The 2015 convention was full of fun for those who attended, offering free time on the lake, planned youth activities, farm tours, and of course, the banquet. One attendee said “I had a wonderful time, and was so glad for the opportunity to attend. I went swimming, hiking, and boating! The PA breeders put on a great convention.”

The youth came out to participate in a photo contest, dairy jeopardy, a quiz bowl, and more. The farm tours had a great turnout, and we celebrated those who have helped advance the Ayrshire breed at our annual banquet. Adam Oswalt, winner of the 2014 Foundation award, was also present at the convention. There was a large poster describing Oswalt’s genomic research for the benefit of Ayrshire breeders.

With the close of the 2015 convention, we’re looking forward to the 2016 convention, which will be held in Oklahoma City from June 13 to 17. Mark your calendars. We hope to see you there!

Congratulations to all those who were recognized at the 2015 convention for their commitment to and passion for the Ayrshire breed. Our winners recognized at the Banquet this year included:

•2015-16 National Ayrshire Queen: Leanne Vanderlaan of Shimmer-Ayr, OK
•2015-16 National Ayrshire Princess: Danielle Varner of Rippling-Brook Farm, PA
•2015 Young Leader Award: Mark & Jessica Valentine of Vales-Pride Farm, MD
•2015 Master Breeder Award: Don & Pam Gable of Conebella Farms, PA
•2015 Distinguished Service Award: John Rodgers of Plum Bottom Ayrshires, PA
•2015 Ayrshire Industry Service Award: Dick Witter, a pioneer and innovator in the bovine genetics field and friend and supporter of the Ayrshire breed
•2015 Ayrshire Breeders Foundation Award: The Foundation’s 2015 grant was written by Dwight Hunter of the PA Ayrshire Breeders Association, thus the grant was awarded to the Pennsylvania Ayrshire Breeders Association to assist in the renewal printing of the book The History of the Ayrshire Breed by Gus Bowling.

Youth Awards

• Outstanding Youth Winner: Robin Peters

Youth Photos Contests

• Beginners
  • Andrew Curtis-Szalach, NY: Cute Calf, Pasture Scene, People & Cows, Other Photos, and Overall Beginner photo

• Juniors
  • Adam Wolf, OH: Cute Calves and Pastures Scene
  • Brooklyn Peters, PA: People & Cows, Other and Winter Scene, and overall Junior photo winner

• Intermediate 
  • Alexis Diemel, WI: Pasture Scene and Overall Junior Winner
  • Sara Wolf, OH: won Cute Calves and Pasture Scene
  • Hunter Tentinger, IA: won the won People and Cows

• Senior
  • Taylor McCaulley, NY: Cute Calves
  • Robin Peters, PA: Pasture Scene, Other and Winter Scene, & Overall Senior Winner
  • Ashlie N. Hardy, ME: People & Cows
• Best in Show Photo: Brooklyn Peters, PA

Youth Display Contests

• Beginners
  • 1^st place: Andrew Curtis-Szalach, NY
  • 2^nd place: Annabella Smith, PA
• Juniors
  • 1^st place: Makenzie Greaves, FL
  • 2^nd place: Seth Greaves, FL
• Intermediate
  • 1^st place: Garret Greaves, FL
  • 2^nd place: Mackensie Schofield, ME
• Senior
  • 1^st place: Colleen Schofield, ME
• Record book Winners
  • Beginner: Andrew Curtis-Szalach, NY
  • Juniors: Whitney Dunklee, VT
  • Intermediate: Erin Curtis-Szalach, NY
  • Senior: Christopher Sweeney, NY

Jeopardy Winners

• Juniors
  • 1^st place: Jacob Poole, PA
  • 2^nd place: Kayla McCaully, NY
  • 3^rd place: Makenzie Greaves, FL
• Senior
  • 1^st place: Christopher Sweeney, NY
  • 2^nd place: Maddy Scalise, PA
  • 3^rd place: Lauren Martin, PA

Quiz Bowl

• Junior High Written Exam
  • 1st place: Jacob Poole
  • 2nd place: Lily Charapata
  • 3rd place tie: Makenzie Greaves and Caitlin Anthony
• Senior High Written Exam
  • 1st place: Christopher Sweeney
  • 2nd place: Kailey Barlow
  • 3rd place tie: Lauren Martin
• Juniors 
  • 1^st place: New York
  • 2^nd place: Ohio
• Seniors
  • 1^st place: New York
  • 2^nd place: PennsylvaniaOn Wednesday, June 24, a fun day of farm tours was planned for those at the Convention. The first stop was Ferens Farm, which is owned by Jenny Poole and her grandparents, mother, and aunt. The farm milks 25 Ayrshires in addition to 100 Holsteins. Mowry Homestead, operated by Jason Mowry, also welcomed Convention attendees. Located in Roaring Spring, Mowry Homestead milks Ayrshires, Holsteins, and Milking Shorthorns.

    The day concluded with an evening at Hameau Farm in Big Valley. Hosted by Gay Rodgers, owner and operator of Hameau Farm, the event included a farm memorabilia and antique display, dinner, and a presentation from PA Secretary of Agriculture, Russell Redding and Dan Robison, Dean of Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design of West Virginia University.

    During the event, Doug Evans, president of the association, presented John Rodgers of Plum Bottom Ayrshires with the 2015 Distinguished Service Award. He commended John for the 60+ years he has dedicated to the advancement and promotion of the beloved breed.