On June 2, the 2018 edition of the Cal Poly Classic Sale brought alumni and supporters to the Central Coast where the sale averaged an impressive $4,784.38. About every ten years, the Cal Poly Dairy Science Program hosts the sale in San Luis Obispo, Calif.
Cal Poly Dairy Science seniors Caitlin Lopes and Matt Ruby were co-chairs of the sale that included over 50 lots of genomic and show-quality Holsteins and Jerseys. Their responsibilities included getting consignments, organizing committees, and overseeing all aspects of the sale. Along with the guidance of Dairy Science faculty members Leanne Berning and Rich Silacci, the sale was a success.
“Being a co-chair of the Cal Poly Classic really encompassed and capped off my experience at Cal Poly. Not only was it a legacy event for me, being that my dad Scott Ruby co-chaired the 1993 Classic Sale, but also this sale created new buzz and excitement around our Dairy Science Program out here on the West Coast,” said Matt Ruby, co-chair of the sale.
A talented group of students chaired committees including silent auction, publicity, finance, and cattle housing, among others. Sale chairs and other students put in countless hours organizing a sale preview and then the sale on June 1 and 2.
“My favorite part of the sale process was the final product. In the end, our facilities, catalog, event planning, and cattle selection were all top of the mark, especially for a university sale,” said Ruby.
The sale preview and social on Friday evening featured local wines and cheeses as well as a silent auction. Those involved felt accomplished after seeing the project come full circle since the planning began last fall.
“The funds raised from this event will go toward student programs such as traveling for dairy judging and Dairy Challenge contests, projects at the Cal Poly Dairy, and other training programs to give students not only the in-classroom education, but hands-on experience to develop in their personal and professional dairy careers,” said Caitlin Lopes, sale co-chair.
The high seller of the sale was Lot 5J, JX Faria Brothers Klay SLO {3}-P-ET, bringing $70,000. SLO-P was consigned by Faria Brothers Dairy of Texas and is the No. 12 GJPI heifer in the breed at +209 GJPI and the No. 1 Polled Jersey in the breed. The second high seller at $9,600 was Lot 1, Dinas Doorman Divine-ET.
The weekend concluded with the annual Cal Poly Dairy Science banquet where students were recognized for their accomplishments throughout the year.
“Getting to host the Cal Poly Classic was one of the most rewarding experiences I have been able to be a part of. This event came together because of a group of students who are incredibly passionate about the dairy industry and once they set their mind to something, their potential is unlimited,” said Lopes.
Elise Regusci grew up on her family's farm in Modesto, Calif. Regusci attends Cal Poly University, majoring in dairy science with an agricultural communication minor. On campus, she is the Los Lecheros Dairy Club Ag Council representative and a member of the Cal Poly dairy judging team. Regusci was the 2016 Brown Swiss Youth Ambassador and was the 2017 Hoard's Dairyman summer editorial intern.
