Dudens’ Jerseys selected for this year’s showcase herd

PRINCETON, Minn. — Just a few more weeks remain as Kristin Reiman Duden and her husband, Thomas Duden, make the preparations needed to bring part of their herd to the Minnesota State Fair. The Duden’s Jerseys are this year’s showcase herd.

“It’s going to be a challenge, but it’s exciting to showcase our cows for the state fair,” Reiman Duden said.

At least 15 cows and two heifers are on the roster to attend the fair from Aug. 22 to Sept. 2. While at the state fair, the Jerseys will see a bit of pampering as they will be in constant view of the public, used for milking displays and part of media presentations.

Reiman Duden said due to safety concerns surrounding the highly pathogenic avian influenza A, there will not be opportunities for the public to participate in hand-milking demonstrations this year.

“It’s always different it seems,” Reiman Duden said. “There’s something cool for everyone to see.”

Reiman Duden said dairy cow breeds are put into a rotation, and each year a herd in that cycle is picked for the showcase herd. Ayrshires were the showcase herd last year, and 2022 was the year for Brown Swiss.

During the Minnesota Purebred Cattle Association’s All-Breeds Convention, hosted by the Minnesota Holstein Association in the spring, Reiman Duden said the announcement was made that Jersey cows were the next in the rotation to be the state fair’s showcase herd.

“This is a positive light for the dairy community, and specifically the Jersey breed,” she said. “I really enjoy being at fairs and being able to do that.”

Reiman Duden said being the showcase herd allows her to represent her area, which she said has been seeing less dairy in lately.

The state fair also is a good place to reconnect with people, Reiman Duden said.

“You’ll always run into people you know,” she said. “It’s good to come and to visit.”

While Reiman Duden is looking forward to this opportunity, there are a few challenges that will need to be tackled. Finding and scheduling workers to help with the herd at the fair and feeding them within the budget set for her are some such challenges. Workers also need to be ready to answer questions fair visitors may have about the Dudens’ Jerseys, the breed and the dairy industry.

People working with the showcase herd will receive training to be ready to answer the questions visitors may have.

“It will be a new thing to tackle, but I am excited,” Reiman Duden said. “Being at the state fair is probably one of my favorite times of the year. There are a lot of memories there.”

Reiman Duden also said they need to plan for someone to care for the rest of the herd not attending the fair.

“I’m fortunate,” she said. “My parents should be able to help with the day-to-day chores.”

The cows attending the fair are calm and easy to work with, Reiman Duden said. Some have been leased by other people for 4-H or FFA shows and some she has brought to open class events. Reiman Duden also plans to bring six to open class shows this year.

“There is a big sense of pride in being able to show your herd,” she said. “There is a lot of pride in the animals, in your farm and in being part of this tradition. We care about our farms; we care about our cows. This is our way of life. We’re all doing the best we can.”