Yankee was well represented recently at the Northeast Regional Dairy Challenge. Loan Officer and Farm Tax Specialist Jean Conklin from our White River Junction branch reports the following:
I served as a judge at the Northeast Regional Dairy Challenge held November 5-7 in Glens Falls, NY. Hosted by SUNY Cobleskill, the Dairy Challenge provided the opportunity for about 120 students from 13 colleges, including 2 in Canada, to visit and evaluate one of 3 host farms in Saratoga County. In teams of 5 they made a presentation to a panel of 5 judges who represented all aspects of the dairy industry. I served as lead judge on a judges team which included Kurt Ruppell from Cargill, Dr. Tim Synder from Renaissance Nutrition, Bob Seglowski, DVM, a vet from southwest Vermont and Glenn Taylor a dairy producer from Cassville, NY. Dr. Charlie Sniffen, a Yankee director, also served as a volunteer judge on another team. The Dairy Challenge is sponsored by the dairy industry. The Farm Credit System, including Yankee Farm Credit, is a big supporter. NH and Vermont were well represented with students from UVM, UNH and VTC attending.
The Northeast Regional Dairy Challenge allows students to prepare for the National Dairy Challenge which will be held in Visalia, California in April 2010. This link is to a local newspaper article which provided coverage of the event. For more information please visit dairychallenge.org.
Jean Conklin also serves on the NAIDC Board of Directors.
