The Brown Swiss Historical Society, BSHS, seeks nominations for the 2011 Master Breeder Award program. The program adopted in 2009, annually recognizes people important to the continuing progress of the Brown Swiss breed. The awards recognize an active breeder and a historical breeder that successfully developed a breeding program that accentuated cow families, especially those that contributed significantly to the advancement of the breed.

The 2010 master breeder program recognized two great breeders. In the active breeder category, the recipient was Wayne Sliker. In the historical category, the winner was Vernon Hull. The recognition ceremony was held at the National Convention.

To nominate a breeder, simply send the name to Russ Giesy or Dr. Roger Neitzel prior to March 15. Contact Giesy at russ47giesy@yahoo.com or (352) 669-0180. Contact Neitzel at rogernbs@aol.com or (608) 365-4474.

The following breeders are automatically re-nominated because they were high vote getters in the 2010 voting procedure. Active breeders: Milan (Bob) and Steve Blessing, Blessing Farms; Larry Kruse, Kruses Swiss; Dennis Mashek, Hilltop Acres; Roger Nierman, Long Lane Farm; Alan Rinehart, R-Hart Farm; Darrell Worden, Forest Lawn Farm. Historical breeders: Armbruster Bros., Red Brae Farm; Roy Arnold, Arnola Swiss; Leon W. Button, Vine Valley Farm; George Devoe, Judd’s Bridge Farm; Jerry Harkness, We-Gotta Swiss Farm; George Harris, Harris Hill Farm; Norman E. Magnussen, Norvic Farms; Rex Mort, Mort’s Swiss; Orbec Sherry, Vernon Stock Farm; Pete Vanderham, Bridge View Swiss; Jacob and Howard Voegeli, Voegeli Farms.

The actual voting process will commence March 15 and end May 1. Watch for a later announcement detailing how to register your vote. Results of this popular voting will be made available to the selection committee on May 1. The popular vote will be non-binding. The award presentations will be made at the 2011 BSA Convention. For more information contact Russ Giesy, chairperson of the BSHS. PD

—From BSHS news release