Holstein breeders and friends attending the Waupaca-Waushara Holstein Association annual meeting, Friday, Dec. 10, were informed by the Wisconsin Holstein Association (WHA) that they were selected to host the 2012 WHA State Convention.
In addition, state board member Lynn Harbaugh updated local members on some of the upcoming state events. The Wisconsin Junior Holstein Convention will take place Jan. 8-10 in Stevens Point. The Adult Holstein Convention, Feb. 18-19 in Beaver Dam, will once again feature the WHA Futures Sale.
Bob Gates, Poy Sippi, received the Friend of the Holstein Cow Award, the highest award the W-W Holstein Association offers to its members.
Gates has been an integral part of the local association, serving as a board member and hosting the picnic/twilight meeting. In addition, he provides his resources, time and support for the annual Waupaca-Waushara Show Opportunity Sale, whether its helping to prepare for the sale, offering a consignment or purchasing an animal.
Gates was also elected to serve a six-year term on the WHA State Board, where he chaired numerous committees such as sales and merchandising, Wisconsin Holstein Futurity, breed improvement and Spring Show. In addition, he was a member of the WHA executive committee for two years.
Gates and his wife Sherry operate Gateway-Acres, just one mile south of Poy Sippi. The herd consists of 100 percent registered Holsteins including 88 milk cows and around 90 youngstock. The cows are milked twice a day, with a Rolling Herd Average over 23,000 pounds of milk, over 880 pounds of butterfat and over 700 pounds of protein.
In receiving the award, Gates commented, “I really appreciate this award. This has been a good group of people to work with throughout the years.”
Anyone interested in either joining the W-W Holstein Association or serving on the 2012 WHA State Convention Planning Committee or Show Opportunity Sale Committee should contact president Justin Hintz: [email protected] or call 715-851-0049.