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Maryland Brown Swiss Cattle Association
Superior Genetics Available Worldwide2010
Mid-Atlantic Brown Swiss Calf Sale -
Maryland Brown Swiss Association Hosts 2010 Annual Meeting
Maryland Brown Swiss Calf Sale
Spotlight on MD Brown Swiss Members!
Beginning with February 2010 each month the spotlight will be focused on a member. With the National Brown Swiss "Star Spangled Convention In 2011" being held in Maryland, we hope to acquaint you with some of your hosts ahead of time. We are ramping up in preparation for the convention and plan on giving you a wonderful time during your visit. Maryland is unique in many ways, including our topography, our proximity to major vacation destinations and above all, our crab cakes!
Member Spotlight - May - Hoodstead Farm - Scott, Judy & Nicole Hood
The original Hoodstead farm on Paul Rudy Road in Middletown, was purchased by Scott’s parents in 1957. The operation consisted of 130 acres and all Holsteins. At the age of 19, Scott suddenly lost his father to cancer, but fortunately, “he taught me more in the 19 years that I had with him than others learn in a lifetime.” With the strong business sense from his father, Scott took over the operation and began to purchase the cattle and equipment from his mother in 1979, and the farm in 1983. A rain shower in April of 1983, stopped him from planting corn that day, and he remembered that the Brown Swiss Calf Sale was being held that day at the neighboring farm of Robert Culler. He decided to go and purchased an Improver daughter, who would go on to become excellent and make records of over 30,000 milk. From that point on Scott began to make select purchases of Swiss to the predominately Holstein herd. Today we currently own 100 head of Swiss with only four remaining Holstein.
In July 1987 he attended the National Brown Swiss Convention in Dayton, Ohio, and purchased Garbro Jubilant Natasha, a Bridge View Jesta Jubilant daughter out of Garbro King Nikki 3E90. In November of the same year he married Judy Murphy, a legal secretary who hailed from a Holstein herd. Judy soon learned the trials of raising Swiss calves as she became full-time on the farm. She found that you soon “fall in love with the beautiful brown girls and their gentle ways.” Scott laughs that both his selections turned out well as the Swiss have taken over the herd and the marriage is still going strong after 22 years.
The “N” family is still strong in the herd today and are all descendants of Natasha. Hoodstead Improver Nicolette 3E90, a daughter of Natasha, and a Superior Brood Cow would produce Hoodstead VBSS New Year who excelled and put us over the edge. New Year was a daughter of VB Spices Sensation and was EX90. She was put on an extensive flush program, and soon changed the goals at Hoodstead of being a 50/50 herd of Swiss and Holstein. New Year flushed well and produced heifer calves, and the Holstein herd became recipients for the Swiss. A natural calf of New Year, Hoodstead Jetway Nicole, would become the first in the cow family to achieve an All-American nomination in 1998. She scored EX90. Many more daughters of New Year would go on to become Excellent and have All American nominations. Hoodstead Farm had the Res. All American Jr. Best 3 Females in 2002 and 2003. Five of the six animals listed were from the New Year cow. Just last year another descendant of this cow family, Hoodstead Starsky Betsy ET was the 2009 All American Fall Yearling in Milk. New Year was indeed the matriarch of the herd. She passed away at 10 years of age. Having been born on New Year’s Eve; she died on that same day 10 years later.
The most important female addition to the Hoodstead prefix came along on July 28, 1993, when Nicole Louise Hood was born. She was due close to the Brown Swiss Field Day, so Judy was told by Scott to sit tight on a lawn chair so we could make it through show day and it worked. Nicole arrived four days later. At age four months Nicole was given her first calf by friends, Bill and Cindy Warner. Round Hill Tradition Pixie, would later score VG86, and produced several records over 30,000M. Pixie would become the start of the “P” family for Nicole. Pixie had three daughters all named by Nicole – Pooh Bear, Piglet and Pumpkin. Pooh Bear would go on to score 88 points with a lifetime of over 150,000M. Her most promising daughter would be Hoodstead Dominate Panda, 2E91 91MS. Panda was Nicole’s first 4-H project and is a favorite of Nicole. Panda won the Maryland Bell Ringer title in 2002, 2003, 2004, and was a member of the 2002 Reserve All-American Jr. Best Three Females. The other two members of that team hailed from the New Year family. Panda has a lifetime 105,090M, and is currently on a flush program. She has twin Parker daughters scored V86 and E90 90 MS. A Victor daughter “Pippie” scored V89 90 MS. Nicole did quite well with daughter, Pippie, in 2008. She was nominated All American Spring Yearling 2008; Res. National Bell Ringer 2008; was Jr. Champion and Best Bred and Owned of the Palmer Hoffman National Heifer show, and was Res. Jr. Champion at the Eastern National and Central National Jr. Shows in 2008. Panda is quite the promotion cow, having traveled to schools, churches, and 4-H workshops many times.
Scott has enjoyed his partnership in Swiss with past extension agent, David Eigenbrode of Frederick. They enjoy traveling to shows together, and both experienced the World Dairy Expo for the first time when they took Nicole out to show Hoodstead Victor Pippie in 2008. Judy stayed home to take care of the girls there. Fortunately for Scott and Judy, they have teamed up with a top quality, professional show crew that gives our cows the national exposure that we cannot. Time and labor restrictions on the farm do not allow us to travel to shows and conventions as we would like, but are blessed by the expertise of Jennifer and Chris Hill who help to bring national recognition to Hoodstead cattle.
Scott and Judy received a 25 year plaque with the Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders Assoc. in 2008. In 2009 Nicole was selected as one of four finalists in the country in the National Youth Achievement contest. The same year the farm received the High Protein Award and the H. R. Searles Trophy for high butterfat for records made in 2008 by Hoodstead Blue Chip Nada. She produced 1,5l7 lbs. protein and 2,812 lbs. fat in that year.
Nicole is very active as a Junior at Middletown High School. She is a straight “A” honor student; is a member of the National Honor Society; is secretary of the MHS FFA; plays Varsity Field Hockey and was selected for the Honorable Mention team in 2009; is a member of the Washington Co. 4-H Dairy Club; and sings with the Praise team at the Christ Reformed UCC Church in Middletown and is a youth member on the Christian Education Board.
Scott is currently on the Board of Directors for the MD Brown Swiss Assoc., and has served as past president. Judy and Scott are currently youth leaders for the junior members of the Assoc. They both are also members of the Christ Reformed Church where Judy has been a 4th/5th grade Sunday School teacher for seven years. They are members of the Middletown FFA Alumni, and currently are helping to coach various teams of the FFA. Judy is also teaching flower arranging at the high school. They are both strong supporters of the 4-H Dairy Judging program and have hosted dairy judging practices at their farm for many years. Both Judy and Scott come from a strong background of 4-H and FFA.
Scott is knowledgeable about all aspects of breeding and can assist you in making decisions about your animals. He freely shares is knowledge with others. Hoodstead has quality calves and embryos to select your next winner. Visitors are always welcome!
For more information, see the farm advertisement.
Member Spotlight - April - Catherine Perdue
The following article originally appeared in Farmshine and The Pipeline and was written by Suzanne Perdue, Communications Specialist with Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative. The Perdue family has been actively involved in the Maryland Brown Swiss Association for many years.
Proudly Starting Back Up with Brown Swiss
While many small, family farmers are leaving the dairy industry, the Perdue family of Three Aces Swiss in White Hall, Md., has decided to get in on the action. What makes this story even more interesting is that in this male dominated industry, it’s Catherine, the Perdue’s 24-year-old daughter that is spearheading the family’s new milking venture.
Brown Swiss have long been seen grazing in the Perdue’s pastures. John grew up milking and showing Holsteins, Swiss and Jerseys but always favored the big brown cow. About 20 years ago, John and his wife Laura, decided to sell their herd of cattle. To keep the farm in operation, John planted produce including asparagus, strawberries, raspberries and many summer vegetables.
When Catherine, their oldest daughter, turned eight, John and Laura enrolled her in 4-H and she insisted on having a dairy project. She specifically had to have a Brown Swiss because among the remaining cows in the pasture, the lone Swiss named ‘Brownie’ was always her favorite. The family headed to the Mid-Atlantic Brown Swiss Calf Sale where the bright eyed, freckle faced Catherine eagerly anticipated her first purchase. She was not disappointed and she returned home the proud owner of a fall calf.
In the years that followed, Catherine’s younger sisters, Suzanne and Allison, followed in her footsteps and also purchased dairy calves. In addition to showing, all three girls participated in Dairy Judging and Dairy Bowl and annual attended Maryland’s Udderly Awesome Adventure, an annual weekend camp for dairy enthusiasts. The learning experiences that they had through their dairy projects were innumerable.
Over the years, the Perdue’s small herd steadily grew. The farm no longer had milking facilities which forced the trio to keep their lactating animals at local farms. This barrier, however, did not prevent them from having an active role in caring for their animals and learning responsibility. Catherine and Suzanne assisted with milking and farm chores where they kept their cows and were also in charge of feeding their own calves and heifers and preparing everything for shows.
As the Perdue girls grew up, they gradually took on all of the responsibilities of caring for their animals, including working full-time at the homes of their milking herds. Catherine knew that she loved her animals more than anything else and someday wanted a career that would allow her to continue working with the herd. She decided to attend Delaware ValleyCollege in Doylestown, Pennsylvania where she majored in Dairy Science.
As graduation quickly approached, Catherine became more certain that milking Brown Swiss would be in her future. “I just love my cows,” says Catherine. “I cannot imagine not having them as a part of my life and I knew that my career would certainly involve my Swiss.”
After discussion and debate, Catherine and her family formed Three Aces, LLC with the intent of milking cows. As Catherine threw her graduation cap in the air, the family drew up plans to build a milking parlor. They built a double-six swing parlor next to the heifer barn and converted old strawberry fields to grazing pastures. Three Aces also purchased several yearlings and young cows to help kick start the herd.
By mid-January 2009, Three Aces Swiss officially began milking on a daily basis. They are currently milking a herd of between 35 and 40 cows, nearly all registered Brown Swiss. Catherin is in charge of the mating and feeding programs and is looking forward to breeding quality animals that are high in type and milk production.
Both of her sisters also continue to be active in the dairy industry. Suzanne works in communications for a regional dairy cooperative and Allison is a student at Virginia Tech studying Agricultural Economics.
When asked if he ever wished he had sons to help on the farm John replies, “No, my girls can do just as much as any boy and have achieved more than I could have dreamed.”
Like any farm, there are new problems that arise on almost a daily basis but Catherine’s youth, dedication, and enthusiasm are sure to help her continue dairying successfully for many years in the future.
Member Spotlight - March - Kathy Whitman
What would you do if you moved to another state for a great job, but not one that allowed close proximity to dairy animals? Kathy Whitman did just that when she moved to Maryland. However, she never let it stand in her way to own quality cattle and show nationally. Her prefix "Gotta Wanna Farm" shows her deep attachment and passion for agriculture.
It really should be no surprise since Kathy has been around animals and farm equipment all her life. Her father owns a New Holland dealership in Massachusetts where she was exposed to equipment from an early age. She helped with parts inventory and accompanied her dad on service calls. She came to Maryland after accepting a job selling refuse equipment and moved up the corporate ladder for 20 years. Several years ago she changed to the financial side and now works for a company that specializes in financing refuse equipment. Kathy credits her ag background and experience for her success in the refuse industry. She believes the industries are similar in many ways. As much as she never expected to be working outside of agriculture, she now cannot imagine herself doing anything else.
Interestingly, Kathy started in 4-H showing Jerseys but changed to Brown Swiss shortly afterward. She has owned Swiss since the early 1970's. She was on the Massachusetts State 4-H Judging Team and collegiate 1st place judging team at the Eastern States Exposition, better known as the "Big E" in 1983. She received her degree in Animal Husbandry from SUNY Cobbleskill. No wonder she has such a good eye at sales! One of her show animals, Harris Hill Martha, was a Jr. Bell Ringer and Grand Champion of the junior show at the Eastern States Exposition. Kathy worked as Youth Director for the NE Brown Swiss Association in the late 70's and early 80's. She was the New England Swiss Miss in 1980. She didn't forget the other brown cow either-- she served as Massachusetts's Jersey Princess. She remains very active as a member of the Maryland Brown Swiss. Her organizational skills make her the ideal treasurer for the group, as well as a Director and member of the Convention Committee.
After college Kathy worked at Fair Weather Farm in New Lebanon NY. They had a Jersey milking herd of 400+ and about 700 total animals. This farm was/is very well known and is credited with developing polled Jersey genetics. Kathy milked, cared for the calves, worked in the fields and other tasks related to dairying. She was there for 2 years before seeking a job with growth opportunities. Luckily she chose the one that brought her to Maryland in 1993. Just prior to moving to MD Kathy showed Swiss cattle and helped Allis Acres with the show string at the Big E. Faye Allis, a well known name to many New Englanders, greatly influenced Kathy, and is the main reason for her continued involvement in the breed. In the fall of 1992 they had a string of 15 Swiss at the Big E and did extremely well. The highlight however, much to Kathy's surprise, was being named as the recipient of the "Herdsman's Cane." This award is a real honor and tradition at the Big E and is voted on by the exhibitors. The cane is displayed in Kathy's office and is one of her most treasured awards. Kathy may have been surprised, but not the people who are around her in the show barns. She is meticulous about the appearance of the cattle and exhibit and is seen using a leaf blower to keep the aisles immaculate whenever a cow is taken in or out of the lineup. As part of the MD-Hillbrook team, she received a herdsman award at Madison several years ago.
Living in Maryland created the opportunity for Kathy to join forces with Jen Keilholtz (Hill) and Glad Ray Farm. Later, Jen's marriage to husband Chris Hill added him into the mix. Kathy feels extremely fortunate to have such great friends and partners that allow her continued involvement with Brown Swiss. She considers it an honor to have shown at Harrisburg, Louisville and Madison. She has owned in partnership several All-American nominees including Hoodstead Nudge who was Reserve Junior Grand Champion at World Dairy Expo as a fall yearling. At this point, Kathy says ...."life is good." Maryland Brown Swiss has been, and is, blessed and enriched by Kathy's involvement and hard work in our breed organization.
Member Spotlight - February - Laura Sigler and Brookdale Farm
Looking for a photographer to do justice to your Brown Swiss cattle? What if you could find one that appreciated the breed and knew how to capture their unique personalities to come across as special in a photo? Well, your search is over. Laura Sigler, 27, is starting a career specializing in professional cattle photography and has an impressive background in the Brown Swiss breed. Laura was more or less "born into the breed" as she is the third generation of Sigler's whose name is synonymous with the Big Brown Cow. Her grandfather, Robert Sigler, Sr., started with the breed and was active in the MD Brown Swiss Association. Her father and mother, Robert, Jr. and Daphne, followed in his footsteps with Robert raising and showing the breed in 4-H. Laura, and brother Robbie, followed suit, with Laura showing her first animal at age 7. Her attachment to the breed led to participation in 4-H and FFA where she earned many honors and achievements. Her 4-H interests enabled her to compete in Louisville, KY as a member of the MD Dairy Bowl Team, and, as a member of the MD Dairy Judging Team. She continued her judging career in FFA, placing 1st in Oral Reasons at the 2000 Maryland FFA Dairy Judging Contest. Farm Bureau chose Laura as Frederick County Farm Queen for 1998-1999. Laura was a Dairy Maid for 3 years and served as Frederick County Dairy Princess 2000-2001.
As a youth member Laura was President of the Maryland Brown Swiss Junior Association for several terms. She was crowned Maryland Swiss Miss in 1998-99. Laura's best animal to date, Top Acres Peerless Sabrell, was a force to be reckoned with during Laura's years as a junior. Sabrell was purchased at the 1995 Mid-Atlantic Calf Sale and at age 14 is still around! Her track record probably gives her a little extra pampering since she was the Junior Champion of the Junior Show at World Dairy Expo in 1996, and came back to win as Grand Champion of the Junior Show in 1999. Laura treasures the memories of standing in the same spot, with the same animal, 3 years apart. Only those who know the trials and tribulations of show animals know how rarely it comes together like this.
At present Laura owns 2 Swiss which are housed at the home of another association member. Her mother, Daphne, started Valley Concessions in 1996 serving food at fairs, auctions and shows. This off farm job was supposed to be "part-time" to augment the farm income but was an immediate hit, requiring more and more help from Robert. When the Sigler grandparents decided to sell the farm in 2000, Daphne and Robert made the decision to stop milking and concentrate their efforts on the concession business. They stay in touch with all their dairy friends at sales and other events, and support the dairy industry by assisting 4-H and FFA groups earn money for trips by working in the concession stand.
Although her family no longer milks cows, Laura remains attached to the breed and never sees herself not involved at some level. Meeting interesting and fun people over the years and showing her cattle has been one of life's highlights for Laura, and she hopes to continue the family tradition when she has a family of her own. Laura has created a Facebook Page for the Maryland Brown Swiss Association to use for information, friendship and networking. So far about 50 people from both Maryland and other states have joined. Also, consider contacting Laura for professional photography of your great animals at www.laurasigler.com!
2009
Maryland Brown Swiss State Show & Field Day
Mid-Atlantic Brown Swiss Calf Sale
2009 Annual Meeting
2009 Calendar
2008
2008 Scholarship Winners
2008 Maryland State Bell Ringer Winners
2008 Fall Meeting
World Dairy Expo
All-American Dairy Show
- Snickerdoodle Takes a Bite Out of the Competition at the 2008 All-American Dairy Show
- 'Doodle' Does It Again at the All-American Dairy Show
National Brown Swiss Convention and Show
Maryland Brown Swiss Field Day
Mid-Atlantic Brown Swiss Calf Sale
- Calf Sale Has $10,000 Topper
- View Sale Flier updated for 2008
- View Full Sale Catalog updated for 2008
- View Farmshine Sale Advertisement updated for 2008
2007
2007 New York National Sale Sets New Breed Record
2007 Maryland State Bell Ringer Winners
Bell Ringer Pictures
2007 Brown Swiss Field Day Information
Brown Swiss Calves Sell Well In Maryland
- View News Release
- View Pictures from the Sale
Maryland and the surrounding states have a large number of superior registered Brown Swiss cattle. The Maryland Brown Swiss herds rank among the highest in the United States for production. Also, many ALL-AMERICAN nominations (and winners) are from herds in our area.
Maryland is a very unique state. Many of our Brown Swiss Herds are located within a reasonable distance from several major airports: Baltimore-Washington International (Baltimore), Dulles (Northern Virginia), Ronald Reagan International (Washington, D.C.), and Philadelphia International (Philadelphia, PA).
Your stay with us will be even more enjoyable with sightseeing in Annapolis; Baltimore; Gettysburg, PA; or Washington, D.C. Be sure to allow time to thoroughly enjoy your visit with us.
Cynthia WarnerPresident
Maryland Brown Swiss Cattle Association
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