Winneshiek County Dairy Promotion board is seeking nominations

Winneshiek County dairy producers are getting ready for the 54th Annual Winneshiek County Dairy Banquet on April 8th at Ossian DeSales School.

The board is seeking nominations for several awards, with a deadline of Wednesday, March 8th for nominations.

Nominations are needed for:

Outstanding Young Dairy Producer – The award honors young dairy farmers, age 40 and younger, who have excelled in management, production and respect within the dairy community.

Distinguished Service – This award can be anyone who has made a huge impact or contribution to the dairy industry in Winneshiek County.

Distinguished Dairy Family – A family award in which the entire family must be involved in the dairy farm, local youth programs and a strong supporter of the dairy industry.

Pioneer Dairy Producer – The producer has made a significant contribution to the dairy industry. This person(s) must be no longer involved in the production of milk.

Dairy Promoter of the Year – This award is given to businesses or individuals, who are strong supporters of REAL dairy products in the community or their business.

Outstanding Dairy Employee – This award is designed for an employee on a dairy farm who has gone above and beyond to achieve success for his or her employer.

Scholarships – College scholarships will be awarded to eligible students pursuing an agriculture related career.   Must be a resident of Winneshiek County.

In addition, the Winneshiek County Dairy Promotion board is seeking candidates for "Little Miss Squirt," "Little Mister Herdsman" and "Winneshiek County Dairy Princess/Ambassador."  The deadline for applying to be considered is also Wednesday, March 8th.

The Little Miss Squirt and Little Mr. Herdsman contestants must live in Winneshiek County or the family may be employed in Winneshiek County in the dairy industry.  The child must be between ages of   9 to 11 years old on or before March 31st, 2017.

Dairy Princess Candidates/Ambassadors must live in Winneshiek County or the family may be employed in Winneshiek County in the dairy industry.  The candidate must be between the age of 16 to 21 years old on or before March 31st, 2017 and active in the dairy industry.

For scholarship applications, award nomination forms, royalty candidacy applications or questions, please call the Winneshiek County ISU Extension Office at (563) 382-2949 or contact Ruth Hageman at (563) 532-9878 or email:  winndairypromoters@gmail.com.  All nomination forms must be returned to the Extension Office or a member of the Winneshiek County Dairy Promotion board by March 8th.