The National Guernsey Convention was held in Collinsville, Illinois, June 23-27. The convention has long been recognized for the many exciting activities and contests offered for youth. Young people from Florida to Washington and many states in between were represented this year, as more than 100 junior Guernsey members travelled to Illinois to compete in the many contests and recognition programs offered by the American Guernsey Association. The National Guernsey Queen and Princess are crowned each year at the convention. They serve as ambassadors for the Guernsey breed during their one-year reign, making appearances on behalf of the AGA, speaking with visitors to AGA trade-show booths and assisting at national shows. The queen and princess are selected based on their speaking ability, poise, knowledge of the dairy industry and their ability to serve as effective ambassadors for the AGA.
Rachel Manning of Huntingtown, Maryland, attended the convention as the Maryland Guernsey Princess, and was crowned 2011 National Guernsey Queen. In additional awards, Manning was named Miss Congeniality in the queen contest and won second place in the senior division for prepared speeches. She is the 21-year-old daughter of David and Marilyn Manning. She is a student at West Virginia University, majoring in agriculture and extension education with a minor in agribusiness.
Manning is very active at WVU where she is president of the Dairy Science Club, president of Collegiate Farm Bureau, treasurer of Sigma Alpha Sorority, and serves on the university’s dairy judging team. Also, Manning was active in 4-H for 12 years, where she raised and exhibited sheep, goats, hogs, and both beef and dairy cattle. She has been very active in the Maryland Guernsey Breeders Association when she purchased her first heifer eight years ago. She has served as president and vice-president of the Maryland Guernsey Youth Association. Manning looks forward to meeting many people who are enthusiastic like her about the gentle golden Guernseys. PD
—From American Guernsey Association news release
