The 2009 National Guernsey Convention was held in Richardson, Texas, July 8-13.

More than 250 members and guests from across the U.S. and Canada attended, including 70 junior members who took part in a wide range of activities and contests throughout the convention.

Attendees traveled to east Texas to tour two Guernsey dairies and the Southwest Dairy Museum. A highlight of the tours was a visit to the production facility of Lucky Layla Farms, an award-winning yogurt, cheese and butter producer that processes primarily Guernsey milk. Opportunities to capture the added value of golden Guernsey milk dominated committee discussions and presentations, as did the commitment to improve longevity and reproductive performance in the breed.

Dale Jensen of Amery, Wisconsin, was re-elected president of the American Guernsey Association. David Trotter of Enon Valley, Pennsylvania, was elected to the AGA Board for the first time. Audrey Wagner of Marissa, Illinois, received the breed’s Distinguished Service Award. Steve Mills of Marfred Farm in Saluda, South Carolina, was the 2009 Master Breeder Award recipient. Nate and Naomi Church of Oak Knob Farm in Cresco, Iowa, are the 2009 Outstanding Young Guernsey Breeders. The National Convention Sale animals averaged $5,003 on 30 elite lots. The high-seller was Moziers Lux Anne of Lavon Farms, EX-92. She was purchased for $59,000 by Springville Dairy of Emory, Texas. PD