The Manitoba Holstein Branch held its 86th Annual General Meeting on December 5, 2013 at the Victoria Inn hotel in Winnipeg during the Dairy Farmers of MB Dairy Conference.
We were excited to announce our 2nd annual Young Adult Dairy $en$e Workshop is April 28-30th, 2014 after our first workshop was very successful with 30 19-33 year olds participating from MB and SK attending. Morgan Palsson and Jordana Penner were each presented with $500.00 scholarships as they continue post secondary education. The WCC committee shared their 2013 show highlights with us and we were pleased to support them with a $2500 sponsorship again.
All Manitoba Competition winners were presented with award certificates. These are MB owned animals placing 1st or 2nd at a MB show and then being placed by a panel of judges for the honor of Champion or Reserve Champion.
1st Time Excellent Cow Award recipients were presented a plaque by Richard Bosma and Ron Boerchers.
Ron Boerchers presented the National Directors Address. He highlighted that, at our initiative, HAC handed out over 7,000 veteran breeder pins across Canada.
Holstein Canada President’s Address was presented by Richard Bosma. In MB memberships are down 1%, registrations down 1.5%, Classifications down 10.6% and Genotests at 133%. We do have 9 new members this year.
Holstein Canada’s CEO Address was given by Anne Louise Carson, CEO. She asked members for feedback on several topics and was pleased to engage with members, discussing thoughts and concerns. Deadline is February 15th for members to give feedback to the new breed strategy proposal. Janet Walker was in attendance and the continuation of the their half price field services was announced.
On the board of directors John Robinson of the Eastern MB Holstein Club was replaced by Josh Verhoog.
Immediately following the AGM during our luncheon, we presented the production awards and our new award, the member chosen Cow of the Year award. The owners of Rainyridge Lee Candice took home a beautiful framed painting of the Beautiful Cow by Bonnie Mohr. That evening, Ron and Karen Boerchers of Rainyridge Holsteins were honored for earning Master Breeder status in 2012. Our annual Dream Auction was a success as lively bidders supported our youth program by raising $13,815. Just one of the many memorable and successful events of 2013 for our MB Holstein Branch.
Provided by Manitoba Holstein Branch
