Holsteins

 Michael grew up tending, milking, and showing Holstein cattle in the 4-H Junior and Open divisions at the Jasper County and Illinois State Fairs with his brothers and sisters. The family's farm prefix was C-Brumson. They ran a family dairy and competed cattle successfully for many years. In 1972, Michael earned the Illinois State Fair Junior Milking Derby Champion award with Canary Fond Carrie. On the family farm, he learned how conformation affects performance and how to choose the best crosses to improve both. (The photo is another great cow from the same period, Kate.)

When we returned to farming, we raised Holstein calves and eventually owned the family dairy for a few years. Life sometimes brings unexpected changes. We left the dairy industry over twenty-five years ago and dispersed our Holstein herd, but we continue to support Jasper County 4-H. Michael's parents recognized the value and experience 4-H provided and his father served as a 4-H leader for a time. To honor their parents, Michael's family established the Charles and Frances Brummer 4-H Endowment to support Jasper County 4-H youth programs each year.

This was our last Holstein. Michael purchased her as a yearling at the Illinois State Sale in Altamont, IL. Leann was a direct descendant of Reagancrest Delia, a very well-known Holstein cow.

When she was a 2-year-old bred heifer, we sold a half-interest to a very nice, high school-aged young lady who loved showing cattle and was very good at it.

With her younger half-owner, Schluter Roy Leann became the 2012 Illinois Championship Junior Show Grand Champion and the 2012 Illinois State Fair Open Holstein Show Reserve Grand Champion. She was also Grand Champion 

125,000 lb. cow in the Junior Show and at the State Fair, later that year placing third in the National Holstein Show in this division.  We sold our half-interest to the young lady shortly after their successful show season. 

You have to admit that is one heck of a cow and a great way to finish our dairy career.