Joining him as officers and directors are: President-Elect Joe Rode, Moores-ville; Vice President Todd McGraw, Lafayette; Treasurer Jim Lankford, Martinsville; Promotion Chair Linda Rapp, Columbus; Membership Chair Clark Sennett, Waynetown; and Past President Barry Jordan, Rensselaer. Two new producers joined the board after their election at IBCA regional meetings recently held around the state. They are Jason Tower, Dubois; and John Camden, Pierceton.

In addition to the election of officers at the business meeting, several individuals were honored at the banquet. Recognized as Supporter of Affiliate Activities was Chet Lee, who has managed the Johnson County Beef Building.

Another Johnson county resident, Abby Dougherty, was honored as Outstanding Young Cattleman. Goshen resident Mike Groff was honored by the association as Outstanding Cattleman.

Two individuals were honored with the Friend of the Industry Award, Bill Eberle and Don Ward. Don Ward is a volunteer to the Indiana Beef Cattle Assoc. during the Indiana State Fair. Bill Eberle owns and operates the Indianapolis Stockyards.

Top event honors went to two lifelong cattlemen, Louis “Brocky” Brocksmith and Jim Culp, as they were honored with the Robert Peterson Lynnwood Farm Lifetime Achievement Award.

St. Johns brothers named Dairy Farmers of the Year
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Two Clinton County, Mich. dairy farmers were recognized for their industry leadership with the Dairy Farmer of the Year Award, presented at the Great Lakes Dairy Conference (GLDC). The Michigan State University (MSU) Department of Animal Science honored Ken and Larry Nobis, of St. Johns, Mich., with the award.

The Nobis brothers operate a 3,000-acre operation with a milking herd of 823 Holsteins. Winners are selected not only for contributions to the state economy but also for their commitment to and leadership in the dairy industry, said Karen Plaut, Department of Animal Science chairperson.

“Ken and Larry are involved in a multitude of agricultural organizations locally, statewide and nationally,” Plaut said. “Their unselfish contribution of time, insight and leadership to the industry serves as an example to all who are engaged in Michigan’s agriculture.”

Nobis Dairy Farms also serves as an extended classroom and laboratory for professors, students and Extension educators in Michigan. Research on reproduction, nutrition and manure management has been conducted there. MSU students in both the two- and four-year programs have learned about calf care, cow care and artificial insemination from the Nobis family. The farm has also been toured by local, state and national visitors seeking to learn about Michigan dairy herd management. For more on the Dairy Farmer of the Year award, contact Herb Bucholtz at 517-355-8432.

Indiana Beef Cattle Assoc. announces hiring of Dawn Davis
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indiana Beef Cattle Association (IBCA) recently announced the hiring of Dawn Davis, Acton, Ind., as the executive assistant and special events coordinator.

She will be coordinating the activities of Cattlemen’s Club during the Indiana State Fair, the Hoosier Beef Congress, IBCA’s annual convention, and the INDIANA BEEF magazine and IBCA leaders .

Julia A. Wickard, IBCA’s executive vice president, said, “(Davis’) passion for agriculture and leadership capacity is a great fit for Indiana’s beef industry, and we are very fortunate to have her experience at IBCA.”

Davis, originally from North Vernon, Ind., most recently served as the development specialist for the Indiana FFA Foundation. She was the client relations coordinator and marketing director for the Indiana FFA Leadership Center and later served as its director. Davis also gained valuable experience by serving as the office assistant for the Indiana State Poultry Assoc. during her senior year at Purdue University.

Davis is active in the Indiana Young Farmers Association and is currently serving as the state president. She is the 2006 Star Placement Award recipient for her work with Indiana FFA. Davis serves as a coordinator for the National FFA Organization’s Agriculture Sales CDE.

Indiana dairy producer earns production honors
LANSING, Mich. — Four dairy producers recently were honored with awards as a result of high production records completed with NorthStar Cooperative’s DHI Services in 2005. Awards were presented at the cooperative’s district stockowner meetings and DHI local meetings.

Mike Oesch of Middlebury, Ind. is the recipient of the Highest Protein Breed Herd by Dollar Value award. His heard of 20 Jersey cows earned the award with a rolling herd average of 20,786 pounds of milk, 1,022 pounds of fat, 711 pounds of protein and $3,690 dollar value.

Other winners included Leon Van Loon, owner of Mibelloon Dairy in St. Louis, Mich. He was named the 2005 Progressive Dairy Producer of the Year.

Tim and Sandy Ver Hage, Allegan, Mich., are the recipients of the High 365-Day Dollar Value Holstein Herd Average Award. The Highest 305-Day Milk Holstein Herd Average award was earned by David and Sally Bivens of Ladine Farms, Bellevue, Mich. Ken Vanpolen, Marion, Mich., earned the award for the Lowest Somatic Cell Count Herd Average.

This farm news was published in the April 5, 2006 issue of Farm World.