MARATHON COUNTY HOLSTEIN BREEDERS ASSOCIATION

Since it's first annual meeting on May 17 of 1920, the Holstein Breeders Association has worked to merchandize, promote, and improve Holstein cattle. Marathon County is recognized around the world as a leader in high quality dairy genetics. In conjunction with the Wisconsin Holstein Association they sponsor junior events, meetings, shows, and other activities and events.

Marathon County Holstein Association Map & Directory brochures are available at the Marathon County UW-Extension office. The brochure provides a map and lists all current members of the Holstein Breeders Association in Marathon County.

Kevin King
President
Marathon County Holstein Breeders Association
W4113 County Road M
Edgar, WI 54426
Phone: (715) 352-3217

CURRENT ACTIVITIES

Each January we hold our annual meeting at Rib River Ballroom. Marathon County Holstein Breeders have many activities for members to participate in each year. In spring we have a two day tour of farms. We also have a breed improvement meeting at t a local farm in the spring. In the summer months we have a host farm hold our twilight meeting. In late summer our fundraiser is selling our delicious cheese curds at the Athens Fair and the North Central Wisconsin Steam and Gas Engine Show. To kick off the fall season we have “The Marathon Sale” which is held at the Athens Fairgrounds. To end the fall season there is a Holstein Banquet.  The event includes awarding trophies, production plaques, and gold medal dam awards. Recognition is also given for lifetime production, service to agriculture, and distinguished senior recognition.

MARATHON COUNTY ASSOCIATION HISTORY

The first annual meeting of the Marathon County Holstein Breeders Association was held on May 17, 1920, in Edgar. At that time, the association consisted of ten local clubs located throughout the county. Two officers from each club made up the board of directors. P.G. Baumann, Elderon, was the first president.

In 1921, marketing of county cattle was supported by the association through advertising in Howard’s Dairyman and in western and southern papers. In 1930, a pamphlet was printed extolling the merits of Marathon County Holsteins Breeders Association.

County Agent, Rogan was sent east to contract with prospective cattle buyers. As a result, 909 head were shipped out of the county, amounting to over $100,000 worth of business.

In 1950, the association reorganized under the leadership of County Agent C.J. McAleavey. The ten local clubs merged into the Marathon County Holstein Breeders Association, with Palmer Gums as president.

For many years, Marathon County participated in several sales including the District 4 Sale which was held in Marshfield. The District Black and White Show was held in Wausau for the first time in 1963. The county hosted the state show in 1970 with visitors from 15 states and four foreign countries. The first Wausau Opportunity Sale was on October 15, 1977. In 1978, the name was changed to the Marathon County Classic. In 1984, the 25th State Championship Show was held at Marathon Park in Wausau. Because of the central location it was one of the largest state shows every held.

In 1976, the County Association undertook hosting the State Convention, an event which brought the county organization together to work for a common cause. Carl and June Norrborm chaired the convention and, with the cooperation of the total membership, had a very successful event with 840 attendees.

Most meetings of the association are held near Marathon because of its central location. However, other activities are located in opposite ends of the county (such as the twilight meeting in the western part of the county and the fall barn meeting in the eastern area) to facilitate participation by as many association members as possible.

In 1979, and for six years thereafter, Val and Donna Bychinski undertook editing The Holstein Hotline. An open-barn meeting was held at the Ed Mielke, Jr., Farm in the fall of 1981 to encourage new members to join the association and to give other members an opportunity to renew their memberships.

History Information provided by UW Extension

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