Jefferson, MD.--Maryland Brown Swiss breeders held their annual meeting Saturday, March 5th at the Frederick 4-H Camp Center highlighting business of the association and awards for adults and juniors. This well attended meeting had nearly 100 breeders, members and friends in attendance. "It's great to see such support on an evening when we recognize the achievements of the adult and junior members," said Dennis Smith, the Vice President of the Maryland Brown Swiss Association.
Highlighting the evening were the updates, plans, and preparations for the upcoming 2011 National Brown Swiss Convention being held in Frederick, Maryland on July 6-9, 2011.
The theme of the convention is "A Star Spangled Event." Maryland breeders are busy planning a memorable convention including fun, fellowship, great tours to Washington D.C. and Baltimore as well as a learning experience for adults. The Junior program has been expanded to offer several educational programs, contests and fun filled events. Maryland has been a leader in the dairy industry and the Brown Swiss arena, and has a record of successes that is often unmatched by other states. Our Brown Swiss breeders have long been recognized nationally and internationally for developing cattle that have a tradition of excellence for both milk production and All American type. The Grand Finale will be the National Sale offering top notch cattle from North America, featuring Maryland's finest Brown Swiss assembled by sale manager, Wayne Sliker.
Bonnie Remsberg, Convention Co-Chairman gave a very informative Power Point presentation on places and points of interest in Maryland, but particularly highlighting the city of Frederick, the National Convention site. Mrs. Remsberg had all the information from the Welcome reception, to the tours, to the delicious foods we will be offering, and emphasizing the hospitality that will be enjoyed by one and all.
Enthusiasm is running high for the 2011 Convention, and Maryland is anticipating a record attendance, as families will combine a vacation with the convention here in the east for the "Star Spangled Event" in Maryland, near our nation's capitol!! There is so much history from the Smithsonian, to the many monuments and landmarks, as well as the wonderful attractions of Frederick which overflows in history, culture, small-town charm, and offers all the amenities needed!!
A report on the upcoming Mid Atlantic Brown Swiss Calf Sale was then given by Dennis Smith. "This sale is on Saturday, April 16, 2011, at the Frederick Fairgrounds in Frederick, Maryland. This year we have selections from "EX-90" to "EX-94" dams with lots of potential. There is a great selection of September, December, June/July calves as well as a strong group of March calves. The sale will also offer some older animals in the age group of Junior Yearlings. A big highlight of the sale is the offering of the choice of two heifer calves due June 1st out of the great Old Mill E Snickerdoodle, "3E 94 MS-97," and the sire is Tray, a Legacy son out of GS Ensign Tootie, another breed great." stated Mr. Smith.
This calf sale has a great track record for winners, and this year is no exception. "The pedigrees are strong, and at the calves match up," said Dennis Smith. For more information on the sale and a catalog, contact Cindy Warner at 301-639-6887, or Dennis Smith at 301-471-3215 on their cell phones.
Maryland Brown Swiss breeders were then presented the Production awards by Tom Remsberg.
Another highlight of the meeting was the Youth Report given by Scott and Judy Hood, Youth Directors. Record Book Winners were:
The new Swiss Miss is Nicole Hood, and the Swiss Princess is Nichelle Upton, with the runner up being Cassidy Schirmer for 2011-2012.
Recognition for the Brown Swiss Scholarship was Nicole Hood who received $1000 to attend college.
Concluding the program was the election of Officers: They were as follows;
President- Cindy Warner Vice-President- Dennis Smith Secretary- Emmy Covell Treasurer- Kathy Whitman Directors: Tom Remsberg, Scott Hood, Jennifer K. Hill, and Brad Garst