The Klussendorf Memorial Association is pleased to announce the Wolfe family of Ovaltop Holsteins in Richfield Springs, New York, has been selected as the recipient of the 2018 Robert “Whitey” McKown Master Breeder Award.

For a decade, this award has recognized an individual or family’s ability, character, endeavor and sportsmanship while experiencing success in the show ring as an exhibitor and judge. The Wolfes will be formally recognized during the heifer portion of the International Holstein Show at the 52nd World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, on Oct. 5.

Ovaltop Holsteins, owned and developed by Howard, Ginny and Mike Wolfe, has bred 170 Excellent and 427 Very Good cows since its 1929 founding. Their commitment to an exceptional type and production herd has helped the family garner 28 consecutive Progressive Breeder of Registry awards in New York. Today’s Ovaltop herd consists of 90 cows with a rolling herd average of 26,519 pounds of milk and a breed age average (BAA%) of 110.3.

Prior to this recognition, the Wolfe family has won multiple premier breeder and premier exhibitor banners at local, regional and state shows across the Northeast. Howard and Ginny were recognized as the 2000 New York State Active Master Breeders, and in 2011, Ginny was named the “Friend of New York Holstein.” The Ovaltop owners, in addition to Mike’s brother Doug, show they’re dedicated to the success of their farm, their community and their local and state Holstein associations through continued involvement and support.  

—From World Dairy Expo news release

PHOTO: The Wolfe family has been recognized as premier breeder and exhibitor at the New York State Fair, New York Spring Red and White Show, New York International Spring Holstein Show and Pennsylvania All-American Red and White Shows. Shown (left to right) are Doug, Mike, Howard and Ginny Wolfe. Photo courtesy of World Dairy Expo.