Wisconsin Holstein Association

Distinguished Holstein Breeder -Scott Pralle & Pam Selz-Pralle

Receiving this year’s highest honor of Distinguished Holstein Breeder is Scott Pralle and Pam Selz-Pralle of Selz-Pralle Dairy, Humbird. Selz-Pralle Dairy was formed in 1995 and plans were made to expand the 120-cow herd to 400 cows in a new facility. Today, Scott and Pam milk 450 cows. Over the years, they have bred 412 Excellent Cows with 5 at 94 points, 19 at 93 points and 30 at 92 points and 876 Very Good cows. The breeding philosophy at Selz-Pralle dairy is to breed cows that have high type, components and milk yield plus outstanding udders backed with solid, proven pedigrees. Cows that exemplify this goal include Joliam Dundee 3035 (Phoenix), EX-92-2E, GMD, who 18 percent of the herd traces back to her. Selz-Pralle Aftershock 3918 VG-88 was another impactful cow in the herd. She was the World Milk Record cow and was a National Elite Performer with daughters following in her footsteps. Scott and Pam have three children, Ryan, Jessica and Nicole. All three share a passion for the Registered Holstein cow just like their parents. 

Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder - Derrek & Darren Kamphuis

Derrek and Darren Kamphuis grew up on a grade Holstein dairy in Brandon. Their interest in Registered Holsteins was sparked through showing and dairy judging. From there, they continued to grow their herd of 90 cows to 280. Of these cows, 79 are scored Excellent, 166 Very Good and 43 Good Plus with none lower. The herd has a production average of 29,792 pounds of milk, 1196 pounds of fat and 935 pounds of protein. The Kamphuis’ breed cows for strength, welded-on udders with sound feet and legs so they can thrive in a freestall setting. Time-tested pedigrees are important to them. Some cow families they are working with include Goldwyn June, Shakira, Blexy, Mogul Cleavage and Doc Have Not. 

Both brothers are involved in their community starting with coaching 4-H dairy judging. Derrek and Darren, along with wives Valerie and Rachel, are involved in the Fond du Lac County Holstein Association, their community and church activities. They look forward to watching Darren and Rachel’s children, Bella and Lucas, grow up and become involved as well.

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Marlowe Nelson Distinguished Service Award - Bonnie Van Dyk

Bonnie Van Dyk of New Richmond is this year’s Marlowe Nelson Distinguished Service Award winner.  From 1999 to 2005, she served a 6-year term on the WHA Board of Directors, being elected as the association’s first female president in 2003. While on the board, she brought years of experience in ag finance that helped with budgeting. She was also a strong proponent of the Wisconsin Holstein News, serving on the communications committee for many years and being a regular advertiser on the inside front cover until the Willows Edge dispersal in 2017. Other roles over the years includes serving as the District 1 Show chair for 22 years and as a member of the Executive Committee for the 2008 National Holstein Committee. She has also served on the Holstein Association USA audit committee,  as president of the St. Croix County Holstein Breeders, and as treasurer for the Red & White Dairy Cattle Breeders Association.