Illini Dairy Club Pipeline

2002-2003

Rod Stoll

Rod Stoll, in his third term, works as Director of Development for the Illinois 4-H Foundation and the College of ACES at the University of Illinois. As an alumnus of both 4-H and the College of ACES, Rod was an 11-year 4-H'er in Logan County and earned a dairy science degree from the University of Illinois in 1989. Rod has a passion for youth development. Besides serving as an advisor to the Illini Dairy Club, Rod facilitates LeaderShape Institutes at other campuses, is an advisor to Nabor House Fraternity, moderates the annual National Holstein Dairy Quiz Bowl contest, works as a high school basketball official, and is a longtime volunteer with the Hugh O'Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership program.

Rod worked for seven years with Monsanto in the commercialization and sales of Posilac bovine somatotropin (bST) in territories based in Burlington, Vermont; Ithaca, New York and Madison, Wisconsin. Having spent the last five years as Director of Development with the College of ACES Office of Advancement, Rod is an alumnus of the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program and owns 40 registered Holsteins (mostly descendants of his 4-H dairy project herd) housed at a dairy in Woodstock, Illinois.

Dr. Walter Hurley

Dr. Hurley is in his second year as an advisor to the club. Growing up in Maryland and receiving his bachelor's from the University of Maryland, Dr. Hurley earned his Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky. He is primarily focused on research in the area of mammary gland biology. Dr. Hurley is involved in undergraduate and graduate teaching through his lactation biology courses AnSci 308, as well as the lactation portion of the Reproduction 231 class. In addition, he has donated his time to assist in the production of the Illini Dairy Club's homepage. We are privileged to have Dr. Hurley as our advisor for another term, and appreciate all of the time that he has given to the club.

Dr. Roger Shanks

Dr. Roger Shanks has joined the ranks of club advisor again after a ten year break. Dr. Shanks received his B.S. Degree in Agricultural Sciences from the University of Illinois and received his M.S. and Ph.D. in Dairy Cattle Breeding with a minor in statistics from Iowa State University. Dr. Shanks is a professor of dairy genetics. We greatly appreciate Dr. Shanks expertise in scoring judging cards and look forward to working with him in the future.

The Illinois State Fair this year was an exciting one to say the least; I was in charge! We made it through without too many hitches though. There were some squabbles about who was showing cattle a half hour before the show, which turned out to be me without white pants which led me on a quick trip to Big R, and who was willing to milk through-out the night to get the Gene's udders just right, again, it may have been me. And no, I don't mean "Gene's udders". But truthfully, I could not have done it without the other club members that came to help. Amanda Tiedemann and Lou Kutzler were amazing. Of course Gene was there, through his nasty cold that he had, winking at the women as usual.

A ton of people came through as they normally do even though it was rainy for a few days and cool for another few. Money was to be made and kids were to be pleased. We had Secretary of Agriculture Joe Hampton come through this year. I have to tell you, he was kind of a chicken when it came down to it. The state fair queen came through too. She was fearless and good lookin' to say the least!

It is kind of funny to think back over the past three years that I have gone to the state fair with the Illini Dairy Club. I was there for my 20th, my 21st, and 22nd birthdays. Seen a lot of people year after year. It is amazing how you remember people that way. The funny kid that thinks the teat looks like something else... and his father who agrees with him. The woman that is scared to touch it in fear that it will hurt the cow and is so apologetic to ol' 840 I was embarrassed for her, and then, that group of cheerleaders that milk a cow every year as a "unity thing".

State fair is more than all this for us though. It is about educating the public, anyone that is willing to listen and learn what the dairy industry is about and how it affects them. That is what the Illini Dairy Club is all about, well that and having tons of fun no matter where we are, including the Illinois State Fair.

Adam W. Drinkall
State Fair Chairman, 2002

As one looks back on their experiences as a member of a collegiate judging team, several things come to mind; the long van rides, giving sets of reasons at any place imaginable, looking at some of the finest cattle across the state and nation to practice, and of course those conversations with team members and Gene. This year proved to be the same and although there were only five judging team members, the solid tradition of Illinois dairy judging continued. Team members including Jeff Wilson, Brent Pollard, Tara Bohnert, Becky Meyer, and Matt Heisner and Coaches Gene McCoy and Dave Miller practiced at around 30 herds in Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Indiana to prepare for three National Contests.

On September 23, Brent, Jeff, Tara, and Becky along with Gene headed to Pennsylvania for the All-American Dairy show for the first contest of the year. As a team, they were 9th overall placing 2nd in Ayrshires, 4th in Brown Swiss, 3rd in Holsteins, and 2nd in linear. Individually Becky Meyer was 5th in Jerseys and 5th in linear evaluation. Brent Pollard was 4th in linear evaluation.

The next contest was the National Intercollegiate Contest held at the World Dairy Expo on October 1. After a day's work of judging 12 classes and giving 6 sets of reasons, the team headed to the awards banquet to be announced as placing 8th out of 27 teams. Overall they were 7th in reasons, 3rd in Red and White's 4th in Brown Swiss, 5th in Guernseys, 5th in Holsteins, 15th in Jerseys, 12th in Milking Shorthorns, and 11th in Linear. Individually, Becky Meyer earned All-American status as she placed 7th overall. Tara Bohnert was 19th in Ayrshires, 11th in Brown Swiss, 6th in Guernseys, and 14th in reasons. Brent Pollard finished 18th in Brown Swiss, 13th in Holsteins, 14th in Red and Whites, and 12th in linear evaluation. Jeff Wilson was 6th in Jerseys, 12th in Milking Shorthorns, 3rd in Red and Whites, and 11th in linear evaluation.

The final contest of the judging season was on November 10 at the North American Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky. Team members included Brent Pollard, Jeff Wilson, Becky Meyer, and Matt Heisner. The team ended up 5th out of 18 teams placing 3rd in Ayrshires, 7th in Holsteins, 4th in reasons, and 1st in Jerseys. Individually, Becky Meyer was 6th in reasons, 8th in Ayrshires, 8th in Holsteins, 5th in Jerseys, 6th in reasons for a 6th place finish overall. Jeff Wilson was 2nd in Jerseys, and 18th overall. Brent Pollard was 13th in Ayrshires, 17th in Jerseys, and 17th in reasons.

The team and coaches wish to thank the many breeders who made cattle available to practice judging. They included Dement Jerseys, Steve Irwin and family, Doug Murray, George Halpin, Rock-I Farms, Bill Olbrich and family, Bob and Craig Miller, Zehr Family, Mark Erdman, Bohnert Family, Carrousel Farm, the Meinert family, Sunshine Genetics, Hoard's Farm, Barlass Jerseys, Connie and Neal Turley, R-Homestead Farm, Ron Paaske, Nolandale Brown Swiss, Erbsen Family, Dan Schweigert and Family, Borchardt's Ayrshires, Ray and Ken Ropp and Family, Graves Family, and Top Acres Brown Swiss.

The annual Illini Dairy Club Fall Call Out was held in September in 131 Animal Sciences Lab. This event kicked off another exciting year for the Illini Dairy Club. It gave returning members a chance to catch up on summer happenings and introduced potential members to the fun opportunities awaiting them in the dairy club. President Melissa Rice started the meeting and the executive officers followed with a slide picture presentation about the events that happen throughout the year. Officers also shared their responsibilities and encouraged others to participate on a committee or an event. Questions were answered and the evening concluded with a dairy club meeting tradition: milk, cookies, and ice cream.

Once again the Illini Dairy Club held its annual Cow Olympics at its October meeting at the University Dairy Farm. Several old and new members showed up for a jam packed evening of fun and games. Teams were chosen and the competition began.

The first event of the evening was the wheelbarrow race. Strategies were developed on who would push who and the event began. Following the wheelbarrow race members took part in the ever so enjoyable bale toss. With the use of Rod Stoll's paces as a measuring device the event was set to begin. All different throwing methods were used and it's yet to be determined which one works the best. Next with the assistance of the university cows, the milking contest was set to begin. Fortunately this year no buckets of milk were kicked over. The last event of the evening was the butter toss. It's a good thing it was still light outside as club members set the record breaking distances this year.

Prizes were awarded to all participants as everyone who works hard is a winner. Thanks to the Midwest Dairy Association and Department of Animal Sciences for donating this year's prizes. After an evening of great fun and a little competition, members enjoyed pizza, cookies and milk during the business meeting. We all left happy with full stomachs!

A new ACES tradition was started this year with the first annual College of ACES Barnyard Olympics. Sponsored by the Hoof N Horn Club, this event brought together several college organizations for a night of friendly competition. The dairy club was represented in fine fashion as we had two teams participate. Team one consisted of Charlie Lenkaitis, Becky Meyer, Jen Meier, and Adam Drinkall. Team two consisted of Amanda Tiedemann, Kristi Grindey, Andy Lenkaitis, Kathy Dauderman and Jessica Plocher.

The evening's events included pie eating, milk chugging (from a baby bottle), a bale stack, shovel pull, wheel barrow race, and calf roping. In the grand scheme of things, results don't really matter, but after a little tampering of the scores, team one and team two were 4th and 5th, respectively. While much of the crowd assumed the dairy club members were under the influence, they were instead introduced to the tremendous amount of laughter that comes by being a dairy club member especially in the presence of Charlie Lenkaitis.

Last year a new tradition was started at the December meeting. We decided to have a Christmas party and since it went over so well, we did it again this year. After the business meeting and election of new officers, club members participated in a festive holiday evening. Christmas cookies, milk, and ice cream were enjoyed by all. A white elephant gift exchange followed with very unique gifts finding new homes. It was a great way to end the year and celebrate the upcoming holiday and break from school.

New Zealand, also known as Godzone or God's own country, is just that: A place filled with beautiful landscape, kind people and, of course, huge, green pastures filled with sheep and dairy cows. The 10 day trip to the North Island of the country was an unforgettable and educational experience. It provided insight to the different methods of dairy farming outside the United States from looking at farms and other areas relating to the dairy industry.

While in New Zealand, the group of about 20 students as well as professor, a university vet and many others involved with the dairy industry, visited farms galore ranging from only about 50 cows to over 500. Along with these farms, a heifer raising facility was toured, a calf-rearing farm, an artificial insemination company, a local veterinarian business, and no trip would be complete without a few visits to various tourist attractions.

Most of the time, the group stayed at the Albert Park Motor Lodge in Te Awamutu, a small town with approximately 10,000 residents. From there, we traveled each morning to different farms in the area. At night, individuals would indulge themselves in football games on the local rugby field, or dine at the different pubs within the town. Needless to say, the group definitely made an impression on the residents of Te Awamutu, and a positive one at that.

Aside from Te Awamutu, two nights were spent in Totorua, located on the Northeastern side of the North Island. Here, a trip was made to the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute to get a taste of the local natives of the island. In addition t this, other areas of tourism were visited including The Buried Village, an area known for a town buried under volcanic ash.

Finally, the last few nights of the trip were spent in the beautiful Bay of Islands, on the northern most part of the island. It gave everyone the chance to relax and reflect on the week they had spent. Although the trip was only ten days, much was learned from the dairy farms and other areas visited on the island and everyone had a great vacation. It was truly easy to see why New Zealand is called Godzone; The people, culture and scenery make it one of the most breathtaking places on earth and leave a memory that will never be forgotten.

Lizzy French

This year the Illini Dairy Club decided to play co-ed intramural volleyball. We played four gams, and ended with a record of 2-2, not bad for a bunch of farm kids! Those that joined the Bump Set Milk team were Jessica Plocher, Jen Meier, Amanda Moffitt, Amanda Tiedemann, Elizabeth French, Becky Meyer, Kristi Grindey, Brent Pollard, Charlie Lenkaitis, and Any Lenkaitis. It was definitely a fun time had by all. We were able to enjoy winning by a lot, and then being on the other end and losing by a lot. Team shirts were made by Connie Plocher, who graciously donated the shirts and her time, thank you!

The threat of snow and ice wasn't enough to keep 25 members of the Illini Dairy Club from traveling to Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa for the 2003 American Dairy Science Student-Affiliated Division Regional Meeting, held on February 14 and 15. Along the trip to Ames, the members got the opportunity to tour the Blood Dairy Farm of State Center, Iowa, where 1200 Holsteins are milked three times a day. Friday night festivities included a hypnotist demonstration with help from Carrie Timmerman, karaoke contest, and the ever-popular dance.

Business was quickly launched on Saturday with the annual meeting and office elections. The vote for hosting the 2004 ADSA-SAD was given to Purdue. Following the meeting, the group got the opportunity to check out a career fair before continuing on to a Bachelor/Bachelorette competition, which was run as a spinoff of the TV hit, Survivor. Bachelorette Heather Siddens got her choice of Midwestern dairy club men, including our very own Marc Hilgendorf, Andy Lenkaitis, and Gene McCoy - all of which lost her favor in the end. Two more bachelorettes, Kathy Dauderman and Kasey Pruemer, unsuccessfully fought against other dairy club women for their own bachelor with original song and dance. A variety of workshops were then offered, including Dairy Jeopardy, embryo transferring, and milking procedures, which the students could attend.

After a short trip back to the hotel, the Quiz Bowl Competition began. The Senior team, consisting of Adam Drinkall, Kristi Grindey, Jen Meier, and Brent Pollard, captured first place after defeating the University of Wisconsin-Madision team in the final round. The Junior team of Marc Hilgendorf, Andy Lenkaitis, Jessica Plocher, and Carrie Timmerman received third place. A formal banquet, hosted by Cargill, was held Saturday evening with guest speakers and club recognitions. In proud ADSA-style, the evening was completed with a dance. Once again battling the elements, the Illini Dairy Club set off for Champaign early Sunday morning after an exciting and sleepless weekend in Iowa.

Jessica Plocher 2003
ADSA Trip Co-Chair

The Illini Dairy Club helped people "put the squeeze" on a cow with their annual Milk-A-Cow booth at the College of ACES Open House, held in the Stock Pavilion on March 14-15, 2003.

Adults and children alike could not wait to try their hand at milking a Jersey cow. They received a carton of milk donated by Prairie Farms and a button for their efforts. The club saw more than 1,200 people come through the booth, and it brought in over $600 during the two days.

The Milk-A-Cow booth is a favorite activity of the dairy club because it enables all members to get involved, whether they help through setting up, cleaning up or running the booth. Members also set up a display board about the club and its activities and a board explaining the dairy breeds, the dairy industry and how milk gets from the cow to the consumer. This year, the club also handed out brochures and items about the One-A-Day campaign, which is aimed to teach consumers that they need three helpings of dairy every day.

The ACES Open House is an excellent opportunity for the Illini Dairy Club to interact with the public and promote themselves and the dairy industry.

Rachel Muehling, Co-Chair

Through the years it has been said that the name of Illini Nellie is more widely known than that of any other person connected with the University - that she has, in fact, done ore to bring the name of the University of Illinois to the attention of people here and abroad than any other person. While this may be hard to believe with all those that have come and gone since Illini Nellie, she still remains as Illini's greatest contribution to the dairy industry. It is fitting that the University of Illinois and the Department of Animal Sciences again honored Illini Nellie this year. A presentation was held in conjunction with the PDCA Calf Sale, followed by the sale of Illini Danker C Bountiful, one of Illini Nellie's descendants. The plaque presented will be placed near Illini Nellie's grave on the lawn of the University of Illinois Dairy Farm. Illini Nellie is remembered as a majestic dairy cow that was born, made a world record for both milk and butterfat, produced four sons and four daughters, and brought pride to her name as well as the University of Illinois.

Illini Nellie November 16, 1927 - November 19, 1940
Lifetime production - 194,665 lbs of milk, 7,498 lbs of butterfat
Illini Nellie held the following world records for the Brown Swiss breed:
World record for milk in 365 day lactation - 29,569.5
World record for fat in 365 day lactation - 1,200.41
World record for milk in 5 lactations - 117,876 lbs
World record for butterfat in first five consecutive lactations - 4,539 lbs
Youngest cow to produce 5,000 lbs of butterfat - age 9 years, 2 months, 20 days
Youngest cow to produce 125,000 lbs of milk - age 9 years, 17 days
World record for breed for a single day's milk - 106.3 lbs
World record for breed for 30 days milk - 3,154 lbs

While these are impressive numbers even in today's industry, imagine this feat occurring 75 years ago.

On Saturday April 5, 2003, the University of Illinois historic Round Barns were home to the Illinois PDCA Calf Sale. Although the wind almost blew everyone away, the event was enjoyed by all. The highlight of the sale was a ceremony to recognize Illini Nellie, Illinois' greatest Brown Swiss.

As in previous years, the club members had a full plate in preparing the 41 animals for the sale. The work began Friday afternoon as animals began to arrive and club members got started washing, clipping, and taking general care of the new arrivals. Members spent the evening enjoying pizza and beverages, while still working to finish clipping animals for the next day.

The morning arrived with little rest and the work began again. Members were responsible for operating the food stand, preparing and leading cattle, and caring for the animals. Fortunately, the sale went off without a hitch.

The five breed sale averaged $1,433.54. Individual averages were: Ayrshire (4) $1125.00; Brown Swiss (6) $1,837.50; Milking Shorthorn (2) $1,137.50; Jersey (9) $1,022.23; Holstein (20) $1,588.75.

The Illini Dairy Club would like to thank the Illinois PDCA, the consignors, and the buyers for creating another successful sale. We look forward to the opportunity to work with the great breeders in the state of Illinois during the weekend.

On Saturday, April 26, 2003 at the University of Illinois dairy farm, the Illini Dairy Club held its annual Dairy Cattle Judging Contest. Although its referred to as the Senior Judging Contest by the club, all members of the club, not just seniors, play a role to make the contest a success. Club members had spent the entire week before the contest washing, clipping, and breaking cattle to lead for the contest and the upcoming State FFA Judging Contest also held at the Dairy Farm.

The contest began with registration at 8:30, and 22 collegiate contestants beginning the grueling task of placing the eight classes that would follow the rest of the day and giving four sets of reasons later in the afternoon. Dairy science faculty members received the pleasure of leading the cattle for the contest. Twenty 4-H members from all over the state also participated in the contest and their division of the contest began on class number five giving them four classes to judge and two sets of reasons to give later to Dave Fischer and Mike Hutjens.

The eight classes were divided into one Holstein heifer class, four Holstein cow classes, one Jersey heifer class, and two Jersey cow classes. Steve Irwin, a Holstein breeder and former University of Illinois Dairy Judging Team member from Beason, placed the classes for the day. Special thanks goes to Steve for taking time our of his spring planting schedule to help us with our contest. The University of Illinois farm crew also deserves recognition for their help caring for the cows and their help getting them broke for the contest and to all of the members of the Illini Dairy Club especially Kristi Grindey, Jen Meier, and Melissa Rice. Without all of their help, our contest would not have been such a success.

In the 4-H contest, the top placings score went to Jessica Telgmann of Strasburg with a score of 196 out of 200! Julie Drendel of Hampshire matched her feats of last year's contest in the youth division by averaging a 45 on her reasons classes and totaling 273 points, 11 points ahead of Melinda Kollmann who placed second in the contest.

In the collegiate division, the contest was close throughout the entire day and the contest was not decided until the last card from the "reasons takers" was in. In the placings division, first through third were Joe Mills from St. Charles (379 points), Andy Lenkaitis from St. Charles (375), and Lora Ruppert from Nokomis (374). For reasons scores, the top three individuals were Andy Lenkaitis (192), Lora Ruppert (186), and Marc Hilgendorf of Donovan (179). Overall in the contest, Jessica Plocher from Highland was fifth (52), Amanda Tiedemann from Belleville was fourth (537), and Marc Hilgendorf was third (545).

Both Andy Lenkaitis and Lora Ruppert had realized during the banquet while the results and scores were being read that t it would be a tight race for the top spot in the contest. Andy was the high individual with 567 points edging Lora by 7 points who had a score of 560. Congratulations to all of the contestants who competed as they all did a wonderful job and we hope they all compete again next year.

Brent Pollard

Most of the year, the Dairy Club spends their time engaging themselves in their long list of club activities. Nonetheless, they are able to get out of their "play" clothes and enjoy an evening together to recognize many achievements at the annual Illini Dairy Club Banquet. This year's banquet was held at the Park Inn. Close to 100 people gathered together to celebrate the dairy club and member achievements.

Following the meal, the banquet began with comments from both Neal Merchen , Head of the Department of Animal Sciences, and Dr. Robert Easter, Dean of the College of ACES. Those present at the banquet were shown a picture presentation compiled by Becky Meyer which showcased the past year's activities. Many awards were presented to the members or future members of the dairy club and Gene McCoy reported on a wonderful season with the judging team.

A highlight of many dairy club banquets is the announcement of the dedication of the Pipeline. A well-deserving recipient, Dr. Jimmy Clark, was in much shock when he was honored this year. He was presented with a framed Bonnie Mohr print for all of his hard work and dedication to the dairy club and departments of dairy and animal science over the years.

A new occurrence at the dairy club banquet sparked some laughter at the closing of the banquet. Marla Behrends of the Midwest Dairy Association donated a basket full of "Got Milk" and "Behold the Power of Cheese" goodies to the dairy club. Rod Stoll, senior advisor, had the task of auctioneering off the basket to the crowd. All proceeds from the auction went towards the Illini Dairy Club. With Rod's obscure auctioneering tactics, the basket was sold for $444.00. Thanks to Charlie for purchasing, Marla for donating and Rod for lending his "talents"! The banquet was the end to an enjoyable day.

The following awards were presented:
Outstanding Sophomore - Andy Lenkaitis
Outstanding Seniors - Brent Pollard, Becky Ann Meyer
PDCA Book Award - Kristi Grindey
Illini Dairy Club Scholarships
- Sophomores Jessica Plocher and Kathy Dauderman
- Junior Amy Taylor
Leo Fryman Leadership Award - Becky Ann Meyer
Dairy Shrine Student Recognition - Brent Pollard
Woodson Award - Brent Pollard
Gerhard Harpestad Award - Julie Drendel, Craig Bauman
Ralph Johnson Award - Julie Drendel, Ryan Aberle
Jerry Cash Memorial Awards
- Collegiate - Becky Ann Meyer
- 4-H - Julie Drendel

Where are they now? Alumni Update.

Over the years, the Illini Dairy Club has continued to be one of the most active student organizations on the University of Illinois campus. This is due to the support of the faculty and staff, dairy enthusiasts across the state and the members that come and go from year to year. I thought it was time that we dedicate at least one article in the Pipeline to those who have come before and left their mark.

This year's featured Alumnus is Dan Burrow from Altamont, Illinois. Dan was a club member from 1968-1972 and was even the first co-editor of the Pipeline in 1971 with Phyllis (Chase) Gillis. Dan can be found on the front page of the 1971 Pipeline with his judging team which won the National Contest in 1970. While the national contest has since moved from Columbus, Ohio to Madison, Wisconsin the time, effort, and pure skill needed to capture the crown remains the same. Congratulations are in order for Dan and his team mates, Bernie Heisner (who was high individual), Phil Laesch, and alternates Robert Butler, Larry Pearson, and Gaylord Spilker. They were coached by J.G. Cash. Besides being a member of the judging team, Dan also kept busy participating in club activities and going to class. He mentioned Reproduction, Physiology, and of course dairy judging class as his favorites.

Fortunately Marilyn Mollet was able to catch Dan's attention and the two were married in 1973. Together they have been dairy farming for 31 years. First in partnership with Dan's parents, Norman and Dorothy Burrow, and in 1993 the farm incorporated to include Dan and Marilyn's children John, Bethany, and Gretchen. John has since graduated from Eastern Illinois University and farms full time. Bethany graduated from the U of I where she majored in nursing and was a dairy club member. She currently works at Carle Foundation Hospital in Champaign. Gretchen graduated from Concordia University and enlightens the minds of first graders at Trinity Lutheran School in Bloomington. "Although the girls aren't on the farm full time, they love to come home and help every chance they get," says Dan. Currently Dan and his family milk 130 registered Holstein cows and farm 350 acres.

Dan notes the biggest change he has seen over the years is "The disappearance of the small family farm and the popularity of larger dairies and the equipment it takes to get the milking done." As Dan reflected on the last 31 years farming he feels fortunate to have had a good living and raised a family to appreciate country living. In the future he will continue to do the same and hopefully see better milk prices and a solid market for bred heifers. Of course he is also hopeful in breeding that All-American Holstein!

Dan's advice to others, "Enjoy the moment and make as many relationships with fellow classmates as possible."