The Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders' Association has selected Isabella Portner of Sleepy Eye, Minn. as the National Youth Cheese Yield Award Winner.
Portner is the daughter of Tom and Mary Portner, and resides on the family farm, Port Haven Dairy. The family milks 270 Brown Swiss and Crossbred cattle. She credits her grandfather for her interest in the Brown Swiss Breed. Portner feels grateful to be an active member on the family farm and in 4-H and FFA. In the future, Portner plans to own a herd of Brown Swiss cattle. Portner's cow, IE Port-Haven Zipper Handy VG85'. Handy produced 28,220 lbs. of milk, 1,563 lbs. of fat, and 1,014 lbs. of protein in 305-day lactation. At 3 years and 4 months, Handy was classified VG85' with a VG85' mammary system.
The Cheese Yield Award contest honors a junior member whose cow produces the highest cheese yield during a 30-day period. This program emphasizes the fact that Brown Swiss milk is ideal for cheese-making due to its high protein content and ideal fat to protein ratio. Since many dairyman are paid on a component-merit basis, this program exemplifies the value of Brown Swiss milk. In 2013, there were 16 contestants. The Overall Winner will be recognized at the National Brown Swiss Convention in East Peoria, Ill. and receives a $100 cash award.
To participate in the Youth Cheese Yield contest, a youth must be a Brown Swiss National Junior member as defined by owning or leasing a registered Brown Swiss animal and be 9-21 years of age prior to January 1 of the current year. For more information contact Junior Advisor Charlotte Muenzenberger at cmuenzenberger@brownswissusa.com, call the Brown Swiss Association at 608-365-4474 or visit the website: www.brownswissusa.com
The Brown Swiss Association was established in 1880, registers about 10,000 animals per year and serves about 1800 combined Adult and Junior Members.
BSCBA * 800 Pleasant Street * Beloit, WI 53511
5.29.2014