Maribel, WI (June, 2009), National Dairy Shrine (NDS) is pleased to announce the winners of the Graduate Dairy Production, Progressive Dairy Producer, Pioneer, Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder, and Guest of Honor awards for this year. These awards were designed to honor dairy industry leaders that have contributed to strengthen and enliven the dairy industry.
Dr. William Sandine is the Guest of Honor the highest award from the National Dairy Shrine. This award goes to an individual that has had a dramatic impact on the dairy industry and its future. Dr. Sandine had an illustrious career at Oregon State University. He mentored over 70 graduate students and developed several patented processes to improve cheese making and extending the shelf life of cheese and other processed foods. He truly changed the efficiency of the production of cheese. His patents are still being actively used today by cheese plants all over the world.
The NDS Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder is Duane Conant from Canton Maine. The Conant Acres prefix is known throughout the world for quality Holstein cattle and friendly hospitality. Duane has also served on several Maine and national boards and committees. He has shown great leadership abilities and the foresight to try innovative breeding ideas.
Through an anonymous selection committee, Ernest Berousek, Phil Higley, Truman Graf, and Harry Roth were selected as National Dairy Shrine Pioneers. This year’s honorees are an exemplary display of what this award is about. Ernest Berousek has made significant contributions through his teaching at Oklahoma State and Rhode Island and to his devotion to the Guernsey breed. Phil Higley is best known for starting the business of commercial artificial insemination in 1941and later became president of American Breeders Service. Professor Truman Graf University of Wisconsin was the most prominent dairy economist during the 1960-1980s in the field of milk marketing. Finally, Harry Roth from Atlantic Breeders Co-op, Pennsylvania is a true giant in the artificial insemination industry whose career includes buying elite sires to sales manager to General Manager of the company.
Brian and Heidi Lantzky in the small herd division and Richard and Jennifer Avila in the large herd division were selected as NDS Progressive Dairy Producers. This award is a $2000 travel stipend to attend a conference or seminar to learn new techniques to improve their business. The Lantzkys’ have an excellent Jersey herd of 165 cows in Hawkeye, Iowa and are very involved in the dairy community. The Avila’s from Avi-Lanche Jerseys milk over 2100 cows in Dalhart, Texas and also active Jersey leaders.
Nathan Osborn has been selected as the Graduate Dairy Production winner. This is our newest award and goes to an active dairyman who has graduated from college in the last five years and has already demonstrated excellent dairy management ability. Nathan will receive a $2500 award sponsored by Elanco to be used toward the purchase of cattle to improve his herd.
All of these outstanding winners will be honored at the annual National Dairy Shrine Awards Banquet at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis. on Thursday, October 1, 2009. Please contact Dr. David Selner if you want to reserve banquet tickets at info@dairyshrine.org or at 920-863-6333. |
