The Maryland Dairy Convention attracted about 170 dairy producers and supporters to learn about reducing electric costs, genomics, apps and automated milking systems.

Headlining the convention was Dino Giacomazzi, a Hanford, California-based dairy farmer who spoke to the group about current technologies and apps to simplify their farming operations.

"We're required to be efficient in order to survive," he said.

Apps he recommended to attendees were Dropbox, which allows documents to be shared between computers and mobile devices for free; Evernote, which can be used to take written or spoken notes; Remember the Milk, an easy-to-use to-do list; and Google calendar to synch everyone's schedules.

Also highlighting the daylong dairy gathering was the awarding of Dairy of Distinction awards to five farms.

MDIA honored Burlin Farm, operated by the Eric and Faith Burall family of New Windsor; Clear Spring Creamery, operated by the Mark and Clare Seibert family of Clear Spring; Green Acres Farmstead, operated by the Curvin and Glennis Eby family of Hagerstown; Peace Hollow Farm, operated by the Myron and Janet Martin family of Knoxville; and Pheasant Echos Farm, operated by the Byron and Debbie Stambaugh family of Westminster.

During the MDIA business meeting, Maryland Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance said the Maryland ice cream trail that began last year to encourage consumers to visit farms will continue this year with an added educational component.

Visitors to the trail's on-farm creameries will not only submit to the agriculture department their stamped passports but will also have to find dairy facts posted at each stop.

State veterinarian Guy Hohenhaus reported the animal disease traceability rule was published, requiring livestock traveling across state lines to have an official tag and documentation. Free tags are available or producers may be able to use certain currently used tags.

Outgoing MDIA board members Scott Youse, Jody Vona, Ralph Shank and Myron Wilhide were recognized for their service. New directors Matt Hoff, Robert Ramsburg, Matt Fry, Barb Minde and Jason Gress were elected.

Clayborne Zimmerman, a Virginia Tech student from Walkersville, received a $1,000 MDIA Boyd Cook Memorial Scholarship. Nicole Hood of Middletown and Audrey Ervin of Gaithersburg received $500 scholarships.

During the Maryland Dairy Shrine evening banquet, Frank Walbert of Palm Bay, Florida, and Myron Wilhide of Detour were inducted into the shrine.

Walbert worked for the University of Maryland's Agronomy, Dairy and Forage Research Farm and Wye Research and Education Center. Wilhide is a dairy farmer who helped organize MDIA, serving as the first president.

About 35 youth ages 8 to 21 who participated in the junior dairyman contest held earlier in the day were recognized during the awards ceremony. The competition tested youth on their dairy knowledge through a written test and hands-on activities.

Results of the junior division were Ryan Allen, first; Robert Hahn, second; James Savage, third; and Daisy Gardner, fourth. In the intermediate division, Charlie Sasscer was first; Katelyn Allen was second; Catherine Savage was third and Josiah Manning was fourth. Senior division winners were Shelby Hahn, first; Ryan Zimmerman, second; Scott DeBaugh, third; and Sarah Manning, fourth.

Maryland Dairy Shrine President Charles Iager recognized Gail Yeiser for serving on the National Dairy Shrine board. Others who served from Maryland include Mary Creek, Judy Iager, Lee Majeskie, Duane Norman and Kevin Stiles.

Outgoing MDS directors Mary King and Matt Iager were recognized. Iager will continue as treasurer. Robert Morris and Gail Yeiser are serving their second term, and Frank Allnutt and Mary Creek will come on the board for their first term.

The shrine presented scholarships to Jessica Sentelle, Rachel Manning and Clayborne Zimmerman. The Mid-Maryland Dairy Veterinarians Scholarship was presented to Annelise Myers of Clarksville, University of Maryland. PD

—Information from Maryland Dairy Industry Association

PHOTO
Five dairy farms were honored as Dairies of Distinction by the Maryland Dairy Industry Association during the Maryland Dairy Convention. Congratulated by Maryland Dairy Princess Julia Doody, right, were – from left – the Eric and Faith Burall family, Byron and Debbie Stambaugh family, Curvin Eby family and Mark Seibert family. Not pictured is the Myron Martin family. Photo courtesy of Laurie Savage.