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75th Annual Meeting of the New York Guernsey Breeders' Association
As always the general meeting was preceded by a board meeting with a full slate of board members in attendance. One of the main topics of discussion was changing the borders of our districts with the end result of having all members being one of three districts thus allowing everyone the opportunity to be able to be included in a district herd at the State Fair. This topic was later discussed and approved by the general membership during the annual meeting. Our highly successful state sale was reviewed with some suggestions for further improvements next year. Our appreciation was extended to Betsy Foote and her children , the Ripley families, Dick and Judy Whalen, as well as several other junior members, for their wonderful job of getting the sale cattle ready and presenting a lovely display and exhibit highlighting the sale animals
While the board was meeting the Youth meeting was taking place. Later reported on by Kerri McKenna, Who returns as the president and Betsy McKenna also returning as the secretary/treasurer, the youth discussed fund raising and what will be given away as gifts to all the youth who participate at the State Fair.
After the board and youth meetings members who wished were treated to a special tour of the Jefferson County historical society. Opened especially for our group the tour featured one of the first prominent families of Watertown NY and was most interesting and informative. Those who chose not do the tour were able to attend a food court featuring a large number of area restaurants and food businesses.
Following that the general meeting was called to order by President Peter Coons with a very nice attendance. A number of issues were discussed, a full treasurers report given and finances were discussed as well as investment opportunities.
Also discussed was the national ID program and just where the National Association stands in regard to the use of ear tags as recognized official ID for registry. A report was given by Tom Ripley who sits on the National Board. It was also mentioned that Morey Miller was running for national director at large and it was agreed the state will endorse him as our choice for director. An election was held for three director positions whose terms expired, four people ran and George McKenna joins us as a new member of the board, a most welcome addition. Following adjournment of the meeting a board meeting was held for election of officers with all present officers agreeing to stay in their positions for another year.
|Following the regular meeting members were treated to a social hour prior to the banquet featuring cheese and crackers and a really nice milk punch served by our two candidates vying for the title of New York State Guernsey Princess, Elizabeth Trombly and Allison Peck. Dinner followed served buffet style with audacious selection of food. Members were treated to a delightful evening of music provided by a local group of the Sweet Adelines, an international award winning group right from the local area. Further entertainment was provided by our own youth. Kirsten Gallagher gave a very informative speech followed by Kerri McKenna's delightful singing and Esther Ripley doing a lovely animated poem.
Awards were presented to youth with all youth who submitted records being presented with certificates for production and cash for filling out achievement forms. Outstanding Guernsey Youth was awarded to Emily Wilwol and Top Junior Production to Seth Ripley with Ripley Farms Maypennant Polly with a 305 ME record of 39,354 Milk 1142 Fat 889 Protein. Our Scholarship Calf winner was announced and Duncan Bailey of Fillmore ,New York ended up as the winner of a lovely December calf, purchased by our association, from RED farm owned by Raymond and Robert Dennis.
High Herd Production winners were 10-29 cows, Jeremy Kelley HD1, 30-49 cows Craig-Moor Farm, and 50+ cows Ripley Farms. Top Lifetime Production went to Craig-Moor Franks Jasmine owned by Joshua Craig for the third consecutive year with a lifetime production of 174,998 Milk 14.307 Total Solids
The Distinguished Service award was presented to Charles Kiechle of Philadelphia, New York. Charlie has bred Guernseys his entire life and served for over 30 years on our board of directors.
Following the awards the highlight of the evening came with the crowning of Allison Peck, daughter of Steve and Kay Peck of Gouverneur , as the new New York State Guernsey Princess. We're sure Allison will do a wonderful job representing our great breed as well as the hardworking people of our state who breed, develope and believe so deeply in the Guernsey breed. The evening ended with a large number of door prizes being presented provided by a number of local, state, and national companies. Probably as much fun as anything was the night ending with members and families just sitting around and laughing, telling stories and just plain enjoyng that Guernsey fellowship that we have all learned to know so well.
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