HAGERSTOWN, MD – The Washington County Department of Business Development announces two Washington County farm families were recognized at the recent World Dairy Expo held in Madison, Wisconsin.
The World Dairy Expo, held annually in Madison Wisconsin, serves as a forum for dairy producers, companies, organizations and other dairy enthusiast to come together to compete and exchange ideas, knowledge and technology.
“It ia great honor that two of our own dairy farms and farm families received national accolades. With Maryland being the home of over 42,000 cows spread across 320 dairy farms throughout the state, these recognitions certainly exemplify that Washington County raises award winning dairy cows and cattle,” said Leslie Hart, Business Development Specialist for Agriculture.
Special recognitions were awarded to Palmyra Farms of Hagerstown and Kueffner Holsteins and Jerseys of Boonsboro.
About Palmyra Farm, Hagerstown Maryland
In honor of their hard work and success, Palmyra Farm has been selected by the Klussendorf Association as this year’s recipients of the Robert “Whitey” McKown Master Breeder Award. This prestigious award honors exemplary breeders who have been successful at showing and judging dairy cattle. Winners embody quality associated with the Klussendorf Award including character, ability, endeavor and sportsmanship.
Cow health and genetics have always remained at the heart of Ralph Shank Jr. and Mary Shank Creek’s successful breeding program. Along with Shank’s wife, Terrie, and Creek’s husband, Mike, they own and operate Palmyra Farm in Hagerstown, Maryland. The children and grandchildren mark the fourth and fifth generations on this family farm.
The sibling’s dedication to the Aryshire Breed and its future has been nearly immeasurable. Palmyra Farm’s emphasis on breeding for production is evident having over 150 cows with lifetime production totals of 100,000 pounds of milk or more, at least 40 cows with over 150,000 pounds of milk and five others with over 200,000 pounds of milk. Palmyra has a progressive Aryshire herd, being the first to utilize embryo transfer in the country. Further, they have showcased their genetics internationally by exporting embryos to 10 international countries.
About Kueffner Holsteins and Jerseys, Boonsboro MD
The Dairy Shrine Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder recognizes Ernie Kueffner at World Dairy Expo in October 2022. This annual award is given to an active and progressive dairy breeder who excels in managing their dairy herd based on sound genetic and business principles.
Kueffner has built a successful and profitable career around breeding, buying and selling cattle that exemplify the Holsten and Jersey Breeds. His roots go back to Wisconsin where he was born and raised, and Kueffner moved back to Maryland in 1997 and then later to Boonsboro in 2013. Throughout his dairy career, Kueffner has bred more than 600 excellent dairy females and males in the United States and Canada. He has received countless honors on the national and international stage. Kueffner’s breeding philosophy is centered around the utmost care for the individual cow.
“To be successful in the dairy business, whether showing, selling or marketing milk, the cows have to come first,” said Ernie Kueffner.
Kueffner’s involvement in the dairy industry is a testament to his passion and knowledge of the ideal dairy cow.
