Wisconsin Brown Swiss Convention 2016 - Cowsmo

Wisconsin Brown Swiss Convention 2016

Madison, Wis. (March 14, 2016) – The Wisconsin Brown Swiss Association held their 100th Anniversary Convention in cooperation with the Wisconsin Ayrshire Association on March 4-5, 2016 at the Cranberry Lodge in Tomah, Wis.

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View the WI Brown Swiss History Booklet
Photos courtesy of Barb Muenzenberger, WI Brown Swiss Association

Madison, Wis. (March 14, 2016) – The Wisconsin Brown Swiss Association held their 100th Anniversary Convention in cooperation with the Wisconsin Ayrshire Association on March 4-5, 2016 at the Cranberry Lodge in Tomah, Wis.

The convention recognized many achievements for both the association and breeders alike. Outgoing President Rick Thompson, congratulated breeders for advancing the breed over the past 100 years. Incoming officers include: President, Tammy Voegeli; Vice President, Rick Thompson; and Secretary/Treasurer, Barb Muenzenberger.

“I look forward to serving the Wisconsin members as their president and continuing the promotion of our breeders and the Brown Swiss cow,” said Voegeli. “I want to increase our active membership and continue to support and encourage our great group of juniors.” She also expressed appreciation for the yearlong efforts of the 100th anniversary convention committee.

Junior recognition
A fundraiser was held on Friday night to benefit the junior membership. Junior officers were also elected during the convention: President, Maddy Mahlum; Vice President, Brooke Muenzenberger; and Secretary, Jaynie Rule. Rule was also crowned the 2016 Wisconsin Brown Swiss Queen. The Parent Adult Leadership (PAL) Award, was awarded to Tammy Rule for generous support of the junior organization. Levi Kindschi and Kaitlyn Opland both received Nelson McCammon Heifer Grant Awards. Receiving Wisconsin Bell Ringer awards were Brianna Meyer, Elise & Brady Bleck, Calli Storm, Spencer Clark, Kyle Herbrand, Brooke Muenzenberger, Dylan Herbrand, Ranae Holthaus, Payton Van Schyndle, Leif Thompson, Trysten Chwala, Meghan Douglas and Allison Thompson.

Adult awards
Recognized as top milk and protein herds were AR-Line Brown Swiss, Bangor; Tom & Joan Oberhaus, Waukesha; Jenlar Swiss, Chilton. Top protein cow owners included Dan & Angie Rieder, Meadow Brook Farms, John & Dee Winkelman, Shiloh Dairy LLC, Voegeli Farms, Inc., Larry & Jennifer Meyer.

Tim Baumgartner served as the emcee for the Saturday evening banquet, which was followed with music by the Soggy Prairie Boys. Baumgartner spoke of the important aspects of the association’s history and awarded the Master Breeder and Wisconsin Brown Swiss Service Award. The Master Breeder award was given to Franklin and Thomas Ferg of Lone Oak Farm, who have been very influential in Wisconsin’s Brown Swiss history. Dave Cowles was awarded the Wisconsin Brown Swiss Service Award for his many years of dedicated service to the association. Norm Magnussen gave a fascinating review of the past 100 years of Brown Swiss in Wisconsin. A historical booklet was given to all attendees. Past officers, national representatives, state queens and National Junior Ambassadors were also recognized.

The Wisconsin Brown Swiss Association is committed to advancing the Brown Swiss breed and assisting breeders in registering and bettering their herds. The Association is celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2016 with events through the entire year. A complete schedule can be found at: www.wibrownswiss.com


View the WI Brown Swiss Website

Schedule of Events
Friday, March 4th
1:00-4:00pm…WI State Board Meeting
6:30-8:00pm…Friday Night Dinner
8:00-10:00pm…Casino Night Fundraiser for the Wisconsin Brown Swiss Juniors

Saturday, March 5th
9:00am…Registration
9:30am…Queen Contest
10:30am…Joint Meeting of WI Brown Swiss and WI Ayrshires
11:00am…Fun Auction
12:00pm…Joint Luncheon
1:00-4:00pm…Annual Meetings and Herd, Cow, and Junior Awards
5:00-6:00pm…Social Hour
7:00pm…Dinner Banquet, Special Awards and 100th Anniversary Celebration
8:00pm…Band, Music by “Soggy Prairie Boys”

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