Submitted photo by Ruth Klossner Alex Schroeder’s detailed work on his “The Basics of Embryo Transfer” display earned him a first place award in the scientific category of the folding display board contest at the recent National Holstein Convention.

More than a dozen Nicollet County Holstein Association members attended the National Holstein Convention June 27-July 1 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Even though the convention was held in another state, it was hosted by the Minnesota Holstein Association, which also Holstein enthusiasts from South Dakota.

About 700 adults and youths from across the country attended. Work on the convention started well ahead of time for three Nicollet County women who served on overall convention committees. Ashley Swenson of Nicollet served on the Executive Committee and was the sponsorship chair, successfully raising more than $300,000 toward the event. Megan (Herberg) Hahn of St. Peter was a Farm Promotions co-chair and Michele Schroeder of Courtland was the Publicity chair.

In addition to her other roles, Swenson was one of three candidates for the Holstein USA at-large director position.

Schroeder provided history display items, set up and decorated the junior dairy bar, and was a photographer for the Wednesday Southern Scenes tour.

Other Nicollet County members taking active roles at the convention were Jean, Matthias and Leif Annexstad of Norseland, Jacob Pehrson of St. Peter, and Ruth Klossner of Bernadotte.

Jean Annexstad was a judge for the junior division speech contest and hosted the junior dairy bar.

Pehrson, as a state youth adviser, was especially busy. He worked with convention registration and set up, organized, and conducted various youth events throughout the week. Matthias and Leif assisted with many of those events.

Klossner submitted historical photos ahead of time, provided items for the history display and was a convention photographer.

Junior members from Nicollet County — Jasenko Gavranovic of New Ulm and Alex Schroeder of Courtland — were recognized in youth programs.

Gavranovic was one of 12 semifinalists selected ahead of time as semi-finalists for the Holstein Association USA’s 2022 Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) Awards–the highest honor awarded to juniors, ages 17-21, in recognition of their commitment to the Holstein breed and their involvement in a variety of agriculture-related activities. Established in 1922, the DJM contest is the longest running Holstein youth program.

Attending the convention with Gavranovic was Hannah Nelson of New Ulm.

Schroeder was a top winner in the junior contests, taking first place in the Folding Display Contest, Junior Division (9-13 year-olds)–winning a plaque and a $100 cash prize. Entrants created a free-standing folding display board on a topic relating to the dairy industry.

As marketing and communications manager with Holstein USA, Emily Annexstad of Norseland was involved with all aspects of the convention.