Holstein Enthusiasts Take on Michigan - Host Day

After a strong day of Junior competitions, Sunday is National Convention Host Day. Guests could choose one of five tour options, each offering a unique opportunity to explore Michigan’s shore.

The first option took Convention goers through the rolling woods to the heart of Northern Michigan’s Holsteins for the farm tours. Farm stops include Ber-Sher Farms where they currently farm 450 acres of corn and hay and milk 220 Registered Holsteins in a double-eight parlor. They have a 30,000-pound RHA and have bred 11 Excellent cows. The Brunink family of Hidden Hills Dairy welcomed us to see their new double 20 parallel parlor built in 2016 for their 950-cow dairy. Hidden Hills Dairy has bred several bulls for AI and several high genomic females. Bosscher Dairy is home to 275 Holsteins and farms 1,200 acres. They have a herd average of 26,900 pounds of milk and a double-12 Herringbone parlor. Bosscher Dairy hosted lunch with an additional showcase of outstanding cows from breeders around the state. A visit to Yonkman Dairy to see their 40-cow carousel parlor with a robotic post milking-teat sprayer rounded out the tour. Their herd consists of 750 Registered Holsteins with a herd average of 28,320 pounds of milk.

Brunink Family: Tony Brunink, Bridgett Brunink, Brian Brunink, Tarin Brunink, Brittany Brunink, Sherry Meyer, Kristi Brunink

Ber-Sher Dairy: Preslie Mejia, Manuel Mejia, Amberly Mejia, Braelynn Mejia , Braelynn Mejia, Ron Brinks, Riley Brinks, Bernard Brinks, Shirley Brinks, Nick Brinks, Reuben Rivera, Finley Rivera,Kenda Rivera and Hadley Rivera

Bosscher  Dairy:  Mike  Bosscher, farm owner, and Joe Kulhawick, herdsman and partner 

Yonkman Family: Lucas Yonkman, Molly Pluger, BJ Pluger, Sammy Pluger, Lia Pluger, Miley Pluger, Denise and Sam  Yonkman 

Other tour options included “Leelanau Peninsula and Tall Ship Excursion,” “Leelanau Peninsula and Catamaran Cruise,” “Float the Platte River and Experience Sleeping Bear Dunes Tour,” and “Sleeping Bear Dunes Sightseeing and Activities Tour.”

The evening was rounded out with a Holstein Block Party. This event featured dueling pianos, outdoor inflatables, and games. Midwest Dueling Pianos offered interactive, wildly entertaining music and a comedy dueling piano show. Juniors of all ages had fun in the bouncy house, climbed the rock wall, and got stuck to the Velcro wall. Some even made their way through the obstacle course. There was something for everybody and most importantly a chance to enjoy a reunion with our Holstein friends.

Monday is sure to be action packed with the start of the 133rd Annual Meeting, Dairy Bowl competition and the National Sale! Be sure to check back for updates.