SPRING 2020
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO Mark Carpenter
Great Accomplishments and Great Expectations Your Premier Select Sires Cooperative continues to work hard for you. 2019 was a year of continued change for all of us as we maneuvered through another tough economic period. We are very proud of our efforts in 2019 to provide consistent services and industry-leading products at fair prices. We even distributed our margins back to our members’ accounts through special mid-year discounts. In times of market and supplier uncertainty, we were proud to stand by you as your trusted advisor and true farmer-owned cooperative. We value the great partnership we share with each of our members, and we worked harder than ever to be there for you and your operation. It’s so amazing to me how our employees share the feelings surrounding our members’ challenges and are also the first to celebrate their successes. We are truly blessed to work for you every day.
As we have closed the books on 2019, we can say that your cooperative went through a fairly significant transformation. The hard work of pulling together the nearly 14,000 members across 23 states and over 200 employees and contractors was a big task. We were able to make many changes internally that have positioned your cooperative to deliver even greater member-focused benefits while maintaining the member experience you expect on-farm daily. Your board of directors has challenged me to find new ways to return purchasing benefits to our members throughout 2020; please keep an eye out for these member promotions. Looking ahead to 2020 gives me great excitement about our ability to continue meeting your genetic and product needs and finding new ways to help you, our members. If you’re looking for early access to the industry’s most elite dairy genetics, look to NxGEN® for exclusive member access. Need sorted
(continued on page 2)
IN THIS EDITION:
Message from the CEO................................................................... 1 Our Commitment: COVID-19............................................................ 3 Product Talk: All About Electrolytes............................................... 4 Beef Briefs: The Power of Estrus Synchronization and A.I............ 5 Premier Programs: ProfitMAX........................................................ 6 Dairy Discussion: Serving Ice Cream and a Whole Lot More......... 8 Cooperative News: 2020 Scholarship Winners............................... 10
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MESSAGE FROM THE CEO (continued from page 1) semen? We have a lineup of the best bulls with proven fertility and consistency to meet those needs as well. Our traditional beef options have never been stronger to build your herd, and our beef on dairy sires are sure to please in the supply chain. Our cow, calf, and herd health product offering continues to expand with great products to further enhance the value of your genetic investments. The best part is that these items help strengthen your investment in Premier, and in some cases, they help us to offset the rising costs of genetic development and services so we can keep our members’ costs low. We have committed to continually looking forward so we can find new ways to help you, our members. There are some new and exciting programs and partnerships on their way, and I’d like to give you a brief preview of them. Please be watching for more information on those programs in the days, weeks, and months to come. Premier has decided to partner with ZoetisTM , the industry’s leading science company, to bring our members CLARIFIDE® genetic testing. This partnership brings the most experienced and robust genetic discussion to your operation with partners you know and trust. The Dairy Wellness Profit Index® (DWP$) brings a unique lens to the market, combining its novel Wellness and Fertility traits with other key economical traits to provide an indicator of lifetime profitability. It’s not enough to rely on a less defined index when making strategic selections for your herd. We continue to make sure our genetic offerings come complete with the best fertility, wellness, profit, and reliability that you deserve for your investments. We will communicate with you further as our relationship with Zoetis continues to grow.
soon. Our industry-leading ProfitMAX® program, which focuses on genetic strategies to maximize profit, is taking beef on dairy to a whole new level to create higher value feeder calves. This is based on the science of genetics and our ability to develop industry partners such as calf ranches, feedlots, and packers that demand a consistent quality input. Another new program you can expect to be hearing from Premier about is the SimVitro® HerdFlex™ partnership with Simplot. This is a program built on the experience and knowledge of two powerhouses in the industry. This program will introduce the strategic use of straight-bred beef embryos on dairies, giving you yet another option for increasing the value of your feeder calves. Again, stay tuned for more information! These new programs, as part of our existing value-added products and programs, will enhance the strategic breeding solutions we offer our members to increase profitability by managing heifer inventories, maximizing genetic progress, and bringing more value to the sale of calves. Thank you for your continued support of your Premier cooperative. We are your proven partner in success!
#RideWithPremier
A few other exciting programs are taking shape, and we look forward to sharing more information with you very ® NxGEN and ProfitMAX are registered trademarks of Select Sires Inc. TMZOETIS is a trademark of ZOETIS SERVICES LLC. ® Dairy Wellness Profit Index and DWP$ are registered trademarks of Zoetis Inc., its affiliates and/or its licensors. ® SimVitro is a registered trademark and HerdFlex is a trademark of J.R. Simplot Company. All rights reserved.
FIND THE SEMEN STRAW for a chance to WIN a special Premier Select Sires prize! 1. Find this semen straw hidden somewhere in the newsletter (hidden straw may be smaller than the one shown here) 2. Go to www.PremierSelectSires.com and click the“Newsletter Contest” button on the home page 3. Tell us where you found the straw to enter the drawing! You may also send your submission in the mail. Write us a note including the following information: your name, account #, address, and where you found the semen straw. Mail it to the following address for a chance to WIN!
Premier Select Sires Newsletter Contest Attn. Laura Williams 1 Stony Mountain Road Tunkhannock, PA 18657
Responses must be submitted by May 22, 2020
CONGRATS! Congratulations to Raymond Nolt, Jr. of New York, who was the winner of our Fall/Winter edition semen straw contest! The semen straw was on page 6, next to 7AN544 MAIN STREET.
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OUR COMMITMENT: COVID-19 This was written on April 3, 2020. Information is subject to change as the situation evolves. The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has affected the United States and the world in ways that nobody could have predicted. Pandemic or not, humans need to eat, and we are thankful for the 1.3 percent of our population that remains committed to producing the food and fiber we all need. As you continue your noble and crucial work, we at Premier want you to know that we are here to help you in any way that we can. We appreciate you, and we support you. Premier’s number one concern is the health and safety of our member-customers, our employees, and the families of each. We have taken precautions to prevent the spread of the virus while maintaining the essential services you need to do your job. At this time, our offices remain open, but all staff will not be on-site daily. We strive to make this a seamless transition so that you, our members, will have the ability to reach out and receive an answer when you need us. All employees who are able have been asked to work from home. As of now, Area Sales Managers and Reproductive Service Specialists will continue to make farm visits. These employees have committed to serving you while increasing precautionary measures such as frequently sanitizing their work areas and materials, frequently washing their hands, respecting personal space of those they contact, and staying at home when they feel ill or have come in contact with someone who has the virus. We ask for your patience and understanding as we strive to send relief workers when employees must stay home. Please also understand that the COVID-19 situation is constantly evolving, and Premier must follow the mandates and recommendations of our country’s leadership, the Center for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization. Things may look different for a while as we fight COVID-19 together, but our desire and commitment to serve you remains the same. Premier leadership continues to monitor the situation, and we will do everything we can to minimize disruptions to your service. Thank you for all that you do.
MARK A. CARPENTER, CEO PREMIER SELECT SIRES
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Product Talk
ALL ABOUT ELECTROLYTES Scours is the leading cause of death in calves, but often, scours-related deaths are actually caused by dehydration rather than the scours pathogen itself. For that reason, it is important to have the right products in your “herd management toolbox” to properly hydrate your claves at the first sign of scours. Premier offers Calf Accellyte, a calf electrolyte, as well as Accel RS, a calf recovery solution that serves as an electrolyte with the added benefits of plasma and direct-fed microbials. DR. SMITH’S SUGGESTED CONTENTS
PURPOSE
Helps correct extracellular fluid deficits
Sodium
90-130 mmol/L
Chloride
40-80 mEq/L
An essential electrolyte that helps maintain an appropriate blood pH
Potassium
10-30 mmol/L
Often lost in the feces and urine, it helps maintain an appropriate blood pH
Glucose to Sodium Ratio
1:1 to 3:1
Adequate glucose provides energy and enables sodium absorption. Too much can cause diarrhea.
Osmolality
400-600mOsm/L (with adequate energy) Alkalinizing Agents: Acetate,
Alkalinizing Ability
Strong Ion # of 60-80 mMol/L
Psyllium
No psyllium in formula
Propionate, or Bicarb;
Products must provide optimal levels of electrolytes and glucose, but not too much that would cause bloat All 3 components, along with correct Strong Ion Difference, are vital to increase blood pH Psyllium actually impairs glucose absorption and is not recommended
Although the information above focuses on calf electrolytes, beef and dairy producers know that it is also important to keep mature animals hydrated during periods of heat stress, freshening, feed changes, sickness, relocation, etc. Premier offers Bovine Accellyte II to help your cows maintain productivity through periods of stress. Bovine Accellyte II carries many of the benefits of Calf Accellyte, except it is formulated for larger animals.
Source: Treatment of Calf Diarrhea: Oral Electrolyte Therapy, Geof Smith, 2009
FACTOR
Not all electrolytes are created equal. Dr. Geof Smith of North Carolina State University, a leading expert on calf scours and electrolytes, has documented seven requirements for an effective calf electrolyte. Calf Accellyte and Accel RS meet each of Dr. Smith’s requirements. Take a look at the table below to see why each element is important.
Bovine Accellyte II:
• Provides sodium, chloride, and potassium to replace these key electrolytes that are lost from higher respiration and sweating • Contains dextrose for extra energy • Provides betaine, an organic osmolyte that helps individual cells retain hydration during heat stress • Can be targeted specifically to periods of high temperatures and humidity (1-2 day lead time necessary)
ASK YOUR PREMIER REPRESENTATIVE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CALF ACCELLYTE, ACCEL RS, AND BOVINE ACCELLYTE II! Buyer assumes all responsibility for use, storage and handling of the listed products. All claims, representations and warranties, expressed or implied, are made only by the company responsible for manufacturing and not by Select Sires Inc., its member cooperatives, its agents or employees. Calf Accellyte, Accel RS, and Bovine Accellyte II are manufactured for Select Sires Inc, 11740 US 42N, Plain City, OH 43064
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THE
Power
Beef Briefs OF ESTRUS SYNCHRONIZATION AND A.I.
By Dr. Ky Pohler; Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University Recent years have witnessed the rapid development of technologies utilized to increase reproductive efficiency and/or improve the genetic merit of a herd. These technologies include estrus synchronization, artificial insemination (A.I.), gender-selected semen, in vitro embryo production, embryo transfer, ultrasonography, transgenics and cloning. Of the preceding reproductive technologies, estrus synchronization and artificial insemination are among the most powerful and applicable technologies for genetic improvement of beef herds. When considering that pregnancy has a
four times greater economic impact than any other production trait, it is critical to optimize reproductive efficiency in our herds. The development of effective methods of synchronizing estrus and ovulation has been based on our understanding of the physiological and hormonal mechanisms controlling the estrous cycle, as well as initiation of estrous cyclicity in prepubertal heifers and postpartum cows. Although estrus synchronization products (e.g. CIDR and GnRH) and protocols have changed over time, the basic physiological principles underlying how these products work have not. An understanding of the importance of estrus expression and the basic physiological factors affecting pregnancy rate following estrus synchronization and artificial insemination can facilitate the application of these technologies in cycling and anestrous females. Extension agents, veterinarians and/or Select Sires reproductive specialists can help you to determine realistic goals and best strategies based on your individual herd.
When considering the advantages of using estrus synchronization and A.I., a few of which are highlighted below, most cattlemen and women tend to be preoccupied by the hassle factors such as complicated protocols, mating decisions, facility demands, labor and time. While considering those factors, it is also equally important to think about all the gains and the major increase in efficiency. One of the major advantages that has to be considered is getting females bred earlier in the breeding season which results in early calves in the calving season. In many cases, without estrus synchronization very few of the animals would be cycling due to postpartum anestrus, and even cows that do not become pregnant to A.I. may see a benefit with the quicker resumption of cyclicity. In addition to these earlier calves, which will result in increased weight at weaning (20 to 50 lbs more per calf), those calves will also have increase genetic merit due to access of the elite genetics through A.I. Moreover, early calving may also increase cow longevity. There have been numerous case studies demonstrating this, translating into financial gains for producers as well. When considering using reproductive technology, there are a few things that should be considered:
1.
Remember that you don’t always have to do what your neighbor is doing. Develop a plan that works well for your operation and that you can be successful with.
2.
Get help! There are numerous state extension services that have specialists in your area, or you can call your Premier
Select Sires representative. Ask for help developing your plan and working through the process.
3.
Don’t start and stop! Make a 3 to 5-year plan and stick with it.
4.
Have realistic expectations! From the list above, this is the most critical. This not only goes for A.I., but all aspects of beef management.
Remember when obtaining your pregnancy rate data from fixed time A.I. that those are the percentage of females that you got pregnant on day one of the breeding season to a genetically elite sire which translates to more calves born earlier in the calving season, more pounds of calf weaned and more money in your pocket.
PREMIER BEEF SPECIALISTS Matt Caldwell Parker, KS (913) 755-1105 mcaldwell@premierselect.com
Jim Yance Dothan, AL (334) 726-7342 jyance@premierselect.com
Jerry Emerich Mooers, NY (518) 593-0212 jemerich@premierselect.com
Contact us today!
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Ask your Premier representative about...
Offered and administered by your Premier team, the ProfitMAXÂŽ program helps customers better achieve long-term profitability from future herd replacements and improve short-term cash flow by increasing the value of extra calves to be sold to the beef market. ProfitMAX combines the skills and services of your Premier team members (Area Sales Managers, Dairy Coordinators, Reproductive Specialists, Reproductive Service Specialists, etc.) into a comprehensive program to help YOU succeed!
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Premier Programs The steps of the ProfitMAX program: 2. Next, your Premier professionals will RANK THE ANIMALS IN YOUR HERD.
3. Your representative will then help you devise a plan to CREATE ELITE REPLACEMENTS FROM YOUR BEST GENETICS.
This is to determine the genetic value of each female.
Together, you can determine the best combination of elite sires with conventional semen and/or sex-sorted semen for your top females to increase your long-term profit potential.
1. The program process begins with a GENETIC AUDIT. Your reproductive and genetic specialists collect data and analyze your cow and heifer inventory using the Optimal Genetic Pathway calculator, and then provide projections for the number of replacement heifers needed to meet future herd size goals.
4. For your animals of lower genetic value, you might consider using beef semen to CREATE HIGHER-VALUE FEEDER CALVES to increase your short-term cash flow. If you choose to take a beef on dairy breeding approach, your Premier representative can help you identify elite beef sires to help you earn a premium for these calves. These sires excel for traits like calving ease, growth performance, carcass merit, and most importantly, fertility. Stay tuned for more developments and opportunities through ProfitMAX as we work to customize this program to best benefit our members!
The ProfitMAX program is built on five pillars:
Driven by your goals
Focused on your future
Customized to your operation
Increases genetic value of your herd
Backed by Premier service and support
Ask how ProfitMAX can benefit your operation today! ÂŽ ProfitMAX is a registered trademark of Select Sires Inc.
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cream, thus becoming a more sustainable business. Most recently, the farm has started supplying 12 area Food Lions.
Located in Blackstone, Virginia, Richlands Dairy milks 210 cows and manages 800 acres of land. The farm has been in the Jones family since the mid 1700’s, and has been a dairy farm since 1952 when “Grandma and Grandpa” (Ray and Shirley) Jones moved back to the farm and converted it from primarily tobacco to dairy. Throughout the generations, Richlands Dairy has grown and evolved. One of Ray and Shirley’s sons, Hugh, took charge of updating the facilities while implementing the latest research and technology to continually improve land health and herd genetics. Today, the Jones’ not only operate a successful dairy farm, but also pasteurize and bottle milk, produce ice cream, market their products directly through their Richlands Creamery store/restaurant, and host a variety of farm tours and educational programs through the Richlands agritourism business.
SERVING THE FAMILY Keeping Richlands Dairy and Creamery running is a family affair. Several family members hold leadership roles including Hugh Jones (Chief Financial Officer), T.R. Jones (Head of Agronomy), Brittany Jones (Herd Manager, Director of Agritourism), and Coley Jones Drinkwater (Creamery Manager). Hugh’s wife, Tracey, retired from medical practice as an OB/GYN and also fills in wherever necessary, and several other family members help with the day-to-day operations. The family also employs ten full-time non-family employees and thirty part-time employees over the three businesses. When asked how the farm became so diversified, Brittany said that the family, like many dairy producers, was faced with numerous challenges over the past few years. As milk prices dropped and the Jones family grew, it was decided that Richlands Dairy needed to adapt and explore a new business model. “It was either lose the farm or do something else,” said Brittany. “There was no try, we just did. If it worked, it worked. If not, we did something else. We were all too stubborn to sell the cows.”
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Dr. Rodney Cole, a well-respected veterinarian in the area and a close friend of Hugh’s, said that although the Jones’ are all incredibly hard workers, their true values always shine through. Family comes first. “One thing I love about this family,” said Cole, “is that they have always strived to produce high quality products while balancing family and faith. They will never sacrifice family for work.” Brittany Jones serving up some ice cream at Richlands Creamery
The Jones’ efforts certainly have “worked.” During the 2019 tour season, one month alone brought more than 8,000 visitors to the farm for agritourism events. Richlands Creamery served up 5,000 scoops of ice cream and 1,000 waffle cones during opening weekend in June 2019, and the business continues to thrive. Richlands was recently recognized with one of Virginia’s Finest awards for their high quality milk production during the 2019 year. The family attributes Richlands’ success to communication, collaboration, and planning. The Jones’ hold weekly family meetings to discuss dairy, creamery, and agritourism business. “In order for the family to do something, we all need to agree,” said Brittany. “It’s not a majority. We communicate until everyone is together and we all push forward together.” Through ups and downs, the Jones family sticks together. Richlands Dairy has experienced facility damages multiple times in recent years due to weather events, but they continue to work together, make repairs, and come back stronger. The Jones’ are determined to continue growing and improving to support the family. They currently use 11.5 percent of their milk for creamery products, and they sell the rest to a cooperative. By March of next year, Coley says that her goal is to be using 50 percent of their milk for creamery production. She plans to reach this goal by picking up some larger accounts and by beginning to wholesale ice
SERVING THE COMMUNITY The Jones’ family values spill into their business endeavors, and they strive to support the families in their local community. They hope that Richlands Dairy and Creamery can serve as a place of coming together. Richlands Dairy and Creamery offers a place for wholesome fun for families through tours, Family Farm Days, fall festivals, farm dinners, and more. They also have a party room for rent, and places to sit and enjoy hand dipped ice cream or a meal from The Kitchen Table (the creamery’s kitchen). “In some ways, social media allows us to be more connected, but in some ways we are more disconnected than ever,” said Coley. “At Brittany Jones and Coley Jones Drinkwater next to the Richlands Dairy and Creamery mission statement.
Dairy Discussion Richlands Creamery, we have no WIFI because we want this to be a place to gather and connect with those you’re with.”
“We hold events to connect with our customers, but we don’t put down other dairies for ours,” said Coley.
The Jones’ do all they can to help their community thrive. In the Creamery Store, Richlands sells their own products in addition to other locally produced products such as honey, granola, coffee, and even hand-woven wool yarn. Because there was no playground in their area, the Jones’ invested in a playground for the creamery yard. Through their “1 for 10” promise, Richlands also donates one gallon of milk to a local food bank or family in need for every ten gallons of milk they sell.
One way they stick to that promise is by remaining honest and straightforward in the labeling of Richlands products. You won’t see “antibiotic free,” “GMO free,” “rBST free,” “natural,” “family owned,” or “local” on their label. Why? Because all milk is antibiotic free and GMO free. Milk from cows treated with rBST is indistinguishable from milk from cows that are not. All milk is natural, and the FDA does not even define what “natural” means. Ninety-five percent of dairy farms are familyowned. And most milk purchased in stores travels less than 48 hours to get there, and “local” is a vague term to begin with.
Another example of the Jones’ service to the community happens to involve Premier Select Sires. Ray Smith, son of former Premier Technician Paul Smith, was diagnosed with cancer in May of 2018. A well-known hoof trimmer in Virginia, Ray trimmed his first hoof at Richlands when he began his career. When the Jones’ heard about his illness, they wanted to offer help in some way. They created an ice cream called “Hoof Trimmings,” and now donate all proceeds from that ice cream, as well as proceeds from t-shirts and car decals designed by Ray’s family, to Ray for his medical bills. When Ray recently retired, they hosted a retirement celebration on the farm, where Ray ceremonially trimmed his last hoof. Members of the Jones family serve in leadership roles at church, hold board positions in several agricultural organizations and cooperatives, and help with other community causes. “You could almost write an entire story about the kind of people the Jones’ are,” said Doug Harris, Premier Area Sales Manager. “It makes you proud that there are people in the world like that.”
SERVING THE INDUSTRY Richlands Dairy and Creamery places a large emphasis on educating consumers, and every activity on the farm is designed to be educational in some way. Richlands transparently shows every step of the dairy story as visitors walk the through the farm or peer through the creamery windows. The Jones’ strive to promote not only their farm, but also the industry as a whole.
According to Brittany Jones, “It all starts with the cows—” a profitable farm, exciting tours, and delicious milk and ice cream. “We’ve been breeding to Select Sires since way back,” said Hugh Jones, “pretty much since the beginning of A.I.” Premier Area Sales Manager Doug Harris and
“We agreed that we wouldn’t put anything misleading or confusing on our label. My goal was to be what I wish other food labels would be, so I wanted to have a strong voice and take a stand,” said Coley.
Top: Hugh Jones, Premier ASM Doug Harris, and TR Jones Bottom: Dr. Rodney Cole, DVM; Premier Regional Marketing Manager David Whitlock; and Hugh Jones
“The Jones’ take on negative misconceptions head on, and they’ll do anything that helps the industry,” said Harris.
SERVING SOCIETY Although the Jones family focuses on impacting their own little corner of the world, their efforts have a ripple effect reaching far beyond Blackstone, Virginia. They serve as an example and inspiration to other producers who may consider branching into agritourism or direct marketing. “When we were planning, we visited other places that were doing similar things and I’d love to be that for someone else,” said Coley.
Family photo: (back row, left to right) Jacob, Coley, and Hayden Drinkwater; Tracey and Hugh Jones, TR Jones. (front row, left to right): Hazel, Leland, and Brittany Jones
When Richlands is not hosting on-farm events, they are promoting dairy through their social media accounts via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and Tik Tok, allowing them to reach consumers far from the farm. Richlands’ content is a mixture of educational posts about agriculture, informational posts about the Richlands Creamery and Dairy tours, and fun farm life posts. On Facebook, Richlands Creamery has over 14,500 followers, and several of their posts have reached over one million views. The Jones’ and other farm families across the industry continue reaching out to consumers. Together, we can create a more connected society and enjoy safe, wholesome food for all.
Premier Dairy Coordinator Shelley Sharpe play a pivotal role in helping the Jones’ select the best sires for meeting their goals. They look for A2A2, low somatic cell count, longevity, moderate size, strong daughter pregnancy rate, and strong health and production traits. Polled genetics are also of interest due to the positive perceptions they encourage, especially in agritourism. Of course, high butterfat is very important for making
Premier Select Sires is proud to serve the hardworking producers who serve and make a difference in our communities and world!
delicious ice cream. Some of Richlands Dairy’s recent go-to bulls have been 7HO12788 FRAZZLED, 7HO12709 MUSTANG, 7HO12837 ZAMBONI, and 7HO13253 VERTEX. “We love working with Doug and Shelley! They are our breeding program and we wouldn’t have it any other way,” said Brittany.
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2020 PREMIER FUTURE AG LEADERS SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS Premier Select Sires awarded a total of $18,500 to 15 college students through the 2020 Premier Future Ag Leaders Scholarship competition. Two students received $2,500 scholarships through the Johnny Daniel Memorial Scholarship and the Wayne Dudley Scholarship. Thirteen other students received scholarships of $1,000-$1,500. The Premier Future Ag Leaders Scholarship program provides financial support to eligible college undergraduates in agricultural majors, and also provides additional return to the cooperative’s member-owners by supporting the next generation of young people desiring to study and work in the agricultural industry.
Congratulations to our 2020 winners! Name: Todd Allen
Name: Jesse Braun
Name: Ryan Allen
Farm:
Farm:
Farm:
Glen-Toctin Farm, Jefferson MD
Parents:
School: Major: Minor:
Jim and Lisa Allen Virginia Tech
Dairy Science
Agricultural and Applied Economics
Future Plans: Todd hopes to combine his
passion for the dairy industry and strong mathematical skills to work as a consultant for a precision dairy company. He would also like to eventually return to his family’s 120-cow registered Holstein operation to help in some capacity.
Johnny Daniel Memorial Scholarship Name: Hannah
Glen-Toctin Farm, Jefferson MD
Parents:
Peter and Michelle Braun
Parents:
School:
Columbia University
School: Frederick Community College
Major: Sustainable Development and Computer Science Future Plans: Jesse
hopes to leverage his work in the field of Sustainable Development as a path into law school to study Environmental Law. Through his future career, Jesse wants to facilitate communication between farmers and environmental agencies to help each group better achieve its goals.
Major:
Michael and Johanna Allen
General Studies
Future Plans: Ryan has been accepted to
Penn State to study Animal Science, and after graduating he plans to work in the dairy industry so he can help dairy farmers succeed in all facets of their business.
Wayne Dudley Scholarship Name: Belle Dallam
Name: Hannah Diehl
Farm:
Farm:
Farm:
Parents:
Peter and Michelle Braun
Parents:
David and Kate Dallam
Parents:
School:
School:
Penn State
School:
Animal Science (Business Option)
Major:
Braun
Woodcrest Dairy, Lisbon NY
Cornell University
Major: Animal Science Future Plans: Hannah plans to pursue a career
in veterinary medicine, and hopes to promote sustainable agricultural development along with animal and population health through her job.
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Woodcrest Dairy, Lisbon NY
Broom’s Bloom Dairy, Bel Air MD
Major:
Future Plans: After graduating, Belle plans to
return to her family’s dairy farm and restaurant, where she wants to help grow and improve their operations to reach full potential. Her family has recently begun building an on-farm processing plant to bottle their own milk and make cheese and ice cream. Belle also hopes to host farm open houses and tours so consumers can better understand the dairy industry.
Musser Run Jerseys, McVeytown PA Joseph and Kristin Diehl Penn State Animal Science
Future Plans: After graduating, Hannah would
like to work in the dairy industry, specifically with Jersey cattle. She is also considering eventually returning to the family farm with thoughts of diversifying by pasteurizing milk and making ice cream and cheese.
Cooperative News Name:
Jenna Harnish
Name: Morgan Krick
Name:
Farm:
Harnish Farms, Ulster PA
Farm:
Farm:
Parent: School: Major:
Eric Harnish Penn State Toxicology/ Pharmacology
Future Plans: After graduating, Jenna
would like to begin actively practicing in the ambulatory care field of pharmacy. She wants to help people through her career, emphasizing the importance of farmer and rural community health while giving back to the agricultural organizations she has been associated with.
Lynn and Sherrie Krick
Parents:
John and Sue Mikel
School:
Delaware Valley University
School:
SUNY Morrisville
Major:
Dairy Management
Major:
Agribusiness
Future Plans: After graduating, Morgan would like to pursue a career in the agricultural industry. She is currently exploring different career paths within the industry, and has an interest in Ag Insurance.
Name:
Farm:
DarLin Farms, Cusseta AL
Farm:
Parents:
Parents:
Linda and Darrell Rankins, Jr.
School:
Auburn University
Major:
Animal Sciences – Animal/Allied Industries
Future Plans: Following the completion of
his education, Gavin plans to return to his family’s diversified dairy farm and increase the number of cattle. He also hopes to pursue new enterprises and expand their existing goat, chicken, guinea, and square-bale hay enterprises.
Daniel Rohrbaugh
Buffalo Valley Angus, Seven Valleys PA Doug and Cathy Rohrbaugh
School: Major:
Kansas State University Agribusiness
Future Plans: Upon graduation, Daniel plans
to pursue a career in sales, possibly selling equipment, seed, or livestock. He would also like to give back to the Pennsylvania Junior Angus Association by serving as an advisor. He wants to continue breeding and raising Angus cattle and market them to 4-H and Junior Association members.
Name:
Bryce Windecker
Name:
Taylor Wolfe
Farm:
Windex Farm, Frankfort NY
Farm:
Wolfes Powerline Dairy
Parents:
Dale and Deborah Windecker
School: Major:
SUNY Cobleskill
Agricultural Business
Future Plans: Upon graduation, Bryce plans to
obtain a job involving farm finances so he can guide farmers and agricultural businesses in the right direction to help them prosper. He would also like to remain involved with his family farm.
Mikelholm Holsteins, Stafford NY
Parents:
Gavin Rankins
Name:
Arl-Ja Farm, Hamburg PA
Emily Mikel
Parent: School: Major:
Ray Wolfe Penn State
Animal Science
Future Plans: Upon graduating, Taylor would
like to obtain a part-time job in agricultural sales or consulting so she can give back to the agricultural industry and help other producers. With the remainder of her time, she wants to stay involved with an active role on her family’s dairy farm.
Future Plans: After graduating, Emily plans to
return to work with her parents on their dairy farm. She hopes to bring new ideas home to implement on their operation, and to expand the herd to 50 registered Holsteins within the next ten years. In addition to working on the farm, Emily would like to obtain a job with a bull stud, dealing specifically with genetic consulting and heifer inventory.
Name:
Melanie Showers
Farm: Showerdale
Holsteins, Fredericksburg PA
Parents:
Tim and Andrea Showers
School: Major:
Penn State Berks Animal Science
Future Plans: After graduating, Melanie would like to be a herd manager or calf manager on a dairy farm in her home area. She would also like to stay involved in promoting the agriculture industry through organizations such as Penn State Extension, 4-H, and/or a local Dairy Club.
Name:
Addie Womack
Farm:
Clear Lake Farm, Hope AR
Parents:
Russell and Stacy Womack
School:
Arkansas Tech University
Major: Agricultural Business – Animal Science Future Plans: After graduation, Addie would
like to pursue a master’s degree and then work in the cattle industry as a nutritionist. She is interested in working for a feed company developing and testing new products, or in a research position at a university.
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PREMIER SELECT SIRES, INC. 1 Stony Mountain Road Tunkhannock, PA 18657
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