Nominations sought for Allamakee County Dairy Banquet set for March 23

The 2013 Allamakee County Dairy Banquet will be held Saturday, March 23 at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds Pavilion in Waukon. The meal will be served from 7-8:30 p.m., with the program starting at 8 p.m. The annual celebration recognizes the importance of the dairy industry in Allamakee County and the contributions dairy families make to this important industry.
Every year, top producers from the county are recognized at the banquet. In addition, several other awards are presented that evening. The Allamakee Dairy Promotion Board is accepting nominations for the following awards:
• Outstanding Young Dairy Family Award - Honors young dairy farmers who have achieved excellence in managing their dairy enterprises, have contributed leadership to the dairy industry, and are respected in their communities. Dairy producers must be 35 years of age or younger to be nominated for this award.
• Pioneer Dairyman - A long-time dairy producer who may or may not still be in production. This producer has made a significant contribution to the dairy industry, but has not been previously recognized as part of a Distinguished Dairy Family.
• Distinguished Dairy Family Award - Recognizes active dairy producers who have consistently exhibited exceptional milk quality and are outstanding in nearly all phases of dairy farming and service to the industry.
• Service to Dairy Industry Award - For those people who have had long careers in the dairy industry and have made valuable contributions to its future. A letter of nomination should be submitted indicating why a particular person or business should receive this award.
• Golden Butter Knife - Given to county business for the promotion of real dairy products. A letter of nomination should be submitted indicating why a particular person or business should receive this award.
• Dairy Scholarships - Sponsored by the Dairy Promotion Board. Contact the Allamakee County ISU Extension Office for more scholarship information.
In addition, applications are being accepted for Junior Dairy Ambassadors and the 2013 Allamakee County Dairy Princess. Junior Dairy Ambassadors are youths ages eight to 10 who are interested in representing the dairy industry in Allamakee County.
Dairy Princess candidates must live in Allamakee County. She or her parents must either own dairy cattle and have cattle engaged in milk production, or they must be actively employed in a dairy operation. Candidates must be between the ages of 18 and 22, and unmarried. The Dairy Princess will make personal appearances during the year at events such as county banquets, parades, and other public events. The 2013 Dairy Princess’ reign will begin in June.
Nomination forms for each of these awards/honors and a list of previous winners are available at the ISU Extension and Outreach office in Waukon or online at www.extension.iastate.edu/allamakee. All nominations are due to the Extension office by Friday, February 15.