A National Show grown from the roots of tradition and blossoming with homegrown champions, friends helping friends and stiff competition at the top describes the week of events surrounding the junior show, judging contest, Holstein sale and the Holstein and Jersey shows held recently in Stillwater, Oklahoma. In the Jersey open show both the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion were bred and owned by the exhibitor and in the Holstein open show, the Grand Champion was bred and owned by the exhibitor. The cows followed the tradition set by this year’s Junior Champion Holstein as she too was bred and owned by the exhibitor.
Looking at the Southern National it appears to be an island in the sea of intertwined shows and sales that take place elsewhere. Lost in the mix of spring dairy events but found to be one of the best of the bunch. The weight of the event is carried by many but the real work horses producing results lay at the efforts of three individuals. Bobby Griggs, David Jones and Todd Mason spearhead this independent group of breeders and much of the credit for the success of this event is shared among them. Their supporting cast in Kate Geppert, Angie Meyers, Leanne Bowman, Bruce Tencleve, Norman Bayless, Henry Zapalac, Brad Chapman, Jeff Shenk, Cody Mitchel, Tim Ewing, Stacy Dohle, Sheiley Haley, Janine Thompson and Jaree Wike, are the people who make the show run smoothly.
The Oklahoma State Sale held Friday was one of the best sales for this area in a long time. With the World Champion Team Penner and Auctioneer Gary Estes handling the gavel and Alan Dykshorn the pedigree duties, the sale staff started strong and gained momentum as the sale progressed. An interesting side note to the sale is the fact that this year’s Intermediate Champion Holstein sold through last year’s sale and the Reserve Champion Holstein Female sold through this year’s sale. A remarkable fact that cannot be duplicated by any other sale or event, it points to the quality of consignments and the determination of the breeders within the area to consign their best.
The COBA crew, Rodney Wegener, Walter Bloom and Brad Unrau, were up early every morning with coffee and donuts for the exhibitors which is shadowed only by the tremendous exhibitor dinner held on Wednesday and the Friday night banquet for all attending.
Chad Ryan of Wisconsin, judge for the open shows in both Holstein and Jersey, did an outstanding job of placing the classes and the “breeder connection” he brought to the show ring was like none other I have ever witnessed. Jeff Brown, judge of the junior show on Thursday, set the standard with what I understand was another outstanding endeavor to add to the prestige the Southern National is rapidly developing.
The National Holstein Association sent their best as Jenny Iley, area Holstein representative and the talented Jodi Hoyoski assumed the role of overseeing the event in a smooth and professional manner completed one of the most impressive and well organized events to be held in this area.
Friendly people mixed with southern hospitality and the comfort of feeling like one of the family, the Southern National once again proved that good cows and good breeders are all that is needed to create an event to be remembered.