DUBUQUE, Iowa — As Holstein breeders from coast to coast traveled to the heartland, they enjoyed life on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River and convened for the annual summer event and the marquee sale of the year, the National Holstein Convention Sale. Dubuque was the center of Registered Holsteins for the 2014 National Holstein Convention June 25-28.

A huge crowd gathered at the Five Flags Center on Friday evening, June 27 to witness the 2014 National Holstein Convention Sale. The sale commenced with a welcome and ended with a bang and an average of $14,345, boasting an $80,000 top seller. One of the highest averaging sales ever, Scott Courtney of Courtney Sales LLC of Iowa managed the sale while TransOva Genetics was the sponsor.

Wisconsin auctioneer Tom Morris began selling the sale as Roger Turner, also of Wisconsin, took care of reading the pedigrees. Morris shared the auctioneering duties with Delhi, N.Y., native David Rama of the Cattle Exchange.

Lot 10 was the high seller at $80,000. She was Berryridge Massy Lachese-ET, a July 2013 Massy daughter from a Good Plus Doberman and a Very Good 87 Planet granddam. Lachese genomically tested at +2449 and is the third ranked Massy daughter in North America. She was a consignment of Endres Berryridge Farm of Waunakee, Iowa.

The second high seller was Lot 20 for $62,000, a first choice Kingboy female from 10 pregnancies due in December. They are out of Very Good 89 Larcrest Cale-ET, an Observer daughter of the well-known Larcrest Crimson Excellent 92. This choice was consigned by Jon Larson of Albert Lea, Minn.

There was a tie for the third high seller. Two lots sold for $57,000, including Lot 8, Seagull-Bay SH Ramona-ET. She is an October 2013 heifer that genomically tested +2474 and was sired by Ransom from a Very Good 87 Planet daughter. She was consigned by Seagull Bay Dairy of American Falls, Idaho.

Also selling for $57,000 was Lot 12, Genesee Jacey Mabel-ET. She is a February 2014 Jacey daughter from a Snowman and then a Very Good Planet. She genomically tested +2522 and came from Avon, N.Y., from the Mulligan Farm.

With the theme of "Moovin on the River," Iowa Holstein breeders welcomed lovers of the black and white cow to their home turf and provided several tours throughout Iowa’s farm country. From north to south and east to west, Holstein enthusiasts enjoyed touring several Holstein herds. Wine tasting, the Farm Toy Museum, the John Deere plant and the Field of Dreams were also on the tour docket.

Junior Holstein Association members enjoyed a slate of activities including contests, a welcome bonfire and BBQ, and their own meeting agenda.

The convention concluded on Saturday, June 28, with the Holstein Association USA annual meeting, adult recognition banquet and youth farewell activity.

The 2015 National Holstein Convention will be held just one state over. The Illinois Holstein Association will host the event on June 23-26 at Pheasant Run in St. Charles, Ill.