President's Perspective

By Mark Kerndt

As 2011 wraps up it is time to reflect on the many things the Iowa Holstein Association has to be thankful for. I am thankful for the great employees we have in our executive secretary, Paula Smith and our treasurer Linda Pagel. Both ladies do a tremendous job serving our association. As president I have appreciated how much easier their experience and efforts have made my job. I am also grateful for our state board that our membership has elected for this last year. Attendance at meetings has been very good and discussion much appreciated. Also the people who have served on the various committees for our association perform an essential voluntary service that make the many activities of our group possible. Thank you to all the committee chairs and members. And of course I am thankful for our membership and their participation.

Being a dairy farmer isn’t always easy or glamorous. It involves long hard days, sometimes it can be rewarding some times not, but as members of the Iowa Holstein Association, you can take pride in being part of an organization that can have an impact. Your association impacts the lives of many of our youths through the programs available. These programs develop leadership skills, help our young members build networks within the industry and are part of building their foundation that shapes their lives. The state of Iowa has a rich history of great Holstein cows and breeders that have been recognized around the world. Cows and bulls that have impacted the evolution of the Holstein breed globally where found right in our barns in Iowa. These cattle have impacted the dairy industry and the economy both locally and around the world and they will always be recognized in Holstein breed history. You the breeders, our members, can take great pride in breeding these cattle. Everyone plays at least a small role in this success, because we can’t succeed on whole without the small successes we experience individually. The success of one can be a learning experience for another. Again thank you for your membership and your involvement.

By now you should have received your new membership cards for 2012. I encourage you to send them in promptly to take advantage of 2011 tax savings. I would also encourage you all to try and each sign one new member. Whether it’s a local business that depends on the dairy industry or a neighbor that milks cows but hasn’t yet shown interest in the Iowa Holstein Association. Maybe its some local youth that for $5 can have access to our youth programs. Dairyman can take advantage of the many Holstein USA programs also. The Holstein tag program is enormously popular with many dairymen that aren’t interested in some of the more main stream association activities. A new member can enjoy our Iowa Holstein Herald that is published 4 times a year, get to meet fellow members and maybe share their own successes or learn from others. And of course being a member allows you to register Holstein cattle at a cheaper rate and makes your cattle eligible for classification programs and other awards and activities.

Please make plans to attend the Iowa Holstein Association annual convention in Decorah, Iowa this winter on February 25-26. Details will appear elsewhere in this issue of the Herald. I promise you will enjoy your time. We will be hosting an ET auction at this year’s convention and of course the highlight of the convention will be the awards banquet.

Also I want to take time to wish everyone of you a very Merry Christmas! All things are possible through God’s grace and I am thankful for the opportunities and blessings He has bestowed upon us. Enjoy the season with your families and friends!