champion of the Junior Show was Jenneil Solomon Gariela exhibited by Maci Mclean. And in the Spring Yearling Class – Beardsley Doc Kidence is owned by Maci Mclean and Jenneil Diamondback Gloria is owned by Neil Deam. We apologize for the mistake.