WOW..... What another great banquet. If you have never attended your Mich Chi Banquet you do not know what you are missing. Our banquets are really laid back, very informal, casual attire and lots and lots of fun and good conversations. Talking about cattle is always good conversation. For those who did not attend you must try and come next year, better yet come this summer to the annual Chi Field Day, where we hold a big potluck lunch and more, with fun for the whole family. Weather was great this year for all who had to drive a long ways. We tried a new place this year that was very good, we were able to lower our dinner prices and recieve more food for our dollars and as you know all cattle people love to eat and drink. We even had entertainment this year with Karrie Williams father in law singing for us.
At the business meeting we have re-elected the 3 broad memebers whose terms had expired. Back to serve another 3 year term are Kristina Van Order, Phil Hutchinson, and Lorraine Mitteer. Thanks to all of them for doing such a great job the last 3 years.
Lorren Van Order reported on the Spring Expo Sale, we will have 15 heifers and 2 bulls for the sale plus an embryo package. Also July 10th at the Allegan open show they will be putting on a beef clinic for all juniors. This show precedes our Chi Field day events which will be held on Sunday July 11th, and this will be a special year. It will be our Michi Association's 25th anniversary and Deb Geuns will be working on inviting past Chi Members to attend and celebrate with us. So please mark your calendars now for this day in July.
Ken Geuns spoke about the Mich Beef Showcase, show this summer to be held on June 12 and 13th at MSU. It was moved and supported to have our association help support the event. More information will be sent out on this show later. Ken also spoke about the ACA, Ken is now the chair person for the ACA long range planning committee. Ken reported that the ACA has given Stan Comer the position as acting CEO for 15 months and is looking at Stan also to fill the position as new CEO for the ACA.
Guest speakers for our banquet were Gary Wiley form the MCA, he spoke on being united to fight against the group HSUS that is trying to ruin cattle producers, alson with all other livestock producers in Michigan and across the USA. Dr Lana Kaiser gave a great report with a slide show about cattle birth defects, TH, PHA, and a whole lot more.
OUTSTANDING member award this year went to Zane Zeedyk from Ohio. Zane is a great contributor towards our association and juniors. Thanks Zane for all your years of support.
JUNIOR REPORT: Deb Geun and Cheryl Hutchinson held their meeting with the juniors at the banquet and have reported the following. Junior President Kendra Van Order, Vice President Brandi Rupperecht, Secretary Olivia Shirey and Olivia is also the new Michigan Chi Queen, Trustees are Gabriel Hutchinson and Brooke Ruperecht. The Premier Exhibitor Awards are as follows: 1st Kendra Van Order, 2nd Tyler Williams, 3rd Casey Kamps, 4th Olivia Shirey.
After all the business for the night we had our auction and took in just a little over $400.00 this money goes to offset expenses for the junior meals and pay for hall rental and banquet expenses. Thanks again to all who came, purchased and had a good time. Thanks Angela Soya for the wonderful dessert.
DUES: Just a reminder that if you have not paid your membership dues for 2010 it is still not too late. I will be cutting those from teh mailing list this year who have not paid. Dues are $20.00 per family.
SPRING BEEF EXPO: Don't forget if you need a good replacement heifer, and or bull come to the Spring Expo on April 9th and 10th and see what your fellow Chi members have to offer for the sale.
Good luck with the start of the new calving season, lets hope this spring is not as wet and cold as last year.
Diana Brunke/Mich Chi Secretary.
