ABOUT US
The Iowa Holstein Association is a membership organization since 1886 and is now 516 members strong. Our purpose is to promote registered Holstein cattle and its breeders and owners within the state of Iowa.
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The mission of the Iowa Holstein Association is to act concurrently with the National Association in the promotion and development of registered Holstein cattle. (Adopted by the Iowa Holstein Association Board of Directors, March 15, 2003)
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By being a member of our organization you are provided with the opportunity of the following: recognition, shows, promotion, publication, adult and youth convention, scholarship, distinguished service award, master breeder award, outstanding young holstein breeder award and so much more!
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President's Perspective
Hello Iowa Holstein Friends,
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This is truly one of my favorite times of the year. Nature has come back to life, and as we drive along the rural roads, we witness the start of spring planting. The cattle grazing in the pastures complete the picturesque landscape and make you pause for a moment to appreciate it.
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A special thank-you to District 1 for hosting the State Holstein Convention. Be sure to read the profiles of this year’s award winners, and congratulations to each of them!
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Thank you, Kaitlyn Besler, our Holstein Princess, for your dedicated service to our Association over the past year. We look forward to another year of your reign. Congratulations to our new Iowa Holstein Princess, Natalie Besler! If you need assistance with dairy events, please don’t hesitate to reach out to either Kaitlyn or Natalie.
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A big thank-you to Courtney Sales for managing the auction this year at the Iowa Spring Holstein Sale. We had some outstanding cattle, and they sold very well. Thanks also to Blake Courtney for organizing another successful raffle this year. The sale averaged $3,600—congratulations to all the winners!
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Safe travels to everyone attending the National Holstein Convention in St. Louis, MO. Best of luck to the Junior Contestants!
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Wishing good luck to all exhibitors as you prepare for the county fairs, district shows, and the Iowa State Holstein Show, which will be held in West Union on July 15–16. This event will run concurrently with the District 1 show.
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Mark your calendars for the Iowa Holstein Picnic! This year, we’ll gather in Eastern Iowa at Genosource in Blairstown on August 16. The Genosource partners are thrilled to host us once again. We’ll also hold our state and district board meetings there, as we’ve done in the past.
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It’s encouraging to see the milk and cheese market finally improving. With the shortage of dairy replacements nationwide, we hope these prices remain steady.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the shows!
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See you around,
Paul Stempfle
MEET OUR 2024-2026 PRINCESS
Kaitlyn Besler is the daughter of Alan and Jill Besler of Worthington. She is a junior at Beckman Catholic High School. Kaitlyn's involvement with dairy began when she joined 4-H in 4th grade. At this time, Kaitlyn wanted to show dairy animals at the Delaware County Fair and she began a 4-H animal leasing agreement with her great uncle, Duane Gibbs. For the past 7 years, Kaitlyn has housed and cared for her dairy project animals on their farm from May - August. She enjoys showing at the county fair, District 8 Holstein show, Iowa Holstein State Show, and the Youth Dairy Classic.
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Kaitlyn is also involved in FFA, serving as the chapter Vice President. She is a member of the North Fork Kats 4-H club where she currently serves as the club President. At the county level, Kaitlyn is a member of the Delaware County 4-H Council. She runs varsity track, sings in the church choir, and was recently inducted into the National Honor Society. Kaitlyn was also awarded the 2024 Top of the Class Scholar at Beckman Catholic. When Kaitlyn is not busy with school and extracurricular activities, she enjoys being a big sister to her four siblings.
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Kaitlyn is looking forward to serving the Iowa Holstein Association and being a positive representative for the dairy industry.
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If you would like to have Kaitlyn attend one of your events please feel free to reach out to her via email at: 25kbesler@beckman.pvt.k12.ia.us or by phone at: 563-451-3843
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