“Sharing memories and forging the future of Ayrshires” is the theme of this year’s Ayrshire National Convention planned for June 22-26 at Lake Raystown in Pennsylvania. It will be hosted by the Pennsylvania Ayrshire Breeders Association, along with New Jersey and West Virginia breeders.

Lake Raystown Resort boasts 400 acres of waterfront property and onsite dining and activities such as swimming, boating, biking and hiking, plus the WildRiver Waterpark.

The event features a full schedule (available at the Ayrshire National Convention website), highlighted by youth activities, local farm tours, a dinner and award banquet, and the Grand National Sale.

This year, farms have the opportunity to donate a portion of their proceeds to the U.S. Ayrshire Breeders Foundation. It is a 3-year-old nonprofit founded by members of the U.S. Ayrshire Breeders Association to encourage involvement through progressive leadership, promotion and marketing, and to support youth advancement and interest for the Ayrshire breed.

“We intend for this year’s convention to be the premier event of the year,” says John Rodgers, co-chair. “We are thrilled to be able to support the foundation through the Grand National Sale and excited to welcome Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell C. Redding on our farm tour dinner on Wednesday evening, June 24, at Hameau Farm in Belleville. He will share the history of Pennsylvania agriculture and unveil a just-completed, special narrative of Ayrshire history.”

Attendees can register and pay for the event online.

The Ayrshire National Convention begins June 22 and closes on June 26. Events will take place at Lake Raystown Resort and Conference Center and surrounding areas. PD

—From U.S. Ayrshire Breeders Association news release