NEW RICHMOND, Wis. –- Henk and Bonnie Van Dyk of Willows Edge Holsteins, New Richmond, have a long track record of home-bred cows with solid type or confirmation and high butterfat test. They’ve also long contributed their time and talents in multiple leadership roles within the registered Holstein industry.
Van Dyk cattle excel in type, fat test
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Henk and Bonnie Van Dyk of New Richmond, Wisconsin, are recognized for breeding and showing registered Holsteins, both black-and-whites and red-and-whites. Their farm is in the distance.
Bonnie Van Dyk represents the Red and White Dairy Cattle Association on the exhibitor committee at World Dairy Expo.
St. Croix County, Wisconsin, dairy producers Bonnie and Henk Van Dyk display some of the Premier Breeder banners they've acquired over the years with their Willows Edge registered-Holstein cattle.
Bonnie Van Dyk is at the halter of Willows Edge Real Mink-red, the All-American Winter Calf and first Bred-and-Owned at the 2015 World Dairy Expo. Her husband, Henk Van Dyk, is at the halter of Willows Edge Dundee Impulse, first-place Senior Three-Year-Old, Best-Uddered and top Bred-and-Owned of the 2016 District 1 Holstein Show. Impulse was also Intermediate champion and grand champion.
The calf-rearing area at Willows Edge Holsteins near New Richmond, Wisconsin, houses their show-ring prospects. Calves were at one time housed in hutches and fed milk replacer. They're now in individual pens and fed whole milk.
Henk and Bonnie Van Dyk's show cattle are accustomed to people strolling the barns at the Minnesota State Fair, World Dairy Expo and other shows. The Van Dyks frequently take the opportunity to visit with the public about dairying and animal husbandry.
Willows Edge Holsteins, operated by Bonnie and Henk Van Dyk of New Richmond, Wisconsin, had the first-place Best Three Females at the Midwest Fall National at the 2016 Minnesota State Fair. From left are Judge Ryan Krohlow of Poynette, Wisconsin; Jordan Van Dyk; Shanelle Borth of Ellsworth, Wisconsin, who helps the Van Dyks with showing; and Jordan Van Dyk's mother, Bonnie Van Dyk.
The Willow River gives Willows Edge Holsteins its name. The river runs through the 1,000-acre registered-Holstein operation owned by Henk and Bonnie Van Dyk in St. Croix County, Wisconsin.
Willows Edge Holsteins of New Richmond, Wisconsin, includes 125 cows -- both black-and-white Holsteins and red-and-white Holsteins -- that are no strangers to the show ring.
The Van Dyks' farm near New Richmond, Wisconsin, features crab apple trees they planted on either side of the lane leading to their home.