Washinton County Black & White Holstein Club holds Annual Meeting

By Eric Barrett

The Washington County Black & White Holstein Club held their annual meeting and dinner banquet on Sunday, February 18th, at the Tunnel Community Building near Marietta, Ohio.
 
Despite the snowy conditions and challenging road conditions, over 50 area dairy farmers, family members and community leaders gathered to celebrate another year of successful events for the club and to give the annual awards.
 
The DHI Awards were presented to the high production herds and most improved herd in the county. Zimmerview Dairy Farm won highest production for a herd over 100 cows and the most improved production herd for the county – both for the second year in a row.  Washington County legends Paul & Betty Zimmer, along with their childrens’ families - Dean & Susan Zimmer and Brent & Nancy Zimmer - operate the 365 Holstein cow operation just outside Marietta.
 
Bohlen’s Dairy Farm in eastern Washington County won the award for highest production of a herd under 100 cows.  Ron & Barb Bohlen operate there 76 cow dairy farm with their son Kurt just off State Route 26.  Kurt is past president of the club and advises young people across Washington County on dairy cattle judging techniques.
 
County youth were recognized for their achievements through the year. The Carl Broughton Memorial Award winner was announced.  Carl Broughton was the founder of Broughton Foods Company, which is a staple in Marietta and a champion for dairy farmers in Southeastern Ohio.  The 2007 winner is Miss Audriana Lang.  She is the daughter of John Lang and Connie Lang.  Audriana is a student at Fort Frye High School and is active with 4-H and is president of her FFA Chapter.  She has taken many dairy projects to the fair and has been a consistent high scoring individual in the skillathon contests at all three fairs in Washington County.
 
The current officer team for the Washington County Black & White Holstein Club includes: Gerald Barth, president, Dean Zimmer as Vice President, and Heather Coffman as Secretary/Treasurer.

Washington County Dairy Winners: Paul & Betty Zimmer – Zimmerview Dairy; Washington County Black & White Dairy Club President Gerald Barth; Kurt Bohlen and Amanda Westfall – Bohlen’s Dairy Farm.