Brenda’s Letter – As Published in the 2024 Sept / Oct Ohio Holstein News
70th National Holstein Futurity Entry Form at the conclusion of this post.
Dear Holstein Breeder,
The National Holstein Futurity held annually at the Ohio State Fair has a longstanding reputation of elegance, pageantry and excitement like no other livestock class. It is the hope moving forward that we can continue this tradition began by Greta Cummings. It is her vision that Mary Lou Topp has continued and now it is my turn to work to take us into the future.
Unfortunately, with the declining registered cow numbers in the state, the National Holstein Futurity has not been able to fund the prize money that has long been the tradition. Therefore, we are forced to find alternative methods to fund this show to continue in the excellence to which we are accustomed, and to increase class entries.
There was a discussion amongst many of you at the state convention about how we need to move forward to continue the legacy of this show. We think that paying based on farm size for a blanket entry for all animals carrying that farm’s prefix each year may be the easiest and most profitable. This blanket payment will pay the full entry for each heifer bred by that farm born that year. This will ease the paperwork of entering each individual animal, as well as increase the number of entries to the show at the fair. You never know which Holstein female on your farm may be right to show as a 3-year-old!
The farm size blanket entry schedule is:
Less than 50 lactating cows – $150/year
50-100 cows – $300/year
100-150 cows – $450/year
150-200 cows – $600/year
200-300 cows – $750/year
Greater than 300 cows – $1000/year
The option will remain to pay the “old way” and enter each individual animal at $3/head for the first payment or a $30 one-time payment. This is the method that partnership animals or animals purchased from a non-participating farm will continue to enter their heifers.
Another source of revenue will be donations. If there are interested parties that do not show cattle or simply want to help keep the futurity thriving, we would be happy to accept and recognize their donation. This year, we began an adult showmanship as a fundraiser. The class was held immediately following the Futurity. It was $10 to enter the showmanship class and $20 to opt out and $100 to the winner. It is safe to say that fun was had by all! Plans are to continue this fundraiser and continue to be creative in finding new revenue for the National Holstein Futurity.
Just as a reminder, heifers born this year will be eligible to show in the 70th National Holstein Futurity! There is much pride associated with the National Holstein Futurity as it is a true “breeder’s class”. It is my hope that our Ohio Holstein Breeders will unite to continue the greatest tradition of Holstein futurities.
Best, Brenda Ramsey-L’Amoreaux DVM
New Futurity Entry Form – As Published in the 2024 September / October Ohio Holstein News. This has the explaination of the new method of entry, as well as the “old” method, still very usable and relevant for all herds!