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Illinois Holstein State Picnic Cancelled

The Illinois Holstein State Picnic scheduled for August 28, 2010, has been cancelled out of respect for the Ludwig Family. There will not be a picnic this year, but we look forward to the event for next summer.

Jake Ludwig of Fithian killed in car accident

It is with sadness that we share with you news of the death of Jacob V. Ludwig of Fithian who was killed in an automobile accident on Monday, August 9, 2010 in Ashkum.

Jake was born on May 2, 1985 in Reno, Nevada, the son of David Ludwig of Fithian and Marilou (Gillen) Ludwig of Reno.

Jake graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s of science degree in chemistry and studied to be a cheesemaker. He worked as manager for Ludwig Farmstead Creamery in Fithian.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 12 at Weber & Rodney Funeral Home, 304 N. Main Street, Edwardsville. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, August 13, at the funeral home, with Dave Romoser officiating. There will also be a visitation from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, August 14 at Sunset’s Oakwood Chapel in Oakwood, with interment immediately following at the Embury Cemetery in Fithian.

Condolences may be expressed online at weberfuneralhome.com

Kevin Ziller of Huntley passes away tragically

A Mass of Christian Burial for Kevin Daniel Ziller, 21, will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 27, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Huntley/Dundee Road, Huntley. Burial will be in Huntley Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Monday, July 26, and from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass on Tuesday, at the church.

Born Feb. 16, 1989, in Woodstock, the son of Dan and Carol (nee Ernesti) Ziller, he passed away tragically Thursday, July 22, 2010, in Union, from an automobile accident. Kevin was a 2008 graduate of Marengo Community High School. He was a devoted farmer who proudly worked on the family farm. He enjoyed life to the fullest. His big heart and gentle spirit will be deeply missed. He always had time for everyone and never missed lending a helping hand where ever needed.

He was a member of the McHenry County Young Farmers, the Marengo Community High School FFA Alumni, the McHenry County 4H and the Illinois Holstein Association.

He is survived by his loving parents, Dan Jr. and Carol Ziller of Huntley; his dear brother and sisters, David, Colleen and Meredith; his proud grandparents, Barbara Ernesti and Dan Sr. and Jeanne Ziller, all of Huntley; his girlfriend, Gretchen Ibeling; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mary Ziller and Charles Ernesti; and great-grandparents, Chester and Grace Scott, and Charles and Martha Ziller.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be directed to the Marengo Community High School FFA or to the McHenry County 4H Foundation. Arrangements were made by the James A. O'Connor Funeral Home, Huntley.

Dr. David Dickson of Madison, Wis., passes away

One of the foremost authorities on dairy cattle judging passed away Friday, July 9. During his distinguished career, Dickson judged more shows (13 total) at World Dairy Expo than any other official. In addition, he placed dairy cattle in over 20 countries and served on the All American selection committees for all seven recognized Purebred Dairy Cattle Association breeds. He was the first American to judge the European Championship Holstein Show and the New Zealand Royal Agricultural Holstein Show. He has led judging conferences throughout the U.S. and in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Italy, Japan and Spain. During his career as the University of Wisconsin-Madison dairy cattle judging coach which officially began in 1968, Dickson led teams to seven national championships at the National Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest. Perhaps more impressive, his teams won 18 team reasons titles at the national contest.

David P. Dickson was born in Everson, Wash., on February 26, 1939, and graduated from Meridian High School as class valedictorian. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in dairy science from Washington State University. In 1960, Dickson became the second person (a fete that was later matched by one other person) in the U.S. to earn high individuals honors at both the National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest and at the Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest. It was that second honor, high individual at the college contest, that earned Dickson National Dairy Shrine’s famed Kildee scholarship. He used that money to further his dairy education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he went on to earn both a Master’s and a PhD.

After graduation, Dickson joined the University of Wisconsin-Madison Dairy Science Department where he served as professor for over three decades. As his career unfolded, he was chosen by his peers to chair the department from 1984 to 1990. Dickson served on the World Dairy Expo board of directors and also was a Holstein Foundation trustee. He was the founding advisor to UW-Madison’s Badger Dairy club. Dickson was a long-time chapter advisor for UW-Madison’s Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity and a long-time advocate and supporter of Madison’s Association of Women in Agriculture (AWA) . . . both agricultural professional-social organizations for young men and women. AWA has awarded him Honorary Membership. Additionally, he served as advisor to the Midwest and National student affiliate divisions of the American Dairy Science Association.

His ability to teach students was recognized by the American Dairy Science Association in 1996 when he won the Purina Mills Teaching Award in the first year he was nominated. In 2005, Dickson was honored as an Alpha Gamma Rho “Brother of the Century” during the Fraternity’s 100th anniversary celebration and has won the Distinguished Service Award from multiple organizations. Always an educator, Dickson was the Kickoff Inspirational Speaker at the National 4-H Dairy Conference for ten consecutive years. During his tenure, he helped to produce over 20 videos on oral reasons that were shared with others across the country. Additionally, his dairy cattle judging brochure, “Dairy Cattle Judging Made Easy,” has been translated into Italian and Spanish. Later on, that publication was made into an effective interactive teaching tool available on CD. Many dairy producers also may remember Dickson’s Christmastime poems deeply rooted in dairy tradition.

Effingham District Show Results online now!

Click here to see the result of the Effingham Holstein Club District Show results and photos from their show, held July 3, 2010.

Illinois Championship Show Schedule of Events
Wednesday, July 21
5:30 p.m.: Illinois Holstein Dutchess & Little Miss Holstein Contests
Contest Chairman—Lori Lyons
8:30 p.m.: Exhibitor’s meeting, show ring.

Thursday, July 22
8:30 a.m.: Illinois Junior Championship Holstein Show—Judge Kelli Cull
Show Chairmen— Brian Olbrich & Melissa Irwin

Friday, July 23
8:30 a.m.: Illinois Championship Show and Futurities—Judge Chad Ryan
Show Chairmen—Brian Wesemann & Nate Janssen
Futurity Chairman—Wendy Erbsen

Show Headquarters—Ramada Limited
Phone: (309) 828-0900
Mention Holstein Block, make reservations by July 1

Shavings will not be available to purchase at the Interstate Center. Shavings available at:
Farm & Fleet — 309-829-0018
Tractor Supply Co. — 309-829-8511

 

Ludwigs to Host Annual State Picnic on August 29, 2010

Make sure to check out the Feature Story on Ludwigs Farms found in the Summer 2010 issue of the Illinois Holstein Herald. Ludwig Farms, located in Fithian, Ill., is host to the 2010 Annual State Picnic, which will be held August 29, 2010.

Ludwigs Farms has just completed a brand new show facility and will have a finished cheese processing plant by the time the picnic is here. Many changes are happening on Ludwigs, and you won't want to miss this great opportunity to visit the farm.

Click here to view the map of Fithian and plan your route to the State Picnic!

July 1 Deadline for Illinois Holsteins Futurity Quickly Approaches

The Illinois Holstein Futurity July 1 deadline will be here before you know it. Please be looking at your show pens and think about which animals will get the nod for the payment list. Nominations due in July will include animals being shown in the 2010 Futurity (both 2-yr-olds and 5-yr-olds), and 5-yr-old Futurities in 2011 & 2012. Look for an email in early June indicating which animals are eligible for re-nomination. Remember, all monies must be postmarked by July 1, 2010, to be eligible. Mailing addres: Illinois Holstein Futurity, 13258 Center Dr., Lanark, IL 61046

If you have any questions, you may email Wendy.

University of Illinois, Dairy Extension Program
As an important dairy stakeholder in the Illinois dairy industry, Dave Fischer, Dick Wallace, and I wanted to contact you to let you know of changes at the University of Illinois dairy extension program.

Dave Fischer will participate in the early retirement (July 31), Dick Wallace has taken a position with Pfizer (July 1), and I will retire in Dec, 2010 (a signed retirement contract three years ago).
It is with sadness we report the 2011 IL Dairy Days have been cancelled as after 38 years.

· Attendance last year exceeded 700 attendees, the largest in-state dairy program in the Midwest.
· Over 160 commercial booths paid $100 and 22 book sponsors provided $2500.
· Cost recover exceeds $25,000 with local sponsoring units earning $600 to $900 profit and the dairy team earning $3600.
· The IL Dairy Report is the only Animal Sciences research report assembled annually, distributed,, and available electronically on the Illinois Trail Livestock web site.
· Over 35 percent of dairy producers attended and participated in the annual meetings.

Other activities that will be impacted include 4-H dairy youth programs under Dave’s leadership, Dairy Sanitarian Conference, Four State Dairy programs, dairy focus meetings with DHI, dairy webinars, news releases, dairy columns in AgriNews, PEAQ alfalfa program, and on-line dairy classes. It is unfortunate that the Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois Extension, and College of ACES allowed this visible and successful programs to end.

We appreciated your support and interest over the years and wish you success in your future endeavors as U of IL Extension and the Department of Animal Sciences continue to change. Feel free to share this other interested individuals and groups.

Dr. Mike Hutjens

 

Former Clinton County Member Robert Horstmann Passes Away

Robert E. Horstmann, 66, of Spencer, WI, died Monday, April 5, 2010, at Saint Joseph's Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Christ The King Catholic Church, Spencer. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home in Spencer and at the church Friday from 9:30 a.m. until service time. Interment will be held in the West Spencer Cemetery.

Mr. Horstmann was born June 22, 1943, in Breese, Ill., the son of John and Regina (Voss) Horstmann. He was united in marriage to the former Rita Wessel on Nov. 20, 1971, in Pierron, Ill. Robert was a dairy farmer and past member of the Clinton County Holstein Association and Illinois Holstein Association.

Mr. Horstmann is survived by his wife, Rita; sons, Thomas and Daniel Horstmann, both of Spencer; and four grandchildren.

Online condolences may be made at www.hansenschillingfuneralhome.com. Cards of condolences may be sent to: S841 Karau Avenue, Spencer, WI 54479.

RWDCA Hires First Itern

CLINTON, WI- The Red and White Dairy Cattle Association is excited to announce that their first-ever summer internship position was awarded to Julie Wadzinski from Marathon, Wisconsin. During the course of the summer, Julie’s responsibilities will include assisting with registrations and transfers, publications and representing the RWDCA at various events.

Julie is the daughter of Steve and Sara Wadzinski and she grew up on her parents' 400 head grade Holstein dairy operation. She developed an interest in dairy cattle at a young age by working with her parents and two brothers, Ken and Jonathon, on the farm. Julie started her own herd of registered Holsteins by participating in the Marathon County Heifer Program and exhibiting those animals at the county fair.
Julie Wadzinski is currently a Junior at the University Wisconsin-River Falls where she is majoring in Dairy Science with a double emphasis in science and management. Julie participates in several school organizations including Dairy Club and Destination. She remains active in her 4-H club by volunteering as a project leader for rabbits, dairy cattle and goats. She also organizes community involvement and volunteering activities for the youth members of her 4-H club.

We look forward to Julie joining our team for the summer months.

For further details, please contact the Red & White Dairy Cattle Association at 308B Ogden Ave., Clinton, WI 53525; Phone: (608) 676-4900 or 4909; Fax: (608) 299-0800; Email: Stephanie or Nicole; Website: www.redandwhitecattle.com.

 

Deadline for the Summer issue of the Illinois Holstein Herald: May 7

The Summer issue of the Illinois Holstein Herald will be out early in June and will also be distributed at the National Holstein Convention in Bloomington, MN. Deadline for submission of all materials (including advertising) is May 7. Please send all Dsitrict News, Announcements and other important information to Julie. You can email her or call her (815.766.0045) with your information.

Midwest Red & White Summer Show - July 18

The Midwest Red & White Summer Show will be held July 18 at the Boone County Fairgrounds, Belvidere, Ill. An entry form can be downloaded here. Full details available on the Red & White Dairy Cattle Association website.