NAILE: The Last National Along The Tanbark

 Dear Guernsey Friends,

     The last national show along the tanbark was held in Louisville, KY at the Kentucky Exposition Center this past weekend. What a fantastic show it was!! Guernsey breeders from around the country were reunited once again on the green shavings for the last hoorah for the show season. It sure was good to get back to the smell of a cow barn, having the opportunity to chat with friends, view the beautiful Guernseys, and sit back and watch the show in action. I know Brooke and I certainly enjoyed our stay!

     The National Guernsey Junior Show was held on Friday, and wow what an excellent group of fawn and whites they were! I want to personally congratulate and commend all of the junior exhibitors. Special congratulations go to Alyssa Nuttleman from Wisconsin for winning Jr. Champion and Austin Knapp from Iowa with the Reserve Jr. Champion honor. In addition, congratulations to Paige Chupp from Oklahoma and Jade Jenson of Missouri for taking away Grand and Reserve Grand of the show. It sure made me proud to be a representative of the breed that day! I also loved the purple shirt choice this year. It really made the Guernsey youth stick out in the show ring!

    Saturday was the Guernsey rest day. This gave me the opportunity to visit the Big Country Store and shop for Christmas presents. My family and I walked away with a lot of goodies! Besides shopping, it was a day of visiting with other Guernsey breeders and friends, relaxing, and watching other breeds show.

     On Sunday afternoon, the open heifer show began. All I can say is wow! Top honors went to Austin Knapp with his summer yearling for Jr. Champion and the Chupp family with their winter yearling for reserve. Monday morning was the open cow show. Although all of the classes were full of quality, I feel the four year old class was the most competitive of the day. With only six showing in the class, I would have felt privileged to take any one of them home! The Vilters took the class with Highlite, who was later named Reserve Grand of the show! Congratulations to the Chupp family with their five year old, Hailey for winning Grand Champion as well!

     Brooke and I had many wonderful memories over those few days in Kentucky. Ones that included: indentations in our heads from our crowns, green-stained shoes and feet, eating out with the AGA staff and the Weimer family, meeting the new Jersey royalty, laughing at Seth and Brian, and getting to watch each of the shows from the best seats in the house. Many thanks go out to Seth, Brian and Katie for making it such an enjoyable week and year for us royalty. Also a special shout out to the wonderful Guernsey breeders and friends that have supported Brooke and I all year long and for being an uplifting, positive extended family for us. It sure was a bittersweet feeling leaving the cow barn for the last time. I love the show season so it’s always sad to see it come and go. On a positive note, I hope you all can rest now from a job well done this year. It is also time for our cows to rest and grow for next season. What a spectacular show season for the Guernseys! Hope you all may enjoy the upcoming holidays and time to share them with family.

PS: Thank you to my wonderful family for making all of this possible. Mom you are my hero and Amber, I am so proud of you for your accomplishments this year. Love you both! Also, thank you Richard Giddings for taking care our our two calves at the show. We owe you more than you know!

Sincerely,
Ashlee Dietz
2010 National Guernsey Princess
R-Way Guernseys

 

New Shows, New Experiences, New Faces, and New Shoes!

My Beloved Guernsey Friends,

New shows, new experiences, new faces, and new shoes: a very accurate summary of my year so far as your Guernsey Queen.  Being from the very northwestern corner of the West Coast, I have a slight disadvantage (that lately I have been constantly reminded of) when it comes to dairy shows.  You see, distance tends to get in the way.  And through my recent travels I have been reminded just how far away the major dairy shows are from my home state. 

(TANGENT: This past week at the Sea-Tac airport heading for Madison, the security guard who checks that IDs match tickets remembered me from passing through the week before on my way to Harrisburg, and was quite excited for me that I was attending another cow show – and then asked me to bring him back some dairy products!  This was a gentle reminder to me that we have the opportunity to share our dairy stories with those around us – people really do listen and remember!  As a tangent to that tangent, I have also learned through my traveling that sitting in the middle seat on a not-very-short airplane ride creates the optimal situation to intensely discuss agriculture and farming with those neighboring passengers who are secretly fighting you for the armrest.) 

This undeniable fact that I am on the outskirts of the “show-lands” made my experiences at both the All-American Dairy Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin that much more incredible.  I must confess that although I am farm-grown, I was not raised with a registered herd of dairy cattle.  This means that while I do have the practical experience of showing dairy through 4-H and FFA, I have not competed with the level of quality seen at these national shows.  And, to put it bluntly, I was in awe at the Guernsey cows that our breeders proudly showcased!  Our continually improving genetics, positive farm management, and dedication from Guernsey farmers across our nation and globe really do have people taking a second glance at our Guernsey cows – and why should they not be, “have YOU seen her lately?”

The All-American Dairy Show was my first time in Harrisburg.  Even from the get-go, the atmosphere of the barns was capturing – and Ashlee’s enthusiasm towards showing her girls Dream and Flirt enchanted me even further.  I was encircled by the spell of the love for showmanship, for dairy show friends, and for our incredible industry.  Although it was an exhibitor-based show, it was inspiring to see so many people in the crowd supporting their family and friends who were exhibiting in the ring.  My prime pinnacle of the show was perfectly presented on Monday with the selection of Junior Supreme Champion – it’s the Guernsey!!  Outside the show ring, I had quite the enjoyable times with Guernsey Youth members as they warmed up to having a newcomer at their show, and will not forget the memories of tasting hot sauce with the Ripleys and attending the banquet with the potato-lovers Kali and Amber.  I would like to give a special thank you shout-out to Ashlee and her family for taking such good care of me at Harrisburg – the Dietz family makes everything fun!

Having only previously spent a couple of hours at the World Dairy Expo, I was excited for the potential I could make out of this year’s show in Madison, Wisconsin.  Serving at the American Guernsey Association’s informational booth brought to light a mash of many different colorful perspectives of the dairy industry.  With delegates from 87 countries represented at this exposition, Ashlee and I had the opportunity to pose in a plethora of photographs - with the countries of their final destinations unbeknownst to me.  Also, living so close to the Canadian border allowed me to have a delightful discussion about the Prime Minister with a representative from Canada.  The quality of Guernseys on the “golden” sawdust was once again overwhelming to me.  Each and every one of our heifers and cows were exhibited with style and beauty that was only exemplified class after class.  

Thank you to the Guernsey exhibitors for making our breed so competitive on the national level.  I would also like to thank the Weimer family for everything you did to make this expo-adventure so fantastic for Ashlee and myself – Mike and Cindy, thank you for letting us hang out with you and commandeer your helpers.  Sarah, you’re still my inspiration.   Thank you to Spencer and Sam for the Wal-Mart ice cream run and the steak dinner (nothing makes Guernsey Royalty happier than ice cream and steak after a day in heels and tiaras); you gentlemen spoil us.  And I can’t forget, thank you to Seth, Brian, and Katie for everything – you have the best sense of humor!

Thank you for your continued support throughout this year,

Your 2010 National Guernsey Queen,

Brooke.

World Dairy Expo

Hello Everyone!

     My month of October began at the one and only, World Dairy Expo. I swear my experiences as princess keep getting better and better! This year, I was unable to exhibit any of my own animals but I sure had a blast with Brooke passing out awards, talking with dairy enthusiasts from around the world, helping run the AGA booth, and of course dressing for the occasion.

    The trip was full of early mornings and late nights, even from the beginning. I got up at 3 am to get ready and was out the door at 4 am to catch my flight at the airport on Thursday. I'm thankful for safe flights and friendly conversations with the people who sat next to me. When I finally arrived at the show, I changed into my "watermelon" outfit and stood next to Brooke as we worked in the Guernsey booth. I say watermelon, because Brooke and I color coordinated in pink and lime green suits! In the early afternoon, the heifer show began. What an excellent group to represent the breed. My congratulations go out to Josie Morris with her senior yearling, Jeannie for winning Jr. Champion. Also, congrats to the Chupp family for winning reserve with their intermediate yearling in the open show. After the show, we had the sale to look forward to. Brooke and I were put to work with running sale slips. I was impressed that the sale was relatively large. Pizza was also provided to the exhibitors before the sale. After a long day in heels, it felt good to return to our hotel.

    Friday morning, I was up and at em' bright and early for the Guernsey cow show. Beautiful udders filled the ring, top honors going to the Vilters and Reserve Grand to the Chupp Family. Two outstanding cows to say the least! It was another fun day passing out awards and getting to talk with Guernsey friends. Brooke and I also met some new ones. After the show, it was back to the AGA booth. I got some very interesting comments about the Guernsey breed. Some that made me smile, and others that were a little disappointing. I love the breed, and therefore was surprised when I heard negative feed. I believe the Guernsey breed has alot to offer to the dairy industry whether its her great temperament, calving ease, high fat and protein components, etc. In my opinion, the fawn and whites are also the prettiest in the showring. I bet many of you Guernsey breeders will agree with me on this. I did try to make a positive effort to change their minds however! Saturday was my day to shop and look around. I visited the Purple Cow clothing store and walked around to view everything from new equipment to testing cheese spread. This was the day that I also got to visit with friends. A big thank you goes out to the Weimer crew for taking care of the queen and I. Mike and Cindy, thank you for dinner and letting us rest, as well as making us laugh! Sarah, thank you for letting me borrow your flip flops when it was crucial. Also, thank you Spencer and Sam for taking us girls out. We really enjoyed ourselves!

   Overall, our stay in Madison, WI was everything we expected and more. Looking back, the days definatly went too fast but I'm looking forward to the last stop along the Tanbark Trail. Roughly a month away, Brooke and I are already planning on what we will wear and what I want to buy at the big country store. I'm thinking new boots! A very important thank you goes out to my family for really setting the foundation for me in the Guernsey breed. I never imagined all of the experiences and opportunities it would have in store. I love every minute of being a Guernsey girl. I  know I will carry these memories with me for the rest of my life. I hope everyone has a good month of October and save some leftover Halloween candy for me at Louisville!

Sincerely,

Ashlee Dietz
2010 National Guernsey Princess
R-Way Guernseys

  

All American Dairy Show- Harrisburg, PA



Supreme Champion of Junior Show

Brooke & I

     On September 17th through the 22nd, I had the opportunity to travel to Pennsylvania for the All American Dairy Show. Being the first national show on the eastern side of the country, many Guernsey breeders and exhibitors made the haul to perhaps the largest Guernsey show of the season. What an exciting and thrilling week it was! One of the many events worth mentioning was the Youth Showmanship Contest that was held on Sunday. Over 350 youth participants were involved in three different divisons. I'd like to congratulate those who made it into the top 10. The best of the best across the nation show against each other so it is quite an honor if you do place high. Monday was the Premier National Junior Guernsey Show. I'd like to congratulate Nathan Pieper of New York for winning Jr. Champion with his heifer, Mia. Also congrats to Kelly Johnson with Candy of Pennsylvania for Intermediate Champion and Hunter Duval with his four year old, Regan of New York for Senior and Grand Champion. The Guernsey Queen, Brooke & I, also got to witness the Guernsey winning Supreme Champion that afternoon and be a part of the parade! What a thrill! When the words "Its the Guernsey.." was heard through the microphone, it was really exciting and made me proud that I represent such a wonderful breed. The National Open Guernsey Show was held on Wednesday. I have to congratulate everyone when I say there was an excellent amount of quality that passed through the ring. Top honors went to: Friendship Farm of New York for Junior Champion, Kelly Johnson of Pennsylvania for Intermediate, and John Violette of New York for Senior and Grand Champion once again with Regan! I know Brooke and I enjoyed ourselves on the sidelines watching the show and passing out ribbons. We even liked getting dressed up... well except the heels. Us farm girls are used to boots so they hurt after a while! Also, a highlight of the show was stopping by the comercial building. Grilled cheese and milkshakes filled my belly for the week. Also looking at antique items like milk bottles and Hoard's Dairyman books from the sixties.

Grand & Res Champion of Junior Show



    I would like to say thank you to the American Guernsey Association staff for taking good care of us during the week. The flight home to Columbus went well and now I am back in school for a few days until the next stop along the Tanbark Trail: Madison, WI for the World Dairy Expo! Looking forward to seeing those who were at Harrisburg and some new faces. Good luck and safe travels.

Sincerely,

Ashlee Dietz

2010 National Guernsey Princess

R-Way Guernseys





Canfield Fair Pictures :]

I had some trouble rearranging the pictures on my first post, so I decided to dedicate a page just for candids!

               

                        

 

2010 Canfield Fair

     From August 31st through September 6th, I had the joy of visiting and exhibiting animals at the 164th Canfield Fair. What a great week it was! The weather sure threw us through a loop by being 90 degrees with lots of humidity the first half, and chilly fall weather for the rest! The Guernsey show was held Saturday and I am proud to say there were approximately 50 fawn and whites to pass through the show ring with more than 10 exhibitors. My congratulations go out to the Aiken family from Willowbrook Farm of West Middlesex, PA for recieving Grand and Reserve Champion of the show! I was lucky enough to have earned the Junior Champion title with my senior yearling, farm bred and owned from R-Way. Also, my younger sister recieving Reserve Junior with her intermediate calf. The Musser Family of Den-Be Farm can also pat themselves on the back for recieving the Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor Award. Congratulations once again!

     Now to babble about some of my favorite highlights. I love the Canfield Fair not only for the great dairy people but also for their displays. I must commend everyone for making their areas look so lovely with everything from pumpkins to a full display of farmall tractors. The next thing I enjoyed was seeing the largest pumpkin (squash) competition. They are huge and can't believe that you can actually grow something this large. This year, the grand champion of all pumpkins weighed 1,277 and 1/2 pounds! I bet that would make alot of pies or take weeks to carve out. I also enjoyed watching the younger kids at the Milk-A-Cow station. What a great opportunity for educating and learning about the great dairy cow. Last, but certainly not the least was the Dress-A-Cow contest. This had to be my favorite event of the week! You can see in the few pictures I took that these kids and their families go all out. It's all about dairy promotion and sure draws a crowd into the show arena every year. The 4-H judging contest is also a hit the last day of the fair. I am very proud to say the top two teams were taken by my home county, Trumbull.

     It was such a wonderful week. I love being surrounded by farm people and talking with friends that I haven't got to see in a while. Fair food is a plus, stromboli being my favorite for the week! I didn't get to see all of the many events that were happening during the week but I can say that the Canfield Fair is certainly a fair worth visiting every year.  I want to thank Howard Moff, the Dairy Cattle Director for allowing me to serve as princess and help out with the show! Congratulations to all exhibitors.

Thank you Mahoning County,

Ashlee Dietz

2010 National Guernsey Princess

R-Way Guernseys

2010 Ohio State Fair

    On the week of August 3-8, I traveled to the Ohio State Fair. This is a normal affair for my family and I each and every year. Between my sister Amber and I, we exhibited seven of our Guernseys. It was mostly a beautiful week with extremely warm weather. It only rained on our cots once! We had a week packed full of youth activities, games, skillathons, judging contests, showing, and lots of ice cream from the dairy bar! Located in the ice cream building, there was a butter sculpture display. In the picture to the right, you can see a small portion of it. The other half included football players representing the Bengals & Browns and a large football. Another highlight, I'd like to mention for the dairy clan, is the corn hole tournament. This year 16 teams competed in a head to head competition for the gold medal and champion title. 

    The Guernsey show was quite spectacular this year. My sister served as the 2010 Jr. Ohio State Guernsey Queen. Us "Dietz" sisters both had an opportunity at royalty this year. I had a wonderful time passing out ribbons, seeing the smiling faces, and catching up with Guernsey breeders across the state. I’d like to congratulate the exhibitors not only for their winnings but for bringing out such a beautiful group of fawn and whites! I'd also like to congratulate my sister for winning Jr. Champion & HM Jr. Champion with her calf, Toots. I'm really proud of her! Lastly, I would like to thank the Ohio Guernsey Breeders for giving me the opportunity to help out at the show and for making this year's fair (and my last year of 4-H) an enjoyable experience! 

Thank you,

Ashlee Dietz

2010 National Guernsey Princess

R-Way Farm

Western National Guernsey Show

I would just like to take a moment to thank the California Guernsey Cattle Club for hosting me this past week at the Sacramento State Fair and the Western National Guernsey Show!  It was such an honor to represent the American Guernsey Association at this show, and the quality of both exhibitors and Guernsey cattle were outstanding!  Thank you again for allowing me the opportunity to attend and help out at your show - you are all wonderful Guernsey breeders and friends with such great passion for our cow!

Thank you,
 Brooke Vander Veen
National Guernsey Queen