BOTKINS — An Anna High School sophomore was crowned the 2018 princess of the Shelby County Dairyman’s Association during their annual banquet, Thursday, March 8.
Also, a state dairy official updated those gathered on industry trends.
More than 100 people attended the gathering held at The Palazzo in Botkins.
Lauren Barhorst, 16, will reign as the group’s royal representative for the next year, including at the Shelby County Fair. She is the daughter of Keith and Karen Barhorst, of Anna.
She was crowned by last year’s princess, Elizabeth Pestke.
Barhorst is on the school’s honor roll and a member of the McCartyville Producers 4-H Club. She also participates in basketball, volleyball, track, FFA, FCCLA, book club, Sacred Heart Church youth group, student council, SAAD, French club, chess club, Eco Warrior and the school musical.
She wrote, “I have lived on a dairy farm my entire life and come from a long line of dairy farmers on both sides. I’ve helped with daily milking and feeding since before I can even remember.
“Having this much background in dairy, I can relay this information to others who are unfamiliar with the dairy industry, so they can better understand what the dairy industry is; what exactly a dairy farmer does daily; and how it impacts their lives in ways they might better understand.”
Allison Ryan, of Sugarcreek, communications manager of the American Dairy Association Mideast, spoke of new opportunities for sales in the milk industry. Based in Columbus, Ryan represents dairy farmers in Ohio and West Virginia.
Displaying statistics, Ryan said the dairy industry is “closing the gap” on the amount of milk produced and the number of gallons lost in the food-consumer industries.
She explained that years ago, dairy farmers exported just 3 percent of their products worldwide. It’s now grown to 15 percent with a goal of 20 percent within reach. Nationally, 7 percent of all dairy produced is consumed in schools. She noted schools’ partnership with the NFL to promote exercise for students.
Ryan said many fast food partners have found healthier ways to incorporate dairy into their menus. She pointed to low fat milk products, a wider use of cheese and better consumer education regarding wise use of dairy as important steps.
She spoke of McDonald’s restaurants’ recently removing chocolate milk from their Happy Meal offering. However, the company is beginning to “re-formulate” the chocolate milk into a healthier drink with hopes to soon re-introduce it as a better option.
The Shelby County association also recognized the top-ranked dairy operations in three categories.
The top farms for average energy corrected milk (ECM) were Wehrland Farms Inc., of Fort Loramie, with 29,376 pounds; Trio Farms Inc., of Botkins, with 26,916 pounds; and Steve and Marlene Steinke, of Anna, with 26,592 pounds.
The most improved herds for ECM were Sugar Knoll Holsteins LLC, of Jackson Center, with an improvement of 1,033 pounds; DeLoye Jerseys, of Fort Loramie, with 960 pounds; and Wehrland Farms Inc., of Fort Loramie.
The top herds for lowest average somatic cell count were Schafer Dairy Farm Inc., of Russia, with 109; Steve and Marlene Steinke, of Anna, with 128; and DeLoye Jerseys, of Fort Loramie, with 134.
President Marlene Steinke reported the group had provided 308 three-gallon containers of ice cream during 2017 for various festivals. Another 108 ice cream cups were provided to fourth-grade students during Pioneer Day at the Shelby County Fairgrounds.
She also reported the roof has been fixed on their building at the fairgrounds. The inside ceiling will be replaced soon.
The group heard details about the fourth annual Women in Agriculture conference scheduled at the St. Michael’s Hall in Fort Loramie, March 22.
