Pierce County dairy winners named

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The Pierce County Dairy Industry celebrated the 62nd Pierce County Dairy Recognition Banquet at the Elmwood Auditorium on Oct. 18.

Nearly 75 individuals and farms received recognition for their achievements in 2012. The event is sponsored annually by area businesses, and farm and civic organizations throughout the county and the surrounding area. Two hundred fifteen people attended the banquet and awards program.

The featured presentation for this year’s banquet was Bob Bosold from WAXX Radio in Eau Claire. Bosold is a prominent voice for agriculture and his presentation described his visit to China. He emphasized the population and agricultural systems in China.

The Pierce County Dairy Service Award sponsored by AgStar Financial Services recognized Roger and Bev Peterson from River Falls for many years of service and leadership to the dairy sector and agriculture.

The High Herd Award sponsored by the Pierce County Dairy Promotion Committee was presented to Betsy, Paul, Steve and Joe Fetzer, Fetzer Farms Inc. from Maiden Rock. The highest producing herd on AgSource supervised test among all farms is also recognized by AgSource. There was a tie for most improved herd this year--it was given to the Eric Bechel, EJB Dairy and Rock Elm Dairy, John and Monica Robey.

The Milk Quality Excellence Award was awarded to Rock Elm Dairy, John and Monica Robey from Elmwood. Other Milk Quality certificates were awarded to Bryan and Kathy Thoner, Fetzer Farms Inc., RJM Farms, Roger and Lori Books, Craig and Beth Ingli, Josh Moga, Maple Grove Dairy, EJB Dairy Eric Bechel, Dave and Amy Bechel and Son-Bow Farms Inc.

The Spot Trophy, sponsored by George Most, Most Holsteins, Inc., was awarded to Jason Deiss of River Falls.

The Pierce County Dairy Promotion Committee awards and provides a $100 sponsorship for dairy promotion activities completed by 4-H clubs. Clubs receiving recognition for their promotion efforts included: Busy Fingers, Country Partners, Falcon Falls, Fancy Doers, Helpful Workers, Helping Hands, Maiden Rock Rockets, Merri-Heirs, Olivet Otters, Rock Elm Skyrockets, Royal Rushers, St. Croix Stars, and Town and Country.

The Dairy Judging Awards were presented by coaches, Bob Traynor, Peter Coyne and Tom Knegendorf. The Senior Team included: High Senior Judge – Trent Miller, Brian Fesenmeier, Becky Fesenmeier, Amelia Kjos, Cole Mark, Emily Hofacker, Rachel Coyne, Elizabeth Anderson, Paige Nelson, Tiffany Hanson and Kevin Fesenmeier, The Junior Team included: High Junior Judge –Shanelle Borth, Hannah Nelson, Grace Anderson, Kenny Fesenmeier, Ben Anderson, Lauren Brand, Cassie Meyer, Brady Cebulla, Billie Emery, Natalie Mark, Ambria Kjos. Leadsman Rhett Borth and Alex Brand.

Dairy judging coaches Bob Traynor, Peter Coyne and Tom Knegendorf were presented with certificates recognizing their important volunteer roles with youth. Brian Fesenmaier received the Outstanding Dairy Project Member Award.

The Top 50 Holstein Herds in Pierce County were recognized for their combined fat and protein. Guernsey and Brown Swiss Herd Owners who surpassed the State Official AgSource average were also recognized. Each herd was recognized with an engraved trophy courtesy of the Pierce County Dairy Promotion, Inc.

For more please read the Oct. 31 print version of the Herald.

Tags: news, wisconsin, agriculture