2023 Annual meeting

NCHCA members gathered in Bloomington, Minnesota on February  for the annual meeting and educational session at Great Wolf Lodge
On Saturday morning, the business meeting was held. The board updated members about priorities and projects it has been working on during the year. Committees made reports on their activities for the year and recommendations for the upcoming year. 
Elections were held for several officers and director positions.
President:  Melinda Cowell
Vice President:   Katie Baker
Directors:   Michelle Letourneau and Jessica Lipke
AHCA Representative:  Jan Larson

Thanks to Jon Carlson and Jan Larson as their board terms expire for their efforts on behalf of our members and to Mark Schulz for serving as the AHCA representative.

The Board has appointed Randi Johnson as Secretary replacing Anne Proctor and Kevin Opperman as Treasurer replacing Josh Krenz. Many thanks to Anne and Josh for their several years in these roles.

items of note

  • Entries are open for the Annual Production Sale on June 3rd. Learn more about the sale at highlandsale.org.
  • Photos can be submitted for the 2024 NCHCA calendar. The deadline for entries is March 15th. NOTE: This year entries will be limited to four photos per farm. Submit your photos HERE.
  • Don't miss the AHCA 75th Anniversary Gathering on June 16th and 17th in Chamberlain, SD. Get the details HERE
You can listen to a recording of the business meeting below

mary jo irmen

Mary Jo Irmen, author of Farming With out the Bank Your Solution to Farm Finance, spoke about an approach to financing farm operations, equipment and retirement without borrowing from banks.

For more information about Mary Jo, check out her website farmingwithoutthebank.com

group discussions
Members split into small groups to cover a variety of topics including:
  • Keeping cattle records
  • Selling live animals
  • Everything but the cow: skulls, hides and agri-tourism
  • Alternative nutrition choices
  • Know before you show
  • Finishing Highland beef
  • Barn, pasture & handling facility setups
  • Pasture growth & maintenance​

congratulations!

junior scholarship
​award winner
​olivia moore

outstanding
​service award
anne proctor
windemere farm
​Congratulations to Olivia Moore who is the 2023 of the NCHCA Junior Scholarship. Thanks to Olivia for her commitment to the breed and our association. We know she will find success as she starts her collegiate career.
The NCHCA board honored Anne Proctor for her work in support of the Association.  Anne has served on the NCHCA Board and committees, is a past President and most recently served as the Association Secretary. Congratulations, Anne and thank you for all you have done for NCHCA!


​After a great banquet, an auction to support the junior program was held and a good time was had by all.

Thanks to all who contributed items and bid. Juniors raised over $2,000 through your generosity.
Thanks to all members who were able to make the meeting and a special welcome to the many new faces who came to the session. See you all next year!

Special thanks go to Katie Baker for the great job planning and organizing the event.