Dairy industry celebrated, Dykshorn honored
By Jean Caspers-Simmet
simmet@agrinews.com
Date Modified: 07/10/2012 3:37 PM
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DES MOINES — Gov. Terry Branstad called attention to the state's dairy industry and honored Wayne Dykshorn last week at the Capitol in Des Moines.
Branstad said the dairy industry is an important component of Iowa's efforts to be the healthiest state in the nation.
The industry, with 1,600 dairy farms and more than 200,000 cows, is vital to Iowa's economy, the governor said.
Branstad called attention to a recent study by Iowa State University that found that more than 22,000 jobs are provided by the dairy industry. Each dairy cow has a total economic impact of $23,445.
Dykshorn grew up on a rural Sioux County dairy farm and served in the Navy. He and his wife, Jeanne, a registered nurse, returned to join his family's Ireton dairy operation in 1963.
Dykshorn was elected to the Mid-American board of directors in 1980 and continued on the board until three years ago when he retired.
Dykshorn's herd includes 500 milking and dry cows and the same number of heifers. Sons Allen and Paul manage the dairy as the fourth generation on the family's Century Farm.
The Dykshorns were honored as Members of Distinction at the 2011 DFA annual meeting.
"I've had the great honor to work with educators, Extension people, industry people and many great dairy farmers," Dykshorn said. "My family and I feel truly blessed to be part of Iowa's dairy industry. I never would have been able to imagine all that I've been able to do."
Douglas Kenealy, Iowa State University animal science professor, who is receiving the Ralph Keeling Award this year, was unable to attend. He will be honored at the June 25 Dairy Iowa meeting in Independence.