January 2010 - Swiss Valley Farms
January 2010 - Swiss Valley Farms
January 2010 - Swiss Valley Farms
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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 0<br />
happy new year<br />
from swiss valley farms!
U S D A d e c i d e s h o w<br />
to distribute $290 Million<br />
by Don Boelens<br />
Published Monthly by:<br />
<strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Farms</strong><br />
Cooperative<br />
P.O. Box 4493<br />
Davenport IA 52808<br />
563.468.6600 FAX 563.468.6613<br />
www.swissvalley.com<br />
Nancy Feeney<br />
Editor/ Member Relations Mgr.<br />
<strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Farms</strong>, Co. will produce,<br />
distribute and sell value-added, quality<br />
products for our:<br />
Customers & Consumers<br />
Owner/Members<br />
Workforce<br />
<strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> Board Officers<br />
Chair<br />
Pam Bolin................................................Clarksville, IA<br />
Vice Chair<br />
Randy Schaefer....................................Blue Grass, IA<br />
Assistant Secretary<br />
Jeff Nimtz...............................................Monticello, WI<br />
Assistant Treasurer<br />
James Schmitt.............................................Sherrill, IA<br />
<strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> Directors<br />
Loyde M. Beers.......................................Eastman, WI<br />
Steve Klug.....................................Spring Grove, MN<br />
Dale Humpal.........................................Ridgeway, IA<br />
Francis Leibfried..................................Cuba City, WI<br />
G. Joe Lyon....................................................Toledo, IA<br />
Ken Schmitz..............................................Norwalk, WI<br />
Patrick Schroeder..............................Lancaster, WI<br />
Eugene Smith........................................Clinton, WI<br />
William Strief..................................................Farley, IA<br />
page <br />
I<br />
hope everyone had a joyous Holiday<br />
season as we wrap up a very difficult<br />
year for dairy producers. I’m sure we<br />
are all happy to see the departure of 2009<br />
as we look forward to much stronger<br />
dairy markets in <strong>2010</strong>.<br />
The big news to kick off the New Year is<br />
the USDA decided how to distribute the<br />
$290 million in the Dairy Economic Loss<br />
Assistance Payment (DELAP) program.<br />
Months ago, Congress authorized this<br />
$290 million in the <strong>2010</strong> Agricultural<br />
Appropriations Bill for loss assistance<br />
payments to eligible dairy producers to<br />
help them in this financial crisis.<br />
Farm Service Agency estimates that<br />
875 million cwt. of milk production will<br />
be eligible for a DELAP payment. The<br />
expected payment rate is $0.32 per cwt.<br />
Highlights and key points are:<br />
Secretary of Agriculture Tom<br />
Vilsack said, “Through this program,<br />
eligible dairy producers will receive<br />
economic assistance that will help<br />
stabilize their operations during these<br />
tough economic times. I have personally<br />
heard from hundreds of struggling dairy<br />
farmers from all across our country who<br />
have been hit hard by declining prices<br />
over the past year, and now, we’ll be able<br />
to offer them help.”<br />
Eligible producers will receive<br />
a one-time direct payment based on<br />
the amount of milk both produced and<br />
commercially marketed by their operation<br />
during the months of February through<br />
July 2009. Production information from<br />
these months will be used to estimate a<br />
full year’s production for an operation to<br />
calculate the payments, using a 6-millionpound<br />
per dairy operation limit.<br />
Dairy producers who have<br />
production records at the USDA Farm<br />
Service Agency (FSA) county office<br />
because they participated in another<br />
FSA dairy program do not need to apply<br />
CEO Don Boelens<br />
for the program. FSA will use existing<br />
production records for February through<br />
July 2009 to calculate and issue their<br />
payments.<br />
Producers who have not provided<br />
production data for those months to<br />
FSA have 30 days, until Jan. 19, <strong>2010</strong><br />
to apply.<br />
To be eligible for DELAP, the<br />
dairy producer and the dairy operation<br />
in which the producer has a share:<br />
Must have produced milk in<br />
the United States and marketed milk<br />
commercially at any time from February<br />
through July 2009.<br />
Must have milk production data<br />
for those months and must certify all<br />
milk production produced and marketed<br />
by the dairy during that time.<br />
Also, any dairy producer who has<br />
an annual average adjusted gross nonfarm<br />
income of more than $500,000 for<br />
calendar years 2006 through 2008 is not<br />
eligible for DELAP.<br />
For more information and eligibility<br />
requirements on the new DELAP<br />
program, please visit your local FSA<br />
county office or www.fsa.usda.gov.<br />
SWISS VALLEY FARMS DAIRYMAN
L a n d m a r k j o i n t e f f o r t<br />
Will Enhance Dairy’s Sustainability<br />
USDA & Innovation Center Will Work To Cut Greenhouse Gases by 25%<br />
The U.S. Department of<br />
Agriculture and the Innovation<br />
Center for U.S. Dairy agreed on<br />
Dec. 16 to work jointly in support of<br />
the U.S. dairy industry’s goal to reduce<br />
greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent<br />
over the next decade.<br />
In a landmark memorandum of<br />
understanding (MOU), the USDA and<br />
the industry wide dairy group identified a<br />
variety of projects that can help the dairy<br />
industry achieve those greenhouse gas<br />
reduction goals and increase its financial<br />
and environmental sustainability.<br />
The agreement was signed by<br />
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and<br />
Thomas P. Gallagher, chief executive<br />
officer of the Innovation Center for<br />
U.S. Dairy and Dairy Management Inc.<br />
(DMI), which manages the national<br />
dairy checkoff program on behalf of the<br />
nation’s dairy farmers.<br />
“This historic agreement, the first of<br />
its kind, will help us achieve the ambitious<br />
goal of drastically reducing greenhouse<br />
gas emissions while benefiting dairy<br />
farmers,” said Vilsack. “Use of manure<br />
to electricity technology is a win for<br />
everyone. It provides an untapped<br />
source of income for farmers, it provides<br />
a source of renewable electricity, reduces<br />
our dependence on foreign fossil fuels,<br />
and provides a wealth of additional<br />
environmental benefits.”<br />
“This memorandum came about<br />
because of the commitment of U.S.<br />
dairy farmers and the dairy industry to<br />
a sustainable future that includes both<br />
environmental and economic viability,”<br />
said Gallagher. “Sustainability goes hand<br />
in hand with our heritage of taking care<br />
of the land and natural resources while<br />
producing nutritious products that<br />
consumers want.”<br />
Under the agreement, USDA will<br />
take a number of steps to help farmers,<br />
including supporting a strategic research<br />
plan to help the industry further reduce<br />
environmental impacts. Other initiatives<br />
would help the industry develop<br />
future technologies, advance nutrient<br />
management, support renewable energy,<br />
and improve energy efficiency. These<br />
efforts build on the Innovation Center’s<br />
commitment to reach the greenhouse<br />
gas reduction goal of 25% by 2020.<br />
Potential outcomes of the MOU<br />
include accelerating opportunities to<br />
adopt livestock manure processing<br />
systems that capture methane gas<br />
from livestock manure and convert it<br />
into electricity, coordinating research<br />
information on life cycle assessments,<br />
and supporting the industry’s efforts in<br />
energy audits, feed management and<br />
energy conservation.<br />
Gallagher noted that the Innovation<br />
Center is nearing completion of an<br />
unprecedented life cycle assessment of<br />
fluid milk from farm to table. Initial<br />
estimates by the Applied Sustainability<br />
Center at the University of Arkansas<br />
show that the entire dairy supply chain,<br />
from cattle feed ingredients through<br />
packaging and transportation to the<br />
consumer’s table, accounts for less<br />
than 2 percent of total greenhouse gas<br />
emissions in the U.S.<br />
The MOU between USDA and<br />
the Innovation Center may also help<br />
accelerate adoption of methane gas<br />
digesters for all sizes of dairy farms,<br />
making it easier to connect digesters<br />
to electricity grids and help digester<br />
operators capture potential carbon offset<br />
payments. Additional support from the<br />
USDA could include research on how<br />
feed mixtures affect methane emissions<br />
from cows. Opportunities to reduce<br />
so-called enteric emissions have been<br />
identified by dairy stakeholders in the<br />
Innovation Center’s industry wide plan<br />
to cut greenhouse gas emissions.<br />
“We are very pleased to be working<br />
with Secretary Vilsack and the entire<br />
USDA,” Gallagher said. “The additional<br />
cooperative efforts and assistance<br />
spelled out in this agreement will help<br />
the dairy industry move forward with<br />
its greenhouse gas reduction roadmap<br />
and further its role as a leader in<br />
sustainability.”<br />
Industry Co-op NEWS<br />
JANUARY <strong>2010</strong><br />
page
36 years of milk awards for members<br />
Quality Award Coverage<br />
Every winter, <strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Farms</strong> honors its many Blue Ribbon Quality Milk Award winners at its district<br />
On meetings. September This year 1, marked at the very the program’s 36th year. Co-op members work hard year around to meet <strong>Swiss</strong><br />
<strong>Valley</strong> beginning <strong>Farms</strong> quality of her milk reign standards. as The end result of all of this effort is millions of pounds of high quality milk<br />
that the cooperative the 2009-<strong>2010</strong> turns into Iowa delicious State dairy products.<br />
Dairy Princess, Katie Adams was<br />
settling The into list of her Quality new princess Award duties winners as begins here and will continue next month as well. <strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Farms</strong> applauds<br />
well as everyone life as a freshman who received dairy awards science this year. Good luck in the coming year with your quality milk production.<br />
Your major efforts at Iowa are greatly State University. appreciated. This<br />
farm DISTRICT girl suddenly 1 had a good deal VEECH, on RICHARD<br />
7 YEAR AWARD<br />
11 YEAR AWARD<br />
her 1 plate! YEAR AWARD<br />
& KIM<br />
BREN MAR FARMS INC NIES, ROBERT<br />
ADRIAN, But Katie STEVEN is used J to hard work. LANCASTER, WI<br />
LANCASTER, WI<br />
& LOREE<br />
Growing GLEN HAVEN, up on WI<br />
WEIER, MARK D<br />
LAZY M FARM LLC<br />
PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, WI<br />
a Waucoma, Iowa<br />
BOHEMIAN GAIT<br />
& SARAH<br />
STITZER, WI<br />
13 YEAR AWARD<br />
family farm, she helped out in the<br />
ACHERS LLC<br />
DODGEVILLE, WI<br />
MARCH, CONNIE<br />
ADAMS, DOUGLAS R<br />
dairy FENNIMORE, and participated WI in many 4-H 4 YEAR AWARD<br />
& JIM<br />
LANCASTER, WI<br />
programs. GILDERSLEEVE, Adaway Dairy consists JOHNSON, of R. ALLEN DODGEVILLE, WI<br />
ADAMS, LORRIE<br />
her KRISTINE parents, Scott MARTIN and Jeannie, PLATTEVILLE, and WI<br />
8 YEAR AWARD<br />
LANCASTER, WI<br />
older LANCASTER, brother Nathan WI<br />
JOHNSON, RICHARD FISCHER, TODD W. ADAMS, PAUL J<br />
and his wife<br />
MARTIN, LINDA<br />
PLATTEVILLE, WI<br />
& JULIE<br />
LANCASTER, WI<br />
Annie. Sisters Nicole, 25, and Jackie,<br />
& ROGER<br />
MARTIN, ALBERT<br />
BAGLEY, WI<br />
15 YEAR AWARD<br />
21, LANCASTER, have all helped WI out on the farm & ARLENE<br />
JAMES, DENNIS<br />
BURETTA DAIRY<br />
through MEIER, the BRIAN years, just like Katie. FENNIMORE, WI<br />
DODGEVILLE, WI<br />
FARMS<br />
Younger GLEN HAVEN, brother WI Joey, 16, is MEIER, the CHERYL<br />
JAMES, ROB<br />
FENNIMORE, WI<br />
only TOLLE, one now RICHARD left at L GLEN HAVEN, WI<br />
DODGEVILLE, WI<br />
PLUEMER FARMS LLC<br />
home to help.<br />
BLOOMINGTON, WI RAISBECK, JULIE<br />
LATHAM DAIRY LLP LIVINGSTON, WI<br />
Together, this family milks 170 cows,<br />
2 YEAR AWARD<br />
& CHARLES<br />
BOSCOBEL, WI<br />
16 YEAR AWARD<br />
mainly BURR Holsteins, OAK FARMS with a few Brown BLOOMINGTON, WI<br />
9 YEAR AWARD<br />
JON DEE ACRES LLC<br />
<strong>Swiss</strong>, STITZER, Ayrshires WI and Jerseys included SULLIVAN FARMS 4 BIERMAN, CAROLYN LIVINGSTON, WI<br />
in the FISCHER, herd. TODD W<br />
LLC<br />
BLOOMINGTON, WI SCHIER, BILL<br />
& Katie’s JULIE<br />
MINERAL POINT, WI BIERMAN, MICHAEL GLEN HAVEN, WI<br />
mother used to be active<br />
BAGLEY, WI<br />
5 YEAR AWARD<br />
& CAROLYN<br />
SCHWANTES, JAMES<br />
in the dairy until a serious accident<br />
3 YEAR AWARD<br />
MAPLE FARMS<br />
BLOOMINGTON, WI GLEN HAVEN, WI<br />
in the KOHOUT, barn on KENNETH Aug. 7 put J her on PARTNERSHIP<br />
the<br />
SCHWANTES, TERRY L<br />
sidelines. & ANITA Jeannie K was in a maternity GLEN HAVEN, WI<br />
BLOOMINGTON, WI<br />
stall MONTFORT, when a cow WI in labor charged<br />
her, slamming her against the wall<br />
twice. Jeannie managed to crawl out<br />
of the pen and get help. She suffered<br />
10 broken ribs and several cracked<br />
vertebra and was airlifted to the<br />
Rochester hospital. While she was in<br />
tremendous pain, the doctors kept<br />
telling her she was one lucky woman<br />
to even be alive.<br />
Jeannie’s injuries kept her in the<br />
District hospital 1: 7-Year for Award two weeks District and 1: 25-Year then, Award: District 1: 21-Year Award:<br />
District 1: 8-Year Award District 1: 16-Year<br />
Lazy once M home, <strong>Farms</strong> Laura put her in Bernard a plastic & Linda corset Cliff<br />
Gerald & Judy Breitsprecker<br />
Todd Fischer Bagley, WI Award Bill Schier<br />
Richter Stitzer, WI Bloomington, WI<br />
Lancaster, WI<br />
Glen Haven, WI<br />
page <br />
SWISS VALLEY FARMS DAIRYMAN
SCHWANTES, WILLIAM<br />
GLEN HAVEN, WI<br />
WHITE’S PLEASANT<br />
VALLEY FARM<br />
MOUNT HOPE, WI<br />
21 YEAR AWARD<br />
BREITSPRECKER<br />
GERALD & JUDY<br />
LANCASTER, WI<br />
25 YEAR AWARD<br />
CLIFF, BERNARD<br />
& LINDA<br />
BLOOMINGTON, WI<br />
32 YEAR AWARD<br />
MEIER, MIKE<br />
GLEN HAVEN, WI<br />
33 YEAR AWARD<br />
SCHIER, REGGIE<br />
& MARY LEE<br />
GLEN HAVEN, WI<br />
DISTRICT 4<br />
1 YEAR AWARD<br />
AMBROSY, MARVIN E<br />
SHERRILL, IA<br />
ANDERSEN, KENNETH<br />
STRAWBERRY POINT, IA<br />
BISCHOFF, MARK<br />
GARNAVILLO, IA<br />
BRIMEYER, WILLIAM C<br />
SHERRILL, IA<br />
CORNWELL, STEVEN<br />
& DEANA<br />
GUTTENBERG, IA<br />
GAUL, JASON<br />
& REBECCA<br />
NEW VIENNA, IA<br />
GAUL, KEITH & AMY<br />
NEW VIENNA, IA<br />
HARBAUGH DAIRY LLC<br />
ELKADER, IA<br />
HARBAUGH, CARROL<br />
ELKADER, IA<br />
KLEINLEIN, DAN<br />
STRAWBERRY POINT, IA<br />
KRUSE, MARTIN<br />
DYERSVILLE, IA<br />
MC ALLISTER, MARK<br />
& MARY<br />
NEW VIENNA, IA<br />
MC ALLISTER, ROBERT<br />
NEW VIENNA, IA<br />
MENSEN, STEVEN<br />
& JULIE<br />
EARLVILLE, IA<br />
OFFERMAN, RICHARD<br />
EARLVILLE, IA<br />
RIES, ELMER & CARLA<br />
NEW VIENNA, IA<br />
SCHAEFERS, GERALD<br />
GUTTENBERG, IA<br />
SCHMITT, PAUL<br />
DURANGO, IA<br />
SCHMITT, TOM J<br />
DURANGO, IA<br />
SPERFSLAGE, DEAN<br />
& DANA<br />
EDGEWOOD, IA<br />
STEFFEN BROTHERS<br />
NEW VIENNA, IA<br />
WILLE, MARGARET A<br />
DUBUQUE, IA<br />
WILLE, RICHARD<br />
GUTTENBERG, IA<br />
2 YEAR AWARD<br />
DEUTMEYER, THOMAS<br />
EARLVILLE, IA<br />
GOEDKEN, JOHN<br />
& MARILYN<br />
EARLVILLE, IA<br />
HOEGER, TAYLOR<br />
DYERSVILLE, IA<br />
HOEGER’S GOLDEN<br />
VALLEY INC<br />
DYERSVLLE, IA<br />
KEHRLI FAMILY LTD<br />
PARTNER<br />
CHEROKEE VILLAGE, AR<br />
RECKER, ROBERT A<br />
STRAWBERRY POINT, IA<br />
SCHIELTZ, JOHN C<br />
HOLY CROSS, IA<br />
3 YEAR AWARD<br />
BILL, BOBBY & AMIE<br />
STRAWBERRY POINT, IA<br />
4 YEAR AWARD<br />
BERGAN, DENNIS<br />
& LORI<br />
ELKADER, IA<br />
5 YEAR AWARD<br />
DOUBLE D DAIRY<br />
HOLY CROSS, IA<br />
ENGELKEN, ELMER<br />
EPWORTH, IA<br />
HICKORY VALLEY<br />
FARMS<br />
EPWORTH, IA<br />
PAUL A KLEIN<br />
SHERRILL, IA<br />
KLEIN, THOMAS<br />
SHERRILL, IA<br />
6 YEAR AWARD<br />
GAUL, TIM & KARI<br />
GUTTENBERG, IA<br />
HERMSEN, DOUGLAS<br />
COLESBURG, IA<br />
KULPER, ROGER<br />
& JENNIFER<br />
GARBER, IA<br />
PRIER, DONALD<br />
DYERSVILLE, IA<br />
7 YEAR AWARD<br />
HOEGER, JOHN L<br />
DYERSVILLE, IA<br />
8 YEAR AWARD<br />
BRIMEYER, DEREK<br />
SHERRILL, IA<br />
DEUTMEYER, TIM<br />
STRAWBERRY POINT, IA<br />
KOOPMANN, BRAD<br />
DYERSVILLE, IA<br />
9 YEAR AWARD<br />
ELSBURY, JERRALD<br />
STRAWBERRY POINT, IA<br />
HEIDERSCHEIT, DAVE<br />
SHERRILL, IA<br />
Member NEWS<br />
District 1: 7-Year Award District 1: 25 Year Award:<br />
Lazy District M 1: <strong>Farms</strong>, 32-Year Laura Award Bernard District 1:16-Year & Linda Cliff Award<br />
Richter, Mike Meier Stitzer, Glen WIHaven,<br />
Bloomington, James Schwantes WI<br />
WI<br />
Glen Haven, WI<br />
NOVEMBER JANUARY <strong>2010</strong> 2009<br />
District 1: 21Year Award:<br />
District Gerald 4: 11-Year & Judy Award Breitsprecker Robert<br />
& BeFong Lancaster, Deutmeyer WI<br />
Dyersville, IA<br />
District 1: 15genkopf District 1: 5 Yearrman<br />
District 4: Lancaster, 8-Year Award WI District 4:<br />
Maier<br />
11-Year<br />
Stitzer,<br />
Award<br />
WI<br />
Brad Koopman<br />
Eldora & Anthony Koopmann<br />
Dyersville, IA<br />
Dyersville, IA<br />
page
District 4: 24-Year Award<br />
Todd & Lynn Moser<br />
Colesburg, IA<br />
District 4: 28-Year<br />
Award Jim Pfeiler<br />
Holy Cross, IA<br />
District 4: 6-Year Award<br />
Christine Prier<br />
Dyersville, IA<br />
District 4: 12-Year Award<br />
James & Lorie Schmitt<br />
Sherrill, IA<br />
District 4: 25-Year Award Wayne<br />
& Nancy Clemen New Vienna, IA<br />
HEIDERSCHEIT, ROSE<br />
SHERRILL, IA<br />
HEIMS, SUE<br />
EDGEWOOD, IA<br />
HILLERS, JEFFREY<br />
& JESSICA<br />
COLESBURG, IA<br />
HILLERS, ROBERT<br />
& JOYCE<br />
GUTTENBERG, IA<br />
KEHRLI FAMILY LTD<br />
PARTNER<br />
CHEROKEE VILLAGE, AR<br />
PAISLEY, JAMES<br />
HOLY CROSS, IA<br />
PAISLEY, PATRICK<br />
HOLY CROSS, IA<br />
SPERFSLAGE, IRVIN<br />
MANCHESTER, IA<br />
11 YEAR AWARD<br />
DEUTMEYER,BE FONG<br />
DYERSVILLE, IA<br />
DEUTMEYER, ROBERT<br />
DYERSVILLE, IA<br />
KOOPMAN, ANTHONY<br />
DYERSVILLE, IA<br />
12 YEAR AWARD<br />
BUNTING, LORI ANN<br />
EDGEWOOD, IA<br />
BUNTING, THOMAS<br />
EDGEWOOD, IA<br />
SCHMITT, JAMES<br />
& LORIE<br />
SHERRILL, IA<br />
14 YEAR AWARD<br />
ENGELKEN, THOMAS<br />
& CHERRIE<br />
EARLVILLE, IA<br />
MERGES, BRIAN J<br />
PEOSTA, IA<br />
15 YEAR AWARD<br />
BURKLE, DENNIS<br />
& SHERRY<br />
EARLVILLE, IA<br />
16 YEAR AWARD<br />
GAUL, MICHAEL<br />
COLESBURG, IA<br />
GAUL, PETER E<br />
COLESBURG, IA<br />
17 YEAR AWARD<br />
GERNER, JAMES A<br />
GARBER, IA<br />
GERNER, LORAS J<br />
GARBER, IA<br />
GERNER, RICHARD B<br />
DISTRICT 5<br />
1 YEAR AWARD<br />
BLUE HYLL DAIRY LLC<br />
CLINTON, IA<br />
DIESING, PATRICIA A<br />
MAQUOKETA, IA<br />
DIESING, RANDALL<br />
MAQUOKETA, IA<br />
HEIMS, DALE<br />
& MICHELLE<br />
DELHI, IA<br />
HEIMS, ELDON<br />
MANCHESTER, IA<br />
HUNT, DENNIS<br />
EPWORTH, IA<br />
KOOPMANN, BRENT<br />
EPWORTH, IA<br />
KOOPMANN, CHAD<br />
EPWORTH, IA<br />
KOOPMANN, KEITH<br />
& KATIE<br />
EPWORTH, IA<br />
LOEFFELHOLZ, DEAN<br />
EARLVILLE, IA<br />
MARO, KENNETH<br />
LA MOTTE, IA<br />
RIES, ELDON<br />
EARLVILLE, IA<br />
THOMA, JOE<br />
DUBUQUE, IA<br />
2 YEAR AWARD<br />
HOFFMANN, RONALD<br />
& KAREN<br />
DUBUQUE, IA<br />
KAUFFMANN, JERRY<br />
& STEPHANIE<br />
FARLEY, IA<br />
SCHUSTER, CRAIG<br />
ZWINGLE, IA<br />
SCHUSTER, ROBERT<br />
& NANCY<br />
ZWINGLE, IA<br />
3 YEAR AWARD<br />
CROWLEY FARMS INC<br />
COGGON, IA<br />
NURRE, ALAN<br />
DELHI, IA<br />
District 4: 27-Year Award<br />
Leon Jaeger Sherrill, IA<br />
District 4: 5-Year Award<br />
Mike Engelken Epworth, IA<br />
District 4: 21-Year Award<br />
Ken Steffen New Vienna, IA<br />
District 4: 29-Year Award<br />
Gary Overmann Earlville, IA<br />
District 4: 21-Year Award<br />
Dan Clemen Holy Cross,<br />
Iowa<br />
page <br />
SWISS VALLEY FARMS DAIRYMAN
Member REFERENCE NEWS<br />
District 4: 18-Year Award<br />
Laverne Freiburger<br />
Holy Cross, IA<br />
District 4: 28-Year Award Loren<br />
& Helen Duwe Garnavillo, IA<br />
District 4: 8-Year<br />
Award Tim Deutmeyer<br />
Strawberry Point, IA<br />
District 4: 30-Year Award Venteicher <strong>Farms</strong>, Paul,<br />
Norma & David Venteicher Strawberry Point, IA<br />
NURRE, BONNIE<br />
DELHI, IA<br />
NURRE, ROBERT<br />
DELHI, IA<br />
4 YEAR AWARD<br />
BRUNSMAN, WADE M<br />
DYERSVILLE, IA<br />
5 YEAR AWARD<br />
BLANCHARD FAMILY<br />
DAIRY LLC<br />
CHARLOTTE, IA<br />
KRESS, GERALD<br />
PEOSTA, IA<br />
LUDWIG, KRIS<br />
DYERSVILLE, IA<br />
STRIEF FARMS INC<br />
FARLEY, IA<br />
6 YEAR AWARD<br />
ELENZ, LEON<br />
DYERSVILLE, IA<br />
7 YEAR AWARD<br />
KLUESNER, LEO J<br />
& JULIE<br />
WORTHINGTON, IA<br />
STRAIT, PATRICIA A<br />
PRESTON, IA<br />
STRAIT, TAMMY J<br />
PRESTON, IA<br />
8 YEAR AWARD<br />
SAUNDERS, BRIAN<br />
ROWLEY, IA<br />
SAUNDERS, KEVIN<br />
WINTHROP, IA<br />
9 YEAR AWARD<br />
WILGENBUSCH,<br />
PATRICK<br />
MASONVILLE, IA<br />
WILGENBUSCH, PAUL<br />
MASONVILLE, IA<br />
13 YEAR AWARD<br />
BERINGER, THOMAS<br />
FARLEY, IA<br />
WEIS, ARDELL J<br />
BELLEVUE, IA<br />
19 YEAR AWARD<br />
SCHUSTER, LEONARD<br />
DUBUQUE, IA<br />
20 YEAR AWARD<br />
OSTWINKLE, JAMES L<br />
WORTHINGTON, IA<br />
21 YEAR AWARD<br />
LUDWIG, SHARON<br />
DYERSVILLE, IA<br />
27 YEAR AWARD<br />
KAUFFMANN,<br />
RICHARD & LUANN<br />
FARLEY, IA<br />
28 YEAR AWARD<br />
MARDORF, LESLIE LEE<br />
HOPKINTON, IA<br />
31 YEAR AWARD<br />
MARDORF, CLIFFORD<br />
MONTICELLO, IA<br />
DISTRICT 6<br />
1 YEAR AWARD<br />
BIERSCHENK, CARY<br />
& JENNIFER<br />
VAN HORNE, IA<br />
VAN VARK, BRYCE<br />
& VERLA<br />
PELLA, IA<br />
VOS, GARY<br />
NEWTON, IA<br />
2 YEAR AWARD<br />
GOODMAN, MARK A<br />
ROSE HILL, IA<br />
MACHIN, LLOYD<br />
NEWTON, IA<br />
3 YEAR AWARD<br />
SCHULTE, JOHN C<br />
NORWAY, IA<br />
7 YEAR AWARD<br />
FRANCK, RONALD E<br />
NEWHALL, IA<br />
HAINES, MIKE<br />
& HEATHER<br />
NORTH ENGLISH, IA<br />
8 YEAR AWARD<br />
MARTIN, JOHN E<br />
BELLE PLAINE, IA<br />
9 YEAR AWARD<br />
NUNNIKHOVEN, LYLE<br />
OSKALOOSA, IA<br />
10 YEAR AWARD<br />
TAKES, DANIEL J<br />
& DEBBIE<br />
ELY, IA<br />
District 4: 9-Year Award Robert<br />
& Joyce Hillers Guttenberg, IA<br />
JANUARY <strong>2010</strong><br />
District 4: 17-Year Award<br />
Loras Gerner Garber, IA<br />
District 4: 6-Year Award Tim & Kari Gaul<br />
Guttenberg, IA<br />
District 5: 8-Year Award Lisa<br />
Saunders Winthrop, IA & Emily<br />
Saunders Rowley, IA<br />
page
District 5: 7-Year Award Leo<br />
& Julie Kluesner Worthington, IA<br />
District 5: 28-Year Award Leslie & Linda<br />
Mardorf Hopkinton, IA<br />
District 5: 5-Year Award<br />
Matt Strief Farley, IA<br />
District 5: 31-Year Award<br />
Clifford Mardorf<br />
Monticello, IA<br />
14 YEAR AWARD<br />
DEKLOTZ DAIRY INC<br />
NEWHALL, IA<br />
15 YEAR AWARD<br />
BLOOD, KEVIN<br />
& HOLLY<br />
STATE CENTER, IA<br />
FISCHELS, JEFF J<br />
INDEPENDENCE, IA<br />
19 YEAR AWARD<br />
CADDEN, GEORGE<br />
& JUDY L<br />
BROOKLYN, IA<br />
21 YEAR AWARD<br />
IOWA STATE<br />
UNIVERSITY<br />
AMES, IA<br />
24 YEAR AWARD<br />
LYON JERSEYS<br />
TOLEDO, IA<br />
31 YEAR AWARD<br />
MC NULTY FARMS<br />
WATKINS, IA<br />
DISTRICT 13<br />
1 YEAR AWARD<br />
BUSTER, JOSH<br />
& EMILY<br />
MUSCATINE, IA<br />
MANGELS, MARK C<br />
BLUE GRASS, IA<br />
PAASKE, RON & JONI<br />
HILLSDALE , IL<br />
YODER, DANIEL<br />
EUGENE<br />
KALONA, IA<br />
2 YEAR AWARD<br />
ASHDOWN, FRED<br />
FARM<br />
LONGWOOD, FL<br />
DEPAUW, ROBERT<br />
& PAMELA<br />
PORT BYRON, IL<br />
DEVORE, RICHARD<br />
& VANESSA<br />
WILTON, IA<br />
GINGERICH, SAMMIE<br />
CORYDON, IA<br />
MELLER, LEO E<br />
SPERRY, IA<br />
4 YEAR AWARD<br />
GINGERICH, STEVE<br />
PARNELL, IA<br />
HELMUTH, STEVEN J<br />
KALONA, IA<br />
SLABAUGH, DARYL D<br />
IOWA CITY, IA<br />
5 YEAR AWARD<br />
YODER, LEIGHTON<br />
KALONA, IA<br />
10 YEAR AWARD<br />
VANDER WAL, BRUCE<br />
NEW SHARON, IA<br />
18 YEAR AWARD<br />
MILLER, DEAN<br />
KALONA, IA<br />
20 YEAR AWARD<br />
LUCAS, LAVERNE<br />
BURLINGTON, IA<br />
NEWELL, EUGENE<br />
LONG GROVE, IA<br />
36 YEAR AWARD<br />
SYWASSINK, DONALD<br />
LETTS, IA<br />
DISTRICT 15<br />
1 YEAR AWARD<br />
KINNEY, GREG L<br />
BLUE RIVER , WI<br />
OPPRIECHT, GREG F<br />
& RILLA<br />
EASTMAN, WI<br />
2 YEAR AWARD<br />
BEERS, MICHAEL P<br />
EASTMAN, WI<br />
HAAG DAIRY LLC<br />
DANE, WI<br />
HANSON, MICHAEL<br />
BLUE RIVER, WI<br />
MARTIN, CHERYL<br />
& SCHMIDT, GLENN<br />
RICHLAND CENTER, WI<br />
Z & Z FARMS LLC<br />
NORTH FREEDOM, WI<br />
District 5: 7-Year Award Tammy & Pat<br />
Strait Preston, IA<br />
page <br />
District 5: 20-Year Award Denise<br />
& Jim Ostwinkle Worthington, IA<br />
District 5: 27-Year Award Luann District 6: 9-Year Award<br />
& Richard Kauffmann Farley, IA Sharon Nunnikoven<br />
Oskaloosa, IA<br />
SWISS VALLEY FARMS DAIRYMAN
Member Co-op NEWS<br />
District 6: 24-Year Award Lyon Jerseys Eric, Terry,<br />
Stuart, Joe & Duffy Lyon Toledo, IA<br />
District 6: 21-Year Award<br />
ISU Dairy, Lucas Schau<br />
Ames, IA<br />
District 6: 31-Year Award<br />
Bob McNulty Watkins, IA<br />
District 15 23-Year Award<br />
Gerald Oppriecht<br />
Eastman, WI<br />
3 YEAR AWARD<br />
BEERS, LOYDE<br />
EASTMAN, WI<br />
BEERS, LOYDE P JR<br />
EASTMAN, WI<br />
6 YEAR AWARD<br />
TOM EDERER<br />
& SON LTD<br />
PLAIN, WI<br />
8 YEAR AWARD<br />
HEATHERSTONE<br />
ENTERPRISES<br />
BARABOO, WI<br />
KINNEY, JOANN<br />
BLUE RIVER, WI<br />
OPPRIECHT, DIANA<br />
EASTMAN, WI<br />
10 YEAR AWARD<br />
ARMBRUSTER BROS<br />
MUSCODA, WI<br />
12 YEAR AWARD<br />
BALDWIN, BILL<br />
HILLSBORO, WI<br />
13 YEAR AWARD<br />
WRIGHT, CHARLES D<br />
FERRYVILLE, WI<br />
WRIGHT, KEITH L<br />
FERRYVILLE, WI<br />
17 YEAR AWARD<br />
OSTREM, DUWAYNE<br />
VIROQUA, WI<br />
18 YEAR AWARD<br />
GILBERTSON, LARRY<br />
CHASEBURG, WI<br />
19 YEAR AWARD<br />
AMUNDSON, DENNIS<br />
& MAUREEN<br />
WESTBY, WI<br />
DIETER, KAREN<br />
BLUE RIVER, WI<br />
20 YEAR AWARD<br />
STOEHR, DONALD<br />
EASTMAN, WI<br />
STOEHR, FRANK<br />
EASTMAN, WI<br />
22 YEAR AWARD<br />
VALLEY VIEW DAIRY<br />
RICHLAND CENTER, WI<br />
23 YEAR AWARD<br />
OPPRIECHT, GERALD<br />
EASTMAN, WI<br />
ON THIS MONTH’S COVER:<br />
Burrrrrrr! Winter<br />
in Wisconsin looks<br />
good on Eugene<br />
and Julie Maier’s<br />
picturesque farm<br />
in Cross Plains.<br />
The Maier’s have<br />
been on this 225-<br />
acre farm since<br />
1988. They milk 50<br />
Holsteins and raise<br />
their own feed, growing corn, alfalfa, soy beans and winter<br />
wheat. Eugene said winter came early this year, dumping<br />
18 inches of snow in his area in the early December<br />
blizzard.<br />
District 15 13-Year Award Keith, Charles & Jane<br />
Wright Ferryville, WI<br />
JANUARY <strong>2010</strong><br />
District 13: 20-Year Award Shirley<br />
& Eugene Newell Long Grove, IA<br />
District 13: 20-Year Award Shirley<br />
& Eugene District Newell 13: 36-Year Long Award Grove, IADonald<br />
& Dorothy Sywassink Letts, IA<br />
page
M I L K Q U A L I T Y A W A R D S<br />
VENTEICHER FAMILY reaches 30 YEARS<br />
by Nancy Feeney<br />
When Paul and Norma<br />
Venteicher started up<br />
their dairy 58 years ago,<br />
they were can milkers with a herd<br />
of 22 Holsteins. That same family<br />
dairy now milks 150 Holsteins with<br />
computers connected to most of<br />
the equipment. After experiencing a<br />
lifetime of changes, this couple can<br />
relax in their retirement and look<br />
back over a long and successful dairy<br />
career, one that was recently honored<br />
by earning a 30-year Milk Quality<br />
Award from <strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Farms</strong>.<br />
Paul and Norma started farming<br />
in 1951, renting the Strawberry<br />
Point, Iowa farm from Paul’s father<br />
Anton. Purchasing the farm in 1971,<br />
Paul and Norma began to grow their<br />
dairy. Their sons David and Richard<br />
joined the operation in ’71 and ’75,<br />
respectively. The family built a 48 x<br />
84 foot barn with 44 stanchions.<br />
They gradually increased the herd<br />
size to 120 Holsteins and in ’96 built<br />
a 100-stall freestall building with sand<br />
bedding. They also remodeled the old<br />
cattle shed into a freestall building<br />
that houses 50 cows. They converted<br />
their dairy barn into a milking parlor<br />
and holding pen. The parlor has since<br />
been expanded to a double-eight and<br />
a 1,300-gallon bulk tank was added.<br />
In 2008, Paul and Norma retired<br />
to Edgewood and David and Richard<br />
took over the operation. Their herd<br />
now has a rolling herd average of<br />
23,000 pounds with a 3.7 Butterfat<br />
average with a 3 pt. Protein average.<br />
Richard handles most of the milking.<br />
David handles the feeding. They raise<br />
all their own feed on their 600 acres,<br />
planting corn, hay and oats.<br />
Matt, who is the son of David and<br />
Ann, joined the operation three years<br />
ago and has been a great asset. Matt<br />
studied ag mechanics, so he keeps<br />
the farm equipment in great running<br />
order. He helps with field work and<br />
with cleaning the free stall barns and<br />
all other chores that need to be done.<br />
His hard work keeps everything<br />
running on schedule, and he is very<br />
knowledgeable in equipment and<br />
dairy needs.<br />
“It’s nice to have these young<br />
Paul & Norma Venteciher are enjoying<br />
retirement in their new home in Strawberry<br />
Point, Iowa while their sons and<br />
grandsons carry on the dairy.<br />
page 10<br />
SWISS VALLEY FARMS DAIRYMAN
guys around to handle all the new<br />
equipment,” Richard says. “You’ve got<br />
computers on the round bailer, and a<br />
computer on the tractor. All of these<br />
have to be monitored. If the computer<br />
doesn’t work, the equipment just sits<br />
there.”<br />
Richard and his wife Donna have<br />
twin sons, Dan and Don, who are also<br />
involved in the operation. The twins<br />
were very active in FFA while in high<br />
school. They helped with the night<br />
milkings during high school and now<br />
help with dairy chores when they are<br />
home from college. Don attends the<br />
University of Advanced Technology<br />
in Tempe, AZ where he is studying<br />
video game design. Dan attends Iowa<br />
State University and wants to be an<br />
ag teacher.<br />
Last summer, the twins started a<br />
hay baling business with 2,500 small<br />
bales of hay. “These small bales are<br />
labor intense, but farmers are eager<br />
to get their hands on them,” their<br />
mother Donna says. “They hope to<br />
sell the hay over the winter to help<br />
pay for college and then expand the<br />
business next summer now that they<br />
have gotten their feet wet.”<br />
The Venteicher family is very<br />
proud of their 30 years of consecutive<br />
milk quality awards from <strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Valley</strong>.<br />
They attribute their dairying success<br />
to the help of their nutritionist David<br />
Weber, who they have worked with<br />
since 1995. “David is a real trouble<br />
shooter for us,” Richard says. “His<br />
main concern is our profit. He<br />
helped us become more efficient by<br />
smoothing out the bottle necks in<br />
our operation as well as helping with<br />
Member Co-op NEWS<br />
(Story continues on next page)<br />
David and Richard Venteicher enjoy working on their 150-cow dairy with the help of their sons, who are<br />
the fourth generation to work on the farm.<br />
JANUARY <strong>2010</strong> page 11
overall efficiency and cow health.”<br />
All in all, Paul and Norma agree<br />
that the dairy business has been very<br />
good to their family, despite all of its<br />
up and downs over the years.<br />
With a fourth generation now on<br />
board, the Venteicher family is ready<br />
to take on what ever this 21 st Century<br />
dairy industry has to dish out.<br />
Matt Venteicher, top left, is the mechanic who enjoys working with his green tractors. Dan Venteicher, top right, and his<br />
twin Don, above, enjoyed their FFA experiences while in high school and continue to help out on the dairy when they<br />
are home from college.<br />
page 12<br />
SWISS VALLEY FARMS DAIRYMAN
F o r c o - o p m e m b e r s<br />
Board OK’s two more scholarships<br />
Co-op NEWS<br />
In their on going pursuit to find more ways to help out the<br />
co-op members during these tough times, the <strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Farms</strong><br />
Board of Directors recently voted to hand out two more $500<br />
scholarships to co-op members. The winners of these scholarships<br />
are Amber Heinrich, Maquoketa, Iowa and Adrienne Hofmeister,<br />
Geneva, Iowa.<br />
Amber Heinrich, daughter of co-op members Joe and<br />
Shelley Heinrich of Maquoketa, Iowa, is pursuing a degree in<br />
Animal Science/Pre-Vet from Iowa State University College of<br />
Agriculture and Life Sciences. A 2008 graduate of Maquoketa<br />
High School, Amber is involved in Ambassador for Women in<br />
Science and Engineering at Iowa State University and is currently<br />
the Southeast District Vice President for FFA.<br />
“Helping my dad on our family farm, shadowing the local<br />
vet, showing cattle at the county fair and enjoying science classes<br />
in high school helped me to choose my career path of becoming<br />
a large animal veterinarian. I am excited about agriculture and<br />
working in the science field. After my eight years of college, I<br />
see myself living in a rural community in Iowa, partnering with<br />
another veterinarian working on large and small animals.”<br />
Adrienne Hofmeister is the daughter of Dallas and Patricia<br />
Hofmeister. She is attending Ellsworth Community College for<br />
Business in Iowa Falls, Iowa working on a Marketing Degree.<br />
“My goal is to own my own hair salon.” Adrienne says she<br />
enjoys helping her parents with the afternoon chores of feeding<br />
the calves and heifers. Over the years, she and her family have<br />
participated in many dairy promotions and hosted farm tours<br />
for school children.<br />
AMBER<br />
HEINRICH<br />
the Insurance center offers scholarships<br />
The Insurance Advisory Council of The Insurance<br />
Center (T.I.C.) is pleased to announce that it is time for<br />
students to apply for their six $500 scholarships. This<br />
is their 21 st year of offering scholarships. Three of these<br />
scholarships are provided by WPS Health Insurance and<br />
three are provided by T.I.C. Inc.<br />
To be eligible for a scholarship, students must be<br />
high school graduates who are continuing their education<br />
ADRIENNE HOFMEISTER<br />
in an agricultural related field while attending a postsecondary<br />
college, university or technical school program.<br />
To get an application form for this scholarship, contact<br />
Nancy Feeney in <strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Farms</strong> Member Relations<br />
Department by calling 563-468-6640 or e-mail her at<br />
nancy.feeney@swissvalley.com.<br />
The deadline for returning applications to the T.I.C.<br />
is March 15.<br />
JANUARY <strong>2010</strong> page 13
s w i s s v a l l e y f a r m s<br />
Field personnel & Stats<br />
Field Department & Procurement Division Directory<br />
Chris Hoeger VP, Procurement<br />
Eldridge, IA 52748<br />
Office 563.468.6628<br />
Mobile 563.340.7943<br />
Nancy Feeney Member Relations<br />
3855 Manchester Dr • Bettendorf, IA 52722<br />
Office 563.468.6640<br />
Mobile 563.320.4815<br />
Tim Genthe Lab & Safety Manager<br />
803 S. School St. • Cuba City, WI 53807<br />
Office 563.583.7669<br />
Home 608.744.3515<br />
Marv Thompson Raw Milk Sales<br />
617 Monroe St. • Sparta, WI 54656<br />
Office 608.366.1770<br />
Home 608.269.4850<br />
Ron Brenner Field Supervisor<br />
527 Jackie Lane • LaCrosse, WI 54603<br />
Office 608.366.1770<br />
Home 608.781.0535<br />
Thomas Tegeler Field Supervisor<br />
1320 1 1/2 St. SW • Dyersville, IA 52040<br />
Office 563.583.7669<br />
Home 563.875.2059<br />
Randy Heisel<br />
259 E. Lakeview Dr. • LaFarge, WI 54639<br />
Home 608.625.2045<br />
Mobile 608.386.6681<br />
Mike Howald<br />
7105 N. Freeport Rd. • Forreston, IL 61030<br />
Office 815.938.2651<br />
Fax 815.938.9151<br />
Kara Koopmann<br />
6142 Roller Coaster Rd. • Epworth, IA 52045<br />
Plant 563.583.7669<br />
Home 563.876.3900<br />
Roger Lenius<br />
319 9th St. • Waverly, IA 50677<br />
Office 319.352.5463<br />
Home 319.352.5015<br />
Ken Ley<br />
225 S. Clifton • Livingston, WI 53554<br />
Plant 608.348.3932<br />
Home 608.943.6240<br />
Lynne Melchert<br />
117 Culver Rd. NE • Hopkinton, IA 52237<br />
Office 563.926.2363<br />
Home 563.926.2794<br />
Jim Murphy<br />
430 Linden • West Union, IA 52175<br />
Office 563.422.5789<br />
Mobile 563.380.0393<br />
Jim Schmitz<br />
304 Dale Dr. • Montfort, WI 53569<br />
Office 608.943.1172<br />
Cell 563.599.2400<br />
Cheryl Zablocki-Wagner<br />
W 1919 Hofa Park Dr. • Seymour, WI 54165<br />
Office 920.822.2933<br />
Mobile 563.663.1306<br />
Bob Zielsdorf<br />
309 North St. • Sparta, WI 54656<br />
Office 608.366.1770<br />
Home 608.269.5452<br />
During the Month of September<br />
these <strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Farms</strong><br />
Members averaged below 100,000 for<br />
their Somatic Cell count.<br />
ALDINGER, ROGER 83,000<br />
BAUS, RON & MARY 96,000<br />
BIERSCHENK, CARY & JENNIFER 63,000<br />
BREUCKMAN, CHAD 94,000<br />
BRIMEYER, DANIEL & DEB 90,000<br />
BRIMEYER, DEREK 90,000<br />
CAROLAN, KEVIN & DONNA 59,000<br />
DEVRIES, DELBERT 95,000<br />
DREIER, RANDY D. 92,000<br />
DUWE, LOREN 89,000<br />
ELMHORST, MICHAEL & EVANGELINE 99,000<br />
FASSBENDER, PAUL G. 92,000<br />
GILBERTSON, LARRY 80,000<br />
GINGERICH, STEVE 85,000<br />
HENDEL FARMS 74,000<br />
HODSON-DIRKSEN FARMS LLC 75,000<br />
KETCHUM, ROBERT C & TERRI A 65,000<br />
LAUFENBERG, KOTY J. 83,000<br />
MEIER, BRIAN 73,000<br />
MEIER, CHERYL 73,000<br />
MEIER, MIKE 73,000<br />
MIKSHOWSKY, RANDY 76,000<br />
MILLER, MERLYN W 58,000<br />
PETERSON, PER K. 91,000<br />
SCHAEFER, JEFFREY G 80,000<br />
SCHAEFER, KURT 80,000<br />
SCHAEFER, SUSAN 80,000<br />
SCHMITZ, KENNETH & MARLUS 73,000<br />
SCHNEIDER, SAM D 94,000<br />
SCHULTE, AUSTIN 81,000<br />
SCHULTE, JOHN C. 81,000<br />
THOMPSON, LARRY & LIANE 54,000<br />
WALZ, JEFF & MELINDA 86,000<br />
WEIER, HARRY A 98,000<br />
Somatic Cell Range % of A <strong>Farms</strong><br />
0 - 100,000....................................................... 4 %<br />
100,001 - 200,000..................................... 29%<br />
200,001 - 300,000...................................... 28%<br />
300,001 - 400,000...................................... 19%<br />
400,001 - 500,000........................................ 9%<br />
500,001 and above................................... 10%<br />
Somatic Cell Range % of B <strong>Farms</strong><br />
0 - 100,000..................................................... 3%<br />
100,001 - 200,000.................................... 11%<br />
200,001 - 300,000......................................13%<br />
300,001 - 400,000......................................21%<br />
400,001 - 500,000......................................... 13%<br />
500,001 and above................................... 39%<br />
swiss valley<br />
welcomes new<br />
members<br />
SHOGUN FARMS<br />
EVANSVILLE, WI<br />
CASEY W. WINCHEL<br />
LAFARGE, WI<br />
page 14<br />
SWISS VALLEY FARMS DAIRYMAN
Y C S P R I N G B R E A K<br />
YC’ERS, GET REGISTERED NOW!!<br />
YC’ers, Get Ready for Your Big Break!<br />
Register Now for the <strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> YC Conference Feb. 26 & 27, <strong>2010</strong><br />
in Prairie du Chien, Wis<br />
This year’s two-day Young Cooperator Conference is<br />
set for Feb. 26 and 27 in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.<br />
It’s been four years since the event has been held in this<br />
location and we will be using the meeting room facilities<br />
at Huckleberry’s Restaurant off Hwy 35 and lodging at<br />
the Quiet House Hotel next door. As always, YC’ers who<br />
register for the meeting by 10:30 a.m. are eligible for the<br />
Early Bird Door Prize Drawing, which could get you a<br />
whirlpool room at the Quiet House. It pays off to get<br />
there on time!<br />
The two main events are scheduled for this conference.<br />
The first is a tour of the co-op’s award-winning <strong>Swiss</strong><br />
cheese facility in Luana on Friday afternoon followed by<br />
a farm tour on Kent and Sandy Franks St. Olaf dairy. On<br />
Saturday morning, there will be a “Mattitude” workshop<br />
with Matt Booth from Dubuque, Iowa. As we all know,<br />
attitude is everything! During his workshop, Matt will<br />
focus on improving your attitude, communication,<br />
personal development, goal setting and leadership skills.<br />
As always, this meeting also gives you the chance to<br />
meet with your <strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Farms</strong> Board members as<br />
well as your CEO Don Boelens. This conference is a great<br />
chance to get to know the people who are managing your<br />
dairy cooperative. Don’t miss out on this opportunity.<br />
On particular highlight to every YC Spring Break is<br />
the Friday night banquet. As usual, there will be a fun<br />
activity following this banquet, something our YC’ers<br />
always look forward to!<br />
An important aspect of this YC Spring Break is the<br />
opportunity it gives young dairy producers to get to<br />
know other young members within the cooperative.<br />
Connections are made and friendships are formed; some<br />
that can last a lifetime.<br />
Your conference registration materials are below.<br />
Make plans to attend and get your registration materials<br />
mailed back to <strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Farms</strong>. Any co-op member or<br />
herds person of a <strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Farms</strong> member between the<br />
ages of 18 and 45 are eligible to attend and participate in<br />
this conference. The hotel room, meals and speakers are<br />
all covered by the co-op. A $10 per person fee is all that<br />
is required.<br />
Also, give some thought to participating in the <strong>2010</strong><br />
Outstanding <strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Farms</strong> Young Cooperator<br />
Contest, which will be held during this event. To get an<br />
entry form for this contest, just contact Nancy Feeney in<br />
the <strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Farms</strong> Members Relations Department at<br />
563-468-6640. Or e-mail her at nancy.feeney@swissvalley.<br />
com.<br />
Co-op NEWS<br />
Spring Break &<br />
Two-Day Conference Registration Form<br />
Get your registration in ASAP. Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 17, <strong>2010</strong>.<br />
Include your $ 10 per person check with your form.<br />
YES! Reserve a room for me at this YC Spring Break February 26-27, <strong>2010</strong> in Prairie du Chien, Wis<br />
Name ________________________________________________ Phone_____________________<br />
Address _________________________________________________________________________<br />
Producer# ________________ Do you require a smoking room? Yes No<br />
Mail this form and your check to <strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Farms</strong> Co,<br />
YC Spring Break<br />
PO Box 4493, Davenport, IA 52808<br />
JANUARY <strong>2010</strong> page 15
Your copy of<br />
Dairyman<br />
S w i s s V a l l e y F a r m s c o o p e r a t i v e<br />
Post Office Box 4493<br />
Davenport, IA 52808<br />
PRSRT STD<br />
U.S. POSTAGE<br />
PAID<br />
Permit No. 141<br />
Davenport, IA<br />
Address Service Requested<br />
YC’ers, Mark Your<br />
Calendars!!<br />
The <strong>2010</strong> Young Cooperator Conference<br />
will be held<br />
Feb. 26 & 27<br />
in Prairie du<br />
Chien, Wis.<br />
If you are 18 to 45 years old,<br />
you are eligible to attend.<br />
More information and Your<br />
registration materials are on Pg. 15. don’t miss out, yc’ers!<br />
make plans to be there!
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