National Ayrshire Convention held in Pennsylvania GRANTVILLE They came in record numbers from across the country to Pennsylvania, and what could be called the heart of Ayr shire country, for the 111th National Ayrshire Convention. They toured four impressive Pennsylvania Ayrshire herds and an Amish farm in the first two days of the Convention. These tours included a stop at the top Ayrshire herd in the country, Ardrossan Farms, Villanova. This farm was a drawing card for some to attend the convention as one lowa breeder explained, “Seeing Ardrossan was one of my goals, it’s incredible.” At Ardrossan they were able to witness first hand the management practices, the cows, and the setting of this outstanding herd. Day three was the Annual Meeting of the Ayshire Breeders. Outgoing president Raymond Jarratt, Los Lunas, NM, addressed the group briefly at the start of the meeting. His opening remarks included, “The dairy climate is unhealthy and this is our last chance to correct the surplus situation. It is now up to us to hold milk production down.” Winners of the Constructive Breeder Award were: (left) Dr. Larry Specht, Penn-State University; Charles Gable, Conebella Farms; Heinz Meilke, Ardrossan; and Jerry Myers, Delaware Valley College. The top senior dairy bowl team was from New York state. Team members pictured are: (left) Jim Ward, Cherie Engelbrecht, Marlene Haynes and Scott Haynes. X tyc ipp . to Ardrossan Farms by Mrs. Hope Scott and her granddaughter Mary Remer. Ardrossan Farms was included on the day two of the farm tours. He urged the breeders to write their Congressman supporting production control legislation in order to stabilize milk prices and supplies. “We must register, test and classify in our herds, as well as promote the use of young sires if we are to survive as an organization,” Jarratt added. The financial status of the organization is the best it has been in recent year First Vice President, Ed Whitehead, ex plained. This status was ac complished through budget and staff cuts. They recently went to an operations officer and eliminated the position of executive secretary. Another cost cutting procedure involved changing computer services. They are now sharing Holstein Association’s computer in Brattleboro, VT. They are also considering using Holstein classifiers to classify Ayrshires. When brought up for discussion, this subject was met with mixed reactions from the group. While it would prove to be to their economic advantage to approve this action, many expressed ap prehensions that the Ayrshire cow could loose her distinctive breed characteristics in this venture. The subject was sent to the board of directors to be decided upon. Another topic discussed at length concerned delinquent accounts. At present, the Association has over $25,000 in Accounts Receivable. The Bylaws Committee was instructed to review and establish policy concerning ways of keeping business current. The past year also witnessed the elimination of the PTE program. The board decided that three programs were not necessary and the two remaining, DHIR and Types Traits Appraisal, would be adequate. By only making two programs available, they are anticipating more participation. Although it is not ideal, the board felt the change was financially feasible. In other business, die results of the elections were announced prior to the start of the semen sale. The new officers for the Ayrshire Association are: Ed Whitehead, Connecticut, president; John Dalton, Wisconsin, first vice president; and Ralph Shank, Maryland, second vice president. One of the highlights of the Convention is the Awards program. This year’s awards were dominated by Ardrossan Farms. They were the recipient of the French Trophy for Highest Record Herd of 75 to 99 Cows. Their average on 96 cows is 20,708 pounds of milk M.E. with a four percent test. Four Ardrossan cows were recognized for production in ex cess of 25,000 pounds of milk, and 24 cows additional Ardrossan cows were noted as having produced between 20,000 and 25,000 pounds of milk. The C. M. Rodriguez and C. B. Skiff Memorial trophy was awarded to Ardrossan for the highest 305 day 2X milk production in an individual lac tation and their seven-year old Ardrossan Classic Pearlina. She produced 29,710 pounds of milk. Ardrossan Farms was also recognized as having the highest DHIR record, 31,322 pounds of milk M.E. 2X with a four percent test. They were also the recipients of three 150,000 pound certificates. Earl Keefer and Donald Shetterly also received a 150,000 pound certificate. Four Pennsylvania herds qualified for the Constructive Breeder Award: Delaware Valley College, second year; Ardrossan Farms, 26th year; Pennsylvania State University, 27th year; and Charles H. Gable, 28th year. Samuel Morris, state representative, presented Mrs. Hope Scott with a commendation from the House of Representatives for being the top Ayrshire herd in the Nation. The outstanding youths for 1986 were Adam Presby, New Hamp shire and Cherie Engelbrecht, New York. The top senior dairy bowl team was from New York state. Team members included: Jim Ward, Cherie Engelbrecht, Marlene Haynes and Scott Haynes. The Pennsylvania team of Wesley Harding, Katrina Clevenger, Becky Alsdorf and Steve Shetterly were runners-up. Winning the junior division was Pennsylvania’s entry consisting of Melissa Edwards, Michele Lyons and Donna Shetterly. The Convention’s Ladies’ Program included a presentation by Mrs. Hera Wilson and her early American antiques. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are retired dairy farmers who have an extensive collection of antiques ranging from cherry pitters to apple peelers and butter chums. Mrs. Hope Scott (left) and Heinz Meilke display some of the numerous awards that the Ardrossan herd accumulated at the National Convention. At the conclusion of the banquet Quilt sold for 8900 to Sue Edwards, an auction of Ayrshire items was A nursery rhyme quilt, made by held. Grace Seidel and Adalyn Hunter, The friendship quilt, which sold for |5OO to Mrs. Raymond consisted of 72 blocks from Ayr- Jarratt. shire farms and farm The 1987 National Convention is organizations in the state. This being hosted by New Hampshire association. Brubaker Mins national honor GRANTVILLE - Milton Brubaker, Lititz, received the highly cherished Distinguished Service Award at the National Ayrshire Convention on Thursday. Brubaker, whose name is synonymous with Pennsylvania Ayrshires, has been described by friends to be intensely loyal to the breed. He has spent many hours working on its behalf with the association. This year he served on the steering and program committees Milton Brubaker received the Distinguished Service Award at the National Ayrshire Convention. With Brubaker is his wife, Margaret. in preparation for the national convention. “This is very unexpected. I’ve received a lot of cooperation from all of my Ayrshire friends, and that’s what makes things go,” Brubaker said in accepting this award. “I look forward to many more years of working with the Ayrshire breed,” he added. Brubaker owned and developed the Spruce Villa Ayrshire herd prior to its dispersal in 1979. He currently resides on the farm with his wife, Margaret.
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