Final preparations are underway for the 2011 National Holstein Convention and 126th Annual Business Meeting, taking place June 22-25 in Richmond, Virginia. The Virginia Convention Planning Committee has assembled a schedule highlighting the state’s Registered Holstein farms, historic sites and scenery, while allowing attendees time to discuss Association business. Below is a summary of Convention events; for complete schedule details and information, click here.

Holsteins, history & hospitality
Wednesday, June 22, marks the official start of the convention with several junior competitions, including dairy jeopardy and prepared public speaking. Adults have the option of participating in a golf tournament, touring area farms, or enjoying a shuttle to various stops around the city of Richmond.

Thursday, June 23, is the ever-popular host day, showcasing various attractions around Virginia. Four tour options include Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens theme park, tours of area Registered Holstein farms, and a bus tour of Richmond.

Concluding a fun day of activities, Convention goers will come together for another annual favorite, Family Night, including a meal, fellowship and entertainment by The Panic Squad Improv Comedy.

Friday, June 24 marks the first day of the 126th Holstein Association USA Annual Business Meeting. The Junior Convention also has a busy day planned with the annual dairy bowl competition.

Those not attending the Annual Meeting or dairy bowl have the option to visit Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson and known for its scenic beauty, with lunch at the historic Michie Tavern.

The National Holstein Convention Sale will be held that evening, featuring elite Registered Holstein genetics.

Director and officer elections will be the main focus of Saturday morning, June 25, with four director and two officer positions on the board being filled. Declared candidates include, for president, Chuck Worden, New York; for vice president, Glen E. Brown, Utah, and John C. Kalmey, Kentucky; Region 2, incumbent Jim Burdette, Pennsylvania; Region 3, Thomas F. Atherton, Michigan, and Mike Jones, Indiana; Region 7, Roy R. Buessing, Kansas; and At-Large, incumbent Boyd Schaufelberger, Illinois.

Junior members have the chance to enjoy dairy bowl finals, followed by the National Junior Forum and Junior Awards Banquet.

The Convention will conclude on Saturday evening with the final Convention Banquet, where the Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder, Elite Breeder and Distinguished Leadership Award recipients will be announced and honored.

Annual Business Meeting details
The Holstein Association USA Annual Business Meeting will take place on Friday and Saturday, June 24 and 25. Starting at 9 a.m., members will hear from CEO John M. Meyer and President Larry A. Tande on Association programs and activities, and CFO Barbara Casna will give a presentation on Association financial performance.

The Star of the Breed and Herds of Excellence will be recognized during the meeting, and in the afternoon, members will have the chance to ask questions of the director and officer candidates during the Regional Member Caucuses.

Director and officer elections will take place during the meeting, and committee reports will be heard throughout the session.

Featured speakers
Two speakers will be presenting on some of the dairy industry's hottest topics on Friday, June 24. During the Early Bird session, starting at 7:30 a.m., Dr. Curt Van Tassel of USDA will give an update on genomic technology and applications for the U.S. dairy industry.

That afternoon at 1:45 p.m., during the Annual Meeting, members will have a chance to hear from Jerry Kozak, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF). The title of his presentation is “Forging a New Path for Dairy Producers,” and will cover NMPF’s Foundation for the Future plan, a package of proposed dairy policy programs aimed at improving U.S. dairy policy and fostering a more economically-viable and secure future for dairy producers. Following both presentations, members will have a chance to ask questions of the presenters.

Holstein Association USA’s website will be updated during Convention with pictures, contest results and daily summaries. If you cannot attend the Convention in Virginia, be sure to check in to see the latest news from Richmond. PD

—From Holstein Association USA news release