Guernsey Convention Awards Day

National Awards Production Brunch

The Awards Brunch was held this morning with breeders from across the country receiving awards for outstanding production and achievements. Three of the most prestigious awards were presented to Katie Dixon of Missouri for Outstanding Young Guernsey Breeder; Don & Kathy Langrehr of Wisconsin for Master Breeder and Neil Jensen was presented the Distinguished Service Award.

The afternoon held opportunities to attend an IVF seminar presented by Dr. Todd Brancel, an open forum with the AGA Board of Directors to discuss questions and concerns and a visit to the show cattle.

The evening was all about the youth as almost 300 enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the Guernsey young people. The phrase of the evening was "infectious enthusiasm". And enthusiastic it was as awards were presented for production, display boards, photography, quiz bowl competitions, speeches and more. The naming of the Outstanding National Guernsey Youth and new royalty were the highlights. Jade Jenson of Missouri won the Outstanding National Youth honor and Iowa's Robin Kime was crowned the 2014 National Guernsey Queen. Serving with her will be the 2014 National Guernsey Princess, Laura Jensen of Wisconsin.

Ohio issued their official invitation to join them in Walnut Creek, Ohio next June 16-20 with a skit that brought the crowd to their feet with a standing ovation!

The evening concluded with the Youth Fun Auction to raise funds for AGA youth activities. The August issue of the Guernsey Breeders' Journal will contain a complete report and photos of all the winners and activities.

2014 National Guernsey Convention

Tour Day during the National Guernsey Convention

The day started bright and early with over 250 people on buses and a visit to Lang Haven Dairy.

Farmer Olympics also began at Lang Haven with the cow patty toss

Then it was on to Adams Creek and the Nuttleman's Farm

And more farmer olympics

Lunch was in Bangor

And then it was on the Coulee Crest Farm

And the finale of the Olympics with the winning team from Wisconsin

After returning to the hotel a gather of 21-35 year-olds met to discuss their role in the AGA

Everyone took time to write down their thoughts on their future role along with questions they had

2014 National Guernsey Convention

Junior Competitions & Committee Meetings

Junior competitions and committee meetings were the highlights of today's (Friday) activities in La Crosse. Quiz Bowl, prepared and extemporaneous speeches, scholarship interviews, queen orientations, outstanding youth interviews and more were on the schedule for the Guernsey youth. The adults bounced back and forth between committee meetings and watching the youth competitions.

Ty Freed is probably the youngest AGA Convention attendee this year

Young Sire Open Forum

Quiz Bowl teams

More Quiz Bowl teams

Show Open Forum

Waiting to present speeches

Hanging out in the hospitality rooms

Thanks to our sponsors

Youth auction items

Foundation committee meeting

2014 National Guernsey Convention

The Wisconsin Guernsey Breeders welcomed the Guernsey enthusiasts to La Crosse, Wisconsin, in style with a full first day of tours and welcome dinner. Convention attendees headed over the river early this morning to Rolling Prairie Farms in Garnavillo, Iowa. Home to over 250 milking registered Guernseys.

Youth from Texas, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and Illinois renew friendships and make new ones!

After lunch at the Rolling Prairie, home of the Walther family, the next stop was the Sivesinds of Prairie Moon Guernsey in Waukon, Iowa. 

The Unanimous Jr. 2 All-American & Jr. All-American - Antebella

Then is was back to La Crosse for the Welcome to Wisconsin dinner with featured speaker Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture, Ben Brancel.

The five queen candidates 

The McMurrays are celebrating 43 years together!

The Wisconsin Secretary of Ag