Michigan Dairy Cattle News 2016 Winter

WINTER 2016

Let’s take a look at the year in review on Pages 22, 23 & 24

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Volume 2 • Issue 4 Winter 2016 The Michigan Dairy Cattle News is the official publication of the Michigan Holstein-Friesian Association, Inc. and the Michigan Jersey Cattle Club.

Melissa Hart, Editor Cell: 517-398-1957 email: farm.writer@hotmail.com 4520 Holcomb Rd., North Adams, MI 49262 Michigan Dairy Cattle News 401 Harvest Trail, Midlothian, TX 76065 Ph: 517-490-7736 michholstein1@gmail.com Published 4 times per year Michigan Dairy Cattle News EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Tim Baker, Byron Center Brent Moyer, Caro Ike Hunt, Elsie Suzanne Tuttila, Williamston Tammy VanHaistma, Dorr

616-813-6745 989-553-4333 989-862-4864 517-490-7736 616-795-2256

Michigan Holstein Association Ike Hunt, President 6386 N. Meridian Rd., Elsie, MI 48831 Tammy VanHaitsma, Vice President 4480 18th St., Dorr, MI 49323 Suzanne Tuttila, Executive Secretary 401 Harvest Trail, Midothian, TX 76065 Ph: 517-490-7736 michholstein1@gmail.com Michigan Jersey Cattle Club Susan Green, President Brent Moyer, Vice President Jeff Michalek, Secretary Pam Shaver, Treasurer

989-862-5507 989-553-4333 517-625-3477 810-614-7466

Holstein Association USA Phone: 1-800-952-5200 1 Holstein Place, Brattleboro, VT 05302 Michigan and Indiana Representative Max Dunseth 278 S. Sprague, Coldwater, MI 49036 Cell: 269-251-0232 Michigan Upper Peninsula Representative Mandi Ramsburg De Pere, WI • 920-530-5023 mramsburg@holstein.com The Michigan Dairy Cattle News, the Michigan Holstein Association or their staff assume no liability for errors, omissions, content or for the effectiveness of advertising and cannot be held responsible for the timeliness of sale advertising that is scheduled less than thirty days ahead of the press date. Indexes are provided as an additional service. Publisher assumes no liabiltiy for errors or omissions. Subscription rate is $15.00 / year.

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on the cover . . .

T

he dairy industry is alive and well in Michigan and as we say goodbye to 2016 let’s take a look back at some of the good people and events that keep our industry going. MMPA celebrated their 100th birthday on the steps of MSU’s Ag Hall, Breakfast On the Farm brought thousands of people to see where their milk comes from, the dairy ambassadors promoted the goodness of dairy at the state capitol and breeders from across the state exhibited great cattle at the spring and summer shows and across the Midwest. The Mitten State has a firm grip on producing a high quality product to feed the world. We have decades of hard work and success to build upon, let’s forge into 2017 with a determination to never give up!

Melissa Hart

table of contents Notes from the Field.................................................................................... 6 Michigan Junior Holstein News................................................................. 7 Coming Full Circle....................................................................................... 8 Big Dreams Tested at NAILE.................................................................... 11 Michigan Holstein News........................................................................... 14 Caught on Camera..................................................................................... 15 MHA Membership Form.......................................................................... 17 MJCC Membership Form......................................................................... 18 GLRDC Coming to Frankenmuth in February...................................... 20 MMPA Gets New Logo.............................................................................. 26 From the Jersey Desk................................................................................. 26 In Memoriam.............................................................................................. 28 One More Thing......................................................................................... 31 Production Leaders.................................................................................... 31 Calendar of Events..................................................................................... 34 Summer 2015

Notes From the Field

Max’s Memo

The year is ending and it has been like the weather. One day it’s 70 degrees and then overnight we had snow on the ground. The same can be said of the dairy situation in my observation. Milk prices are never where they should be and this year with lower prices, it makes it hard for you and all allied industries.

The registrations that are the backbone of our business, are down from last year nationally.

No surprise, but I want to thank all the herds that continue to believe in the $10 investment of registering calves. My area here in Michigan and Indiana is showing around 10% increase from last year in registrations and I thank you. The new herds and old herds that got caught up on their registrations shows me that the need for ID is still a valued product. I would believe that with the National Holstein Convention coming to Michigan in 2018, it has something to do with staying involved in the State and National Holstein Associations.

I am sitting in on a committee or two for the big event. It looks to me like it is in good hands with the convention chairs and committee heads. Want to get involved? Darwin and Kathy Sneller would be the people to contact.

You can call them at 989-977-3718.

Holstein Association USA has a variety of products that are available on their HAUSA website, www.holsteinusa.com. So much is there free for the looking. In my opinion in my 25 years as your Regional Sales Representative, the Easy and Tags program has been a savior.

Imagine what it would be like if it was still the same way today. If we still had to outline every animal in pencil, go over it with Black Ink, fill in the animal’s name by hand, and sire, and dam’s registration number, with the breeding date. Oh, and make sure you sign each application with your account number.

I’m thinking that instead of close to 380,000 registrations yearly.... well you get the idea.

The ease of importing the applications from a herd management program into EASY has simplified the registration task. No pictures or sketches if you use our Holstein tags. If tags are not for you tags--no problem, just keep doing it as you have been.

I am still shocked that some dairies are not aware how simple the process can be. If you have any questions or need help getting

caught up, let me know. The most exciting part of my job is getting a new herd started or catching up established herds as so they won’t quit. Oh, I also enjoy workings sales, show rings, attending board meetings, and just the entire Holstein family. For all my life that is what it has been like: a family. Like Bob Cain, the man who hired me said once, “You take care of her and she will take care of you.” Her, meaning the great Holstein cow.

In closing I hope all had a safe harvest, a Happy Thanksgiving, and have a very Merry Christmas from our family to yours.

Max Dunseth Regional Sales Representative HAUSA Cell 269-251-0232.

Mandi Remsburg UP Michigan 920-530-5023 Sincerely,

Max Dunseth Regional Representative Upper Peninsula of Michigan Max Dunseth: 269-251-0232 Mandi Ramsburg: 920-530-5023

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Winter2015 2016 Summer

Michigan Junior Holstein News

From Your President Hello everyone! I hope that you had a successful and fun fall. As we move into the holiday season, the new Junior Holstein board is adjusting very well as we are starting to plan for the New Year.

I wish you, your family, and your cows a merry Christmas and a happy New Year! I will talk to you next year. Thank you for your time!

Sincerely,

Kristen Burkhardt

One of the activities we are changing in 2017 is that we will no longer have the semen and embryo sale at the Michigan Spring Show. We are replacing it with a silent auction of various gift baskets. We are looking forward to hosting this event! The proceeds that we receive from this auction will go towards the Michigan youth who will travel to the state of Washington this summer to represent Michigan at the 2017 National Holstein Convention! Our participation in the 2017 convention is very important as we make plans to host the National Convention in Michigan in 2018.

The Junior Holstein Board decided to raise our dues to $10 per member. This will assist us in carrying out our various activities over the next year. Please let us know if you would like to be a member!

The National Holstein Convention 2018 will be here before you know it!

If you want to be a part of this fantastic convention in Traverse City, June 29-July 3, then let us know!

Contact Darwin Sneller at 989-977-3718 if you're interested in serving or sponsoring any part of the convention when we

‘Explore the Shore and More!’ Winter 2016

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Coming Full Circle

Jennie and Muskegon were 14th in the Spring Heifer Calf class at the International Holstein Show at World Dairy Expo

By Jennie Koebel Tri-Koebel Holsteins and Jerseys Forty-three years ago a Holstein heifer was born that left an indelible impression on the heart of a scraggly nine year old girl. The heifer was Kret-Mar Elevation Joanie and the girl was me. Joanie was not a fancy calf but her friendly, inquisitive nature caught my attention and she soon became my best friend.

I nicknamed her Sweetie Pie and she became my first show project. She was not a banner winning heifer and I was not an expert showman so we never got any farther than the County Fair. Over the next few years we had many happy days together, but then came the devastating day when our herd was dispersed. To lessen the heartbreak, my parents kept part ownership of “Pie”, however due of my father’s failing health, she was housed at a partner’s farm. As time rolled on my father died, I grew up and got married, and Pie con8 8

tinued to do what cows do: have calves and make milk.

Eventually Pie and one of her daughters joined us on my husband’s family farm and became part of the foundation of the Tri-Koebel herd.

How fortunate I was to bring my childhood pal home to live out her days and leave us the legacy of her offspring.

Fast forward to 2008, one of Pie’s descendants, Tri-Koebel Aspen Jolly, was our youngest daughter Tera’s favorite heifer. Together they won the Spring Heifer class and Junior Champion Bred & Owned at World Dairy Expo. What a great feeling it was to know that Pie’s bloodline bred an All-American!

Fast forward once more to 2016. Three embryo transfer heifers sired by Goldwyn were born from Tri-Koebel Damion Mooville, becoming the ninth generation of descendants from Pie. One of the heifers, Tri-Koebel Muskegon, had the same friendly, inquisitive personality that has been the trademark of this

cow family. As I fed her every day, I reflected back all those years to the special bond I had with my Sweetie Pie and how lucky I have been to be able to work with these wonderful animals all these years.

Over the summer as my daughters were working with the show string, the idea began to form that maybe I could fulfill my childhood dream to lead on the colored shavings of World Dairy Expo. All these years I have been the mom behind the scenes, making sure my kids and their cattle had everything they needed to compete, and that has always been close enough to the action for me. But this year was the 50th anniversary of World Dairy Expo and seeing all the photographs and reading the stories of the years gone by, gave me a feeling of unfinished business.

And then it clicked in my head that I had better take this opportunity because life is unpredictable and one day at breakfast I announced to my family “I am showing Muskegon at Madison!” To my surprise, no one tried to talk me out of it! So I gave it my best effort and every day I walked Muskegon around the perimeter of the hay field. By the time she got to Madison, she was so well trained that she was the favorite of everyone on the crew!

The weeks leading up to World Dairy Expo are always chaotic on our farm. By the time the girls leave with all the cattle, feed and tack I am relieved to just stay home and do chores with some semblance of peace and quiet. So as I drove out to Madison on Thursday afternoon, I felt a little bit like a celebrity, just breezing in to make my guest appearance and lead one animal. But that feeling was replaced by a much grander one the moment I stepped foot into the barn. It had been a few years since I had been to Expo, and I had not seen our display there since the girls graduated from the junior show and began heading up a string of their own. As I walked up the row and saw our cattle and the girls busily working, I was so proud of them and how far they have progressed in the business.

All too quickly the hours passed and it was time to make our way to the ring. As I led Muskegon down the aisle and across the grounds to the arena I felt like I was in an episode of the TV show Cold Case. The years rolled back until I was nine years old and Muskegon was Pie, and for just a moment I remembered how good it felt to just be a kid leading her favorite calf. I knew she wasn’t a banner winner and I still wasn’t an expert leadsman, but we were really there at World Dairy Expo, and the dream had finally come full circle.

Summer Winter 2015 2016

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Summer 2015

Big Dreams Get Tested at North American International Livestock Expo

By Bev Berens It was her first trip out of state to a “big show” with cattle---a time to test the water, cross state lines, and lead one of her heifers out onto colored shavings for the first time.

For Kelly Raterink of Zeeland, the opportunity was about having fun and learning. The MSU senior was pleased with her debut on a larger stage at the Grand National Junior Holstein Show and the Mid-East Fall National Holstein Show at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky. “I was tenth in the junior show and middle of the pack out of about thirty head in the open show.”

Leading her winter calf, Hardys Dorman Raelynn, Raterink won junior champion at the All-Michigan Show in July, at the state fair, and in the open show of her county fair in Hudsonville, Michigan.

The calf was part of a package deal.

She was an embryo carried by a heifer she purchased, Craigcrest Ruby Gold Brianna, now a 92-point two-year old.

“She did really well and won everywhere I showed her,” Raterink said. “I got a heifer with a really good show career and an embryo bonus that has a really good pedigree behind her and has a pretty decent show career as well.”

“Ruby Gold is a full sister to Rejoice who is 94 points and behind her is another 93-point cow.”

Surrounded by green shavings and picket fences, Kelly enjoyed her first national level show at the Mid-East Fall National Holstein Show at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky.

Kelly tied in with Todd Watts of Fowler, Amber Black of Howard City and Nicole Vanderploeg of Ithaca. She delivered the heifer to Watts shortly after World Dairy Expo. “She was closer to East Lansing and I could see and work with her more and get her dialed in better than I could driving from East Lansing to home.”

Using the prefix Ratrink, Kelly’s herd consists of twelve registered cows and fifteen heifers which she began accumulating only five years ago. The herd consists of a combination of purchased cattle, embryo offspring and a few with her own prefix.

“I’ll still buy maybe here and there but my goal more now is to start making babies from the cattle I have,” she said.

“Hopefully I’ll get some embryos out of this heifer that I showed.”

The perfect sire has yet to be chosen for Raelynn, but Gold Chip is one possibility.

11 Winter 2016

“She’s super strong, super correct and I’m looking for something real dairy to go with her.”

Bulls currently in her tank include Diamondback, Dempsey, Beemer and Corvette.

With one class left before she graduates with a degree in Animal Science in May, Raterink has accepted a job with NorthStar in Indiana and will begin in January. Possible plans for next summer’s show season include the Indiana State Fair and the Michigan Summer show, “Depending on what I’ve got,” she added.

Her advice to anyone who wants to get involved in registered Holsteins doesn’t begin with getting the right animal, but finding the right people. “Find people who are fun and willing to help you out.

I started this registered Holstein thing myself just five years ago so it’s been fun to have good people who have helped me along the way.”

Summer 2015 11

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Summer 2015

Winter 2016

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From the President’s Pen

Michigan Holstein Association Hey There All, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to each and every one!

At this time of year, it’s customary to look back and reflect on the year gone by, so here goes….

To start out the year our first MHA board meeting was cancelled due to weather and a conference call was made instead. I was in a dead zone cellular wise and missed most of the call, but the budget was set for the year at that time so all was good.

The end of January, Mary and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary by taking a trip south to see our newest Granddaughter, in North Carolina and then going to Fort Benning Georgia to watch our oldest grandson graduate from Army boot camp. Kylie is so beautiful and Nathaniel is so handsome in his dress uniform and I’m still amazed that Mary has put up with me for so long.

So while I was vacationing in the sunny south the MHA elected me president, a somewhat dubious act on their part.

As winter turned into rain, or as some called it spring, the milk price kept going the wrong way and the creeks kept rising. The Spring Foundation Sale was a hit until we figured out that we didn’t make any money as cattle prices had gone down with the milk price. The national convention committees were busy meeting and touring the facility at The Grand Traverse Resort.

14 14

Summer finally arrived and the crops got put in just in time for the weather to turn dry. The summer show enjoyed its usual hot weather and Suzanne thought it a nice change from the really hot Texas summer weather.

In Elsie, the summer rains came just at the right time for the corn crop, in other areas the rains were a bit more spotty. The one thing we all shared was the continued crappy milk price.

As I write this, the harvest season is pretty well over and turned out okay for most. At Green Meadow Farms the siloes are full of some of the best haylage we’ve ever put up. We have bags of high moisture corn enough for a couple of years and the corn silage pile is about as high as we’ve ever gotten it. Our cows won’t go hungry!

At the Mid-East Fall National Holstein show in Louisville, I kept hearing how those dairymen in Michigan were depressing the milk prices in the southeast by dumping all of our surplus milk on their markets, so I guess we really are in a state that has a vibrant dairy industry.

As always, see you around,

Ike President MHA

Summer Winter 2015 2016

Carrie Del ong a

t the NAIL E

ve Reed, Brent Moy te S d, ee R h et ab z li E

er taking a break

Mark Adam, Kim Billman ringside at WD E

Todd & Quinn Watts enjoying some fat her

-daughter time

his wash g in o d t n u Ike H

Parker Hardy leads on the colored shavings a Howell, Brent Moyer, Lil rah Dillon Andi Dillon, Sa show their smiles Winter 2016

The Bere ns Bo a ringside ys enjoying seat at W DE 15

2017 MEMBERSHIP

MICHIGAN HOLSTEIN ASSOCIATION

401 Harvest Trail-Midlothian, TX 76065 ~ Phone: 517-490-7736 PLEASE UPDATE INFORMATION ACCURATELY AND COMPLETELY • MEMBERSHIPS EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 31st, 2016

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EACH AT $45.00..45.00 ......

Examples - Reg. Cows 1 Cow.........$46.00 2 Cows........$47.00 3 Cows........$48.00 10 Cows........$55.00 50 Cows........$95.00 100 Cows........$145.00 101 Cows........$146.00 102 Cows........$147.00 125 Cows........$170.00 150 Cows........$195.00 175 Cows........$220.00 200 Cows........$245.00 300 Cows........$345.00 400 Cows........$445.00 500 Cows........$545.00 501 Cows........$545.75 510 Cows........$551.75 525 Cows........$563.00

$1.00 Per Registered Milking Aged Holstein female for the first 500.

$1.00 x

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MICHIGAN JERSEY CATTLE CLUB 2017 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Farm Name: _______________________________________________________________________________ Phone: (____)__________________ Cell Phone(s): ________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________ Email: _________________________________________ City: _______________________ State: _________ Zip Code: ____________ County: ___________________ Directions to Farm: __________________________________________________________________________ Number of Jerseys: Registered: ________

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Make Checks Payable to: Michigan Jersey Cattle Association Send Payment w/ form to: Pam Shaver, 8080 Heater Rd, Silverwood, MI 48760

 MEAL REGISTRATION  Michigan Holstein Association 2017 Annual Meeting Saturday, February 25, 2017 • Grand Traverse Resort • Acme, MI

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19

Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference slated for February 2-4 in Frankenmuth

FRANKENMUTH, MI -- The 15th annual Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference Feb. 2-4, 2017, at the Bavarian Inn and Conference Center in Frankenmuth, Michigan, will focus on the latest in milk quality, hoof care, antimicrobial drug use, consumer transparency and market outlooks to help dairy producers remain successful today and into the future.

The conference kicks off Thursday with a pre-conference session in which Michigan producers, managers and employees will discuss progress and pitfalls of antimicrobial drug use in Michigan herds, gained from a study funded by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Next, producers will hear from Thomas Bailey, the vice president dairy analyst with Rabobank Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory dairy team, as he shares his insights into where the dairy industry is headed globally. Bailey will give producers a chance to discuss what these changes mean to their bottom line.

Following the global discussion, the conference will shift its focus and hear from Charlie Arnot with the Center for Food Integrity and Chad Frahm with the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy as they help producers understand consumer demands and explore what is needed to build trust with consumers and processors to ensure a transparent food supply.

Producers will have the opportunity to have a dialogue with these experts about the challenges they face, and discuss what can be done to reduce confusion and find a

common ground for all.

The afternoon will wrap up with a detailed look at dairying Down Under with James Mann of Donovan’s Dairy.

The Exhibitor Showcase, Dairy Challenge Presentation, Great Lakes Commercial Heifer Extravaganza XII Sale and an entertaining night of Loos Tales with comedian Trent Loos round out the evening.

The conference continues Friday morning when attendees hear Greg Bethard of G&R Dairy Consulting talk about the economics of dairying today and the most critical economic and societal factors for the future. Then participants will discover new tools and techniques to bring hoof health care into the next decade with Karl Burgi of the Dairyland Hoof Care Institute.

University of Wisconsin professor Pam Ruegg, veterinarians Dr. Mark Fox and Dr. Roger Thomson, and Michigan producers will share their research and real-life experiences to help expand producers’ skill sets in excelling in milk quality to meet the evolving standards of today and tomorrow.

The formal program will wrap up with inspiring and challenging words from Mike Hutjens, University of Illinois professor emeritus, on the four feeding pillars of 2017.

Friday afternoon, attendees will have the choice of three educational workshops to attend: • Q&A With a Producer Down Under -Producers will learn more about Donovan’s Dairy and Mann’s management strategies in a question-and-answer workshop.

• In-Depth Discussion About Hoof Health With Karl Burgi -- Attendees will take a closer look at the details of keeping hoofs healthy: understanding basic hoof anatomy, preventing claw horn diseases through functional and therapeutic hoof trimming, using timed hoof trimming, preventing digital dermatitis and foot rot, managing a successful hoof bath and setting up a lowlameness action plan.

• Milk Components: Opportunities for Maximizing Farm Gate Returns -- Adam Lock, Michigan State University and other experts Maximizing milk components has historically been one of the biggest challenges of dairy management. Milk component yield (not milk volume) continues to be the key driver of dairy profitability. The workshop will emphasize influences on milk components, both fat and protein, during production with input from economics.

The Michigan Jersey Cattle Club will conduct their annual meeting on Saturday starting at 10 a.m.

Individual (adult), student and farm registration options are available.

Registrations received before Jan. 20, 2017, will save up to $25 per day. Online registration closes Jan. 29, 2017, at midnight. On-site registrations are subject to availability. Visit www.glrdc.msu.edu to get the complete conference schedule or to register online. Participants can also register by phone by calling 517-884-7089.

Early registration ends January 20!

Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference February 2–4 Bavarian Inn and Conference Center Frankenmuth, Michigan With the current state of milk prices and ever-increasing consumer demands, dairy producers are facing a volatile environment. Attend this year’s Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference to arm yourself with the knowledge, tools and strategies to help ensure your future in dairy.

Checkout sessions on: • Understanding everything from global markets to production costs and learning from the • • • • •

challenges others face to help your operation survive and thrive Moving your herd into the new decade regarding hoof and udder health with new tools, techniques and management practices to improve reproduction and longevity, and produce higher profits Learning from faculty, veterinarians and producers who will share their expertise on how to excel in milk quality with evolving standards Discovering what’s happening Down Under in dairy from an Australian producer Understanding consumers and building trust in today’s food supply through transparency Finding your competitive edge through feed, nutrition and milk component strategies

www.glrdc.msu.edu • 517-884-7089 • honkemeg@msu.edu

The Year in Review

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Winter 2016

The Year in Review

23 Winter 2016

Summer 2015 23

The Year in Review

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Summer Winter 2015 2016

25 Winter 2016

Summer 2015 25

MMPA Presents New Logo As MMPA moves into their 101st year they have unveiled a new logo which now only includes the co-op’s initials—features a modernized look, deeper blue and the addition of a cow silhouette. Along with a new logo MMPA has released a new website that is user friendly with useful content, feature stories of Michigan’s dairy farm families and historical features from the last century. MMPA has spent the last year celebrating their centennial anniversary and look forward to the beginning of their second century as they focus on their five core values: quality, integrity, progress, community and leadership. Check out their new website at https://www. mimilk.com/ Michigan Dairy Cattle News congratulates MMPA on 100 years of a solid history and promising future!

From the Jersey Desk

Michigan Jersey Cattle Club Dairy Christmas!!!

I hope this season finds you all warm, safe, and with the ones you love!!

The smallest things can be the true blessings!

Thank you to all the jersey breeders that have supported the magazine this year. Melissa has done a great job getting awesome exposure for our ads.

We didn’t have a spring sale this year for the first time in a long time and the board is still working on our options for 2017.

Watch for the notice for the Annual Meeting, hope to see everyone there.

Be kind to others and have a wonderful holiday season!!

Susie Green President MJCC 989-862-5507 home 989-413-0639 cell

Matt, Sarah & Andi Dillon

Registered Holsteins & Brown Swiss

4300 Jerome Road • North Adams, MI 49262

(517) 398-1521

poseycreekfarms@gmail.com 26 26

Summer Winter2015 2016

MMPA DAIRY FARM FAMILIES SHAPING THE FUTURE

Together

At MMPA, our dairy farm families work with pride and care every day to produce wholesome, nutritious dairy products for your table. Serving the Great Lakes Region, these farmers are shaping the future together as a leading member-owned cooperative.

mimilk.com

Siemen family Harbor Beach, Michigan

MICHIGAN MILK PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION 41310 Bridge Street, Novi, MI 48376

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»

248-474-6672

Summer 2015

In Memoriam Eugene Block, respected dairy farmer, passes away at 86 Mr. Eugene Block, 86, of Minden City, passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday November 30, 2016 surrounded by his loving family.

Eugene was born September 7, 1930, at home on Huron Line Road, Minden City to the late Joseph and Marie (Stimpfel) Block.

He married Colleen Ryan on June 18, 1960 at St. Pancratius Catholic Church in Cass City.

Eugene attended Sts. Peter and Paul Grade School and graduated from Minden City High School. Eugene was a dedicated and innovative dairy farmer; first working with his father, Joseph and then with his son, Thomas. His love of farming was apparent, as he worked tirelessly to develop and support a fine dairy herd. Eugene engaged his family in many aspects of the family farm, teaching them life lessons along the way. He served on the boards of Michigan Milk Producers Association, MABC, Sherman Township Zoning Board and various other advisory boards throughout his active life.

Eugene was dedicated to his community and was an active and life-long parishioner of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ruth. He enjoyed being part of the choir as a young man, served on the Parish Council, was an usher and was co-chair of the Mama Ruth Picnic for many years. He was friendly and engaging in nature and was the type of person who was instrumental in the weaving of the fabric of community. Eugene enjoyed bowling, playing Euchre, traveling and spending the winters in Florida. He was an avid sports fan, participating in many sports in his youth and later on attending his children’s sporting events and traveling to U of M football games. He loved when the family gathered together, visiting with his children and always took the time to lovingly tease grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

Eugene was a loving husband and fine role model for his family. Eugene is survived by his wife of 56 years, Colleen of Minden City; six children, Thomas (Becky) Block of

Minden City, Katherine (Brian) McManus of Fairmont WV, Joanne (Ronald) Barry, of Saginaw, Marilyn (David) Peplinski of Ubly, Brian Block of Minden City, and Kevin (Kelly) Block of Troy; sixteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; sister, Catherine (Norman) Zurick of Port Huron, and sistersin-laws, Elaine Block of Deckerville, and Mildred Block of Lexington.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, John, grandchildren Cory and Seana Block, sister and brother-in-law Roseline and Charles Gliniecki, and brothers, Carl and Kenneth Block.

The family would like to thank the community for all their prayers, the Compassus Hospice Service, especially Elaine, Patty and Kelly for their amazing care and support, and a wonderful group of caregivers, Patricia, Alesha, Melissa, Sherry and Dorothy who eased Eugene through his last days of life.

SJ REED LADD SYLVIA-RED

ALL MICHIGAN DAIRY EXPO SUPREME CHAMPION • Grand Champion Holstein • Grand Champion Red & White • Best Udder in Show as a Junior 3-year-old Recently scored VG-88 with VG-88 MAM 989.277.2078 sjreed57@msn.com

One More Thing . . .

MHA Award Nominations

Nominations for the Michigan Holstein Association Master Breeder and the Outstanding Young Breeder awards are due February 1, 2017.

These awards will be presented at the MHA annual meeting on February 25th in Traverse City. Please contact Suzanne Tuttila to acquire forms or for details on the nomination process.

Cell: 571-490-7736 or email: michholstein1@gmail.com

Looking for the Good Ones

The Michigan Holstein Association will manage the Michigan Spring Foundation Sale on March 25th at the MSU Pavilion.

Sale chairs Eric Westendorp 269-8389975 and Nicole Vanderploeg 940-7338960 are looking for top quality consignments. If you have an individual to sell contact Eric or Nicole.

Congratulations to the Dairy Youth of Michigan!

Judging teams and dairy quiz bowl experts set out this past fall to strut their stuff in national contests at the All American Dairy Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin and the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky.

The MDCN would like to congratulate the Michigan State University Ag Tech Team for placing third at the Post-Secondary contest at World Dairy Expo.

The team consisting of Shelby Berens, Allegan, Rachel Ekkel, Fremont, Erin Fritz, West Branch, Evelyn Okkema, Blanchard are all second year students in the Ag Tech Dairy Management program.

Their hard work will pay off in June of 2017 when they jet set across the big pond to explore the sites and sounds of the old country and the dairy industry of Scotland, England, and Luxeoumburg. Stay tuned on how you can support this team and their trip.

A full run down of all the contest winners will be in the next issue of the magazine.

Don’t Forget!

Don’t forget the annual meetings happening in February! Michigan Jersey Cattle Club on February 6th at 10 am in Frankenmuth and Michigan Holstein Association on February 25th in Traverse City! See the meeting notices for details!

We Have A Winner!

The Annual Michigan Holstein Association Photo Contest has been selected. And the winner is Brittany Benedict of Nashville, Michigan with the sweet photo she captured of her daughter Claire as she gets up close and personal with a newborn calf. Brittany will receive a prize valued at $100.

Congratulations Brittany!

MHA District Meetings for 2017

All the MHA District meetings will be held at 9 am on the same day as the annual meeting at the Grand Traverse Resort on February 25th. A meeting speaker is yet to be determined.

Holstein Association USA offers The Great Holstein Roundup Brattleboro, VT -- Holstein Association USA is excited to offer The Great Holstein Roundup.

Starting November 21, 2016 until December 28, 2016 all transfers, regardless of sale or purchase date will be discounted to $5.

Build additional value in Registered Holstein® herds by filing an ownership transfer with Holstein Associa-

tion USA. Without a transfer, years of profitable matings will be lost and the industry will lose this valuable information forever.

Take advantage of The Great Holstein Roundup by submitting the transfer online, through the mail or by calling 800.952.5200.

All transfers must be received at 1 Holstein Place by December 28, 2016.

Like the Michigan Holstein Association and the Michigan Jersey Cattle Club pages on Facebook! And remember, all issues of the Michigan Dairy Cattle News are online at www.dairyagendatoday.com.

Congratulations to our Production Leaders!

NOVEMBER Walter Gremel & Darwin D. Sneller, Sebewaing COW: STARWARD BRONCO LINZEE • USA 141320993 • 100-NA CLASSIFICATION: VG-87 SIRE: END-ROAD O-MAN BRONCO-ET *TR • USA 135774702 DAM: STARWARD SPIKE LINDSEY • USA 140065008 LEADER RECORD: AGE: 4-06 • X: 2X • DAYS: 305 • MILK: 49,130 • DCRM: 100 • %F: 3.0 • FAT: 1457 • %P: 2.9 • PROT: 1407 • DCRC: 100 • STATE: MI • OWNER: 14048 NATIONAL/STATE PLACING AGE CATEGORY 2X/3X DAYS MICHIGAN 1ST MILK SR 4YR 2X 305 MICHIGAN 3RD PROTEIN SR 4YR 2X 305

Westvale View Dairy, LLC, Nashville COW: WESTVALEVIEW MOGUL RANA *RC • 840003011561825 100-NA CLASSIFICATION: VG-86 SIRE: MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET*TR • 840003006972816 DAM: CASTLEMONT JULIETTE-RED • USA 140295641 LEADER RECORD: AGE: 2-00 • X: 3X • DAYS: 365 • MILK: 44,640 • DCRM: 102 • %F: 3.3 • FAT: 1506 • %P: 3.1 • PROT: 1397 • DCRC: 69 • STATE: MI • OWNER: 34996 NATIONAL/STATE PLACING AGE CATEGORY 2X/3X DAYS MICHIGAN 2ND MILK JR 4YR 3X 365

DECEMBER Walter Gremel & Darwin D. Sneller, Sebewaing COW: STARWARD BRONCO LINZEE • USA 141320993 100-NA CLASSIFICATION: VG-87 SIRE: END-ROAD O-MAN BRONCO-ET *TR • USA 135774702 DAM: STARWARD SPIKE LINDSEY • USA 140065008 LEADER RECORD: AGE: 4-06 • X: 2X • DAYS: 325 • MILK: 51,250 • DCRM: 100 • %F: 3.0 • FAT: 1524 • %P: 2.9 • PROT: 1475 • DCRC: 100 • STATE: MI • OWNER: 14048 NATIONAL/STATE PLACING AGE CATEGORY 2X/3X DAYS MICHIGAN 2ND MILK SR 4YR 2X 365

Lew-Max Holsteins, LLC, Belding COW: LEW-MAX NIAGRA 4762 • USA 69197071 100-NA CLASSIFICATION: VG-87 SIRE: RI-VAL-RE 2338 NIAGRA-ET *TR • USA 62067753 DAM: LEW-MAX O MAN 2588 • USA 62315253 LEADER RECORD: AGE: 5-03 • X: 3X • DAYS: 305 • MILK: 50,160 • DCRM: 100 • %F: 3.6 • FAT: 1782 • %P: 3.0 • PROT: 1515 • DCRC: 79 • STATE: MI • OWNER: 29700 PLACING AGE CATEGORY 2X/3X DAYS NATIONAL/STATE MICHIGAN 2ND MILK MATURE 3X 305

Melissa Hart, Editor Cell: 517-398-1957 farm.writer@hotmail.com Michigan Dairy Cattle News 401 Harvest Trail Midlothian, TX 76065 Ph: 517-490-7736 michholstein1@gmail.com Winter 2016

ISSUE Spring Summer Fall Winter

AD DEADLINE Feb. 12 May 5 Aug. 11 Nov. 11 33

calendar 2017

February 2-4: Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference, Frankenmuth, Michigan February 4: Michigan Jersey Cattle Club Meeting, Frankenmuth, Michigan February 25: Michigan Holstein Association Annual Meeting, Traverse City, Michigan March 24: Michigan Holstein Spring Foundation Sale, MSU Livestock Pavilion, East Lansing, Michigan March 24: Michigan Jersey Cattle Club Spring Show, MSU Livestock Pavilion, East Lansing, Michigan March 25: Great Lakes Spring Holstein Show, MSU Livestock Pavilion, East Lansing, Michigan June 28-July 1: National Holstein Convention, Bellevue, Washington July 5-8: National Brown Swiss Convention, Canton, Ohio

Bovine Beautician.......................................... Pg. 25 Brenhaven Jerseys.......................................... Pg. 29 Buell’s Bovines............................................... Pg. 34 Dairy Agenda Today...................................... Pg. 35 Dawson & Jackman........................................ Pg. 13 Delong Farm.................................................. Pg. 31 End Road Farm.............................................. Pg. 25 Germane Consulting........................................ Pg. 7 Germane Consulting...................................... Pg. 26 Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference......... Pg. 21 Green Meadow............................................... Pg. 16

June 21-24: National Ayrshire Convention, Altoona, Iowa

King Street Dairy............................................. Pg. 4

June 27- July 1: National Guernsey Convention, Saratoga, New York

Michigan Livestock Service............................. Pg. 14

June 21-24: National Jersey Convention, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania June 14-17: American Milking Shorthorn Society National Convention, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania June 7-9, 2017: National Red and White Convention, Rochester, Minnesota

Michigan Milk Producers............................... Pg. 27 Michigan Spring Foundation Sale................... Pg. 25 NorthStar Cooperative................................... Pg. 36 Posey Creek Farms......................................... Pg. 26 Reed Dairy..................................................... Pg. 31 Rho-Nic Holsteins.......................................... Pg. 10 Rod-Er-Dic Farm........................................... Pg. 12 ST Genetics...................................................... Pg. 3 Star Summit..................................................... Pg. 2 Starward Farm............................................... Pg. 28 SunQuest Holsteins........................................ Pg. 13 Tomerton Holsteins & Jerseys........................... Pg. 7 Tri-Koebel........................................................ Pg. 9 Vitality Dairy Crew........................................ Pg. 13 Wardin Brothers............................................. Pg. 25 Weston Jerseys.................................................. Pg. 7 Westvale-View Dairy...................................... Pg. 30 Wonderbred Reg. Holsteins............................ Pg. 25

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Contact one of our sales associates for more information: EDITOR Melissa Hart | 517.398.1957 farm.writer@hotmail.com | North Adams, MI SALES STAFF Ron Schaap | 608.334.2348 ronschaap@hotmail.com | Marshall, WI Chad Griffith | 513.543.2315 xavier12146@yahoo.com | Bethel, OH Mary Angelo | 417.880.5732 angelo@1791.com |Fair Grove, MO MANAGER David Jons | 913-634-3526 david.jons@att.net | Bonner Springs, KS

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