Peace & Plenty Farm in Union Bridge, Md., owned by the Schwartzbeck family has been chosen as the 2025 recipient of the Robert “Whitey” McKown Master Breeder Award by the Klussendorf Association. This honor celebrates generations of dedication to advancing the Holstein breed, a commitment evident in every aspect of their dairy operation.
For decades, the Schwartzbeck name has been synonymous with quality and passion. The 1,100 acres of Peace & Plenty Farm, owned by Joe and Nona Schwartzbeck, is home to 600 registered Holsteins, each an example of meticulous breeding and dedicated animal care. The farm’s journey to Union Bridge began in 1968, when the brothers Gus and Shane grew up together helping their parents establish the foundation for generations to come. Shane now operates his own agricultural business focused on concrete work and grain bins.
Today, alongside Joe and Nona, Gus and Lisa – along with their sons – Davis and Austin, work full time on the farm. Davis and Austin play a critical role in mating decisions, herd health, and overall success of the Peace & Plenty herd. Davis and Austin’s families are also deeply involved with the daily management of the farm. Austin’s wife, Lauren, and Davis and Austin’s sister, Aubrey, play a pivotal role in their show heifer program and doing daily chores on the farm. Furthermore, they are fortunate to have additional help from Joe and Nona’s son Shane, as well as their longtime feeder David Miller.
The Schwartzbecks’ commitment to advancing the Holstein breed goes beyond the farm’s gate. As active members of the Carroll County and Maryland Holstein Associations, they participate in various efforts to advance the breed they cherish. All three generations have given, and continue to give, significant time and service to these associations. Their reputation for excellence is further cemented by numerous accolades, including the Maryland and Virginia Milk Quality Award, recognition as the 2010 Dairy of Distinction, and the esteemed title of Master Farmer.
But it’s about more than winning awards. The Schwartzbecks take immense pride in educating others about the milk industry and the realities of running a family farm – frequently opening their farm for tours and community groups. It's important to have an open mindset when it comes to operating a family farm, as well as when you try to convey your love for it to others, which is exactly what they aim to do.
Their achievements and dedication to the Holstein breed and dairy farming lifestyle have not gone unnoticed another characteristic that establishes them as a top-notch breeder. The Schawartzbeck breeding philosophy is rooted in advancement, versatility, and thoroughness. Peace & Plenty Farm has bred an impressive 181 Excellent Holstein cows. Some stunning classification statistics also include two cows at 95 points, 10 cows at 94 points, 14 cows at 93 points, 25 cows at 92 points, 36 at 91 points, and 95 cows achieving 90 points. Beyond individual classification, their program has also produced six Merit dams and four Gold Medal dams, solidifying their status as top-tier breeders.
The show ring has offered many triumphs for Peace & Plenty anchored by the Jubilant “Jubie” family. They have achieved considerable success showing in Maryland for many years and are increasingly making their mark nationwide.
A notable early success was winning the first ever Junior Supreme Champion of the Premier National Junior Shows in Harrisburg, Pa., with a homebred heifer. Their very own, Peace & Plenty Atwd Jubilant EX-93 3E has emerged as a new cornerstone of success. Her offspring are making waves at national caliber shows, bringing recognition for the Schwartzbecks’ and their partnered exhibitors.
The Jubilant family alone produced six All-American nominations in 2023 and followed with six more nominations in 2024 including Junior Champion of the Open Show at the Eastern Fall National in Harrisburg, Pa. Additional honors have included impressive titles such as Reserve Grand Champion at the Eastern Fall National, and Grand Champion at Southern Spring National. Further testament to the value of their genetics, the farm hosted a sale in the spring of 2025 with Ducketts and Borderview, grossing over $1 million.
The Schwartzbeck family is diligent in cow care and environmental stewardship alike. Their cows are comfortably housed in freestall barns equipped with mattresses, while dry cows enjoy a newer loose housing barn. Fresh cows and show animals have a dedicated barn, receiving extra attention, ensuring optimal well-being. Their commitment to the land is equally as strong, earning them the 2006 Carroll County Soil Conservation District Cooperator of the Year award as well as acknowledgement for outstanding conservation achievements as part of the Double Pipe Creek Rural Clean Water Project.
The achievements within the Holstein breed and their combined loyalty to education and outreach have rightfully earned Peace & Plenty Farm the 2025 McKown Master Breeder Award. Their steadfast devotion continues to leave an indelible mark on the dairy industry and the next generations, setting a shining example from their Maryland home.
Past winners of the Robert “Whitey” McKown Master Breeder Award include: Maple-Dell Farm of Woodbine, Md., 2024; Spring Valley and Heath Jerseys, Westminster, Md., 2023; Palmyra Farm, Hagerstown, Md., 2022; Cutting Edge Brown Swiss, Copake, N.Y., 2021; (no winner named in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic) Woodsmansee Holsteins, Preston, Conn., 2019; Ovaltop Holsteins, Richfield Springs, N.Y., 2018; Wendon Holsteins, Innisfail, Alberta, 2017; Ferme Jacobs Inc., Cap-Santé, Quebec, 2016; Walk-Era, Wisconsin Dells, Wis., 2015; Pond View Farm, Danville, Vt., 2014; Quality Holsteins, Vaughan, Ontario, 2013; Windsor Manor Farms, New Windsor, Md., 2012; Moondale, Monona, Iowa, 2011; Snider Homestead, New Enterprise, Pa., 2010; and Windy Knoll View, Mercersburg, Pa., 2009. No award was given in the pandemic year of 2020.
The Robert “Whitey” McKown Breeder Award was made possible by the family and friends of the 1997 Honorary Klussendorf honoree after his passing in 2009. McKown joined the Holstein World staff in 1956 and became widely respected as he traveled nationally and internationally, reporting on shows, sales, meetings, and other Holstein events. The 1987 National Dairy Shrine president also developed McKown Holsteins at Belleville, N.Y. He had great admiration for the farmer breeder.
The Klussendorf Memorial Association, considered by many as the Hall of Fame for dairy cattle exhibitors, began in 1937 in memory of Arthur B. Klussendorf, considered the outstanding dairy cattle showman of his time. Each year, the Klussendorf Association votes to add a new dairy cattle exhibitor to its rolls with lifetime membership for their cumulative works.
