MADISON, Wis. — We visited with John Burket at the 2024 World Dairy Expo Udder Comfort booth. The Burket family near East Freedom, Pennsylvania, has 65 years of Holstein breeding in Polled genetics. John’s father Dave took “the road less traveled,” believing the hornless gene would be needed one day, and he was right.
Princess Fayne Houtwje was the original Polled animal born on the farm in 1960. She produced seven consecutive records of 1100 pounds of fat. Not long after her, was Burket Falls Elevation Sophie. Two-thirds of all the Polled Holsteins in the world trace back to Princess and Sophie.
Today Dave and his son John and the next generation too have a Burket Falls Holstein herd that is 93% polled, and about half Red and RC as early-on they combined the Polled and the Red. They have bred over 200 Excellent cows since the 1960s, and they breed for fat and protein. The Burkets milk 110 Registered Holsteins with a BAA around 110, producing 26,000M with 1100F.
John Burket has been active in the Pennsylvania state and national Holstein Associations for years. In June 2024, he was elected president of Holstein Association, USA. He sees the Holstein cow as an amazing animal that brings people together across the country and around the world.
“It’s a terrific network that we have. I don’t know of any other occupation or vocation that has a network of people like the Holstein breeders and enthusiasts, and it puts us in a unique position,” said John in an interview at the Udder Comfort booth during the 2024 World Dairy Expo. “The Holstein cow is such a terrific animal. She provides so much for those that care for and own her, and she feeds the world at the same time. The people that I’ve known around the country and around the world associated with the Holstein are just the best. The genetics keep improving. Every day on the dairy farm presents an opportunity. It’s all about the cow and the people who own her and take care of her. It’s the best of both worlds.”
As for Udder Comfort, the Burkets have used the product consistently for 15 years. “We use it on any type of swelling or edema, and everyone milking knows if a cow comes through with any swelling in the udder, it’s just automatic … You don’t need told or asked, you apply Udder Comfort, and the vast majority of the time, you see results afterwards,” John explains.
“We use it on fresh cows and particularly the first-calf heifers. It’s a must. We haven’t tried other products because this one has been so successful for us. It’s a natural fit for our herd, and the results are positive.”
Burket’s upbeat message for Holstein breeders (Farmshine, Aug. 2024, by Sherry Bunting)
“You’re in a good position today if you’re in the Holstein business to make a future of it. And for the younger people here, I hope you pursue that,” said Holstein Association, USA president John Burket at the annual Lancaster County Holstein Field Night in August 2024. “The demand is exceptionally high for cattle. Dairy on beef has played quite a role in our industry and will continue. The export market will get fired up again. Milk is tight and will continue to be tight because of the dairy on beef situation. Dairy genetics will out-value beef genetics going forward in the short term and the long term.”
Undeterred by the deluge of rain, Holstein enthusiasts came out in droves, with around 350 attending the event hosted by Jonathan Glick and his family at their 65-cow Holstein dairy farm they rent from Amos King of Oregon Ag.
They came in cars, trucks, vans, buggies and bicycles from across the county to share a meal and fellowship around a passion for the Holstein cow and the future of family dairy farms.
As the keynote speaker, Burket gave an upbeat talk on the bright future he sees for the Holstein breed.
Burket’s advice for young Holstein enthusiasts?
“Whatever breeding philosophy you pursue, stay true to it. Stay true to what makes you tick — whether it’s show cattle, genomics, good sound cattle or just making milk – follow that path and do it. Focus on what you like to do and make the most of it instead of spreading yourself too thin,” he said.
“As I was driving down the turnpike to come to this picnic, with a light rain falling, I thought ‘I’m a pretty lucky guy,’” he added. “I got out of making fence today and got to come to the Garden Spot of the world – Lancaster County. I get to spend the evening with a bunch of Holstein breeders and friends, and talk cows and bulls with Dick Mellinger. I thank God for that opportunity.”
Farmshine feature story (by Dieter Krieg, Editor)
EAST FREEDOM, Pa. — Not everyone may have thought of this as a “product” supplied by dairy farmers. But John Burket has. Elected president of Holstein Association, USA in the summer of 2024, Burket suggests that the children and grandchildren of dairy farmers are most worthy of mentioning.
Kids raised on farms have a genuine work ethic as well as integrity. That in itself, he says, is a significant contribution to society. Well-known “junior programs” within breed association activities help to build character and HAUSA’s program is second to none, John affirms.
“The impact we make as Holstein breeders, sending our kids and grandkids out into the world is unequalled,” he observed, adding that he finds that to be true whether they return to the farm or any other place of employment.
Speaking of work, the youthful-looking 60-year old dairy leader points out that “in some respects, I haven’t worked a day in my life. Cows are my occupation, profession and recreation. It’s a whole lot of fun and it’s rewarding. When you can say that, it’s just great; it’s not work.”
Another source of satisfaction for dairymen and their families are milk itself and all the products that are made from it. Dairy farmers are helping to keep the world’s population well nourished.
“It’s a noble profession,” John affirmed. “Holstein USA is the hub of the dairy industry because of the prolific Holstein cow,” he continued. As president of the Association, John naturally and understandably promotes the breed. However, his advocacy of dairy includes all breeds and all dairy farmers.
“We all need each other, whether we milk 50 cows or 50,000,” he said. “And if one of my neighbors quits, that doesn’t make me stronger. It makes all of us weaker.” “If you’re milking cows today, HAUSA has goods and services that can enhance your bottom line and profitability,” he went on.
Among them are genomic testing, DHIA services, animal identification and registration; classification and a truly member-owned roster of sires called Marketplace Sires. “We have more services today than ever before,” John affirmed.
Indeed, HAUSA’s services are being used by colored breed associations, including Ayrshire, Guernsey, Milking Shorthorn and Red & White. Asked about challenges facing the industry, John didn’t hesitate with a reply. “They will be ongoing,” he assured. “The key is having HAUSA in a position of strength so that we can deal with whatever we are confronted with,” he declared. “And that strength is dependent on the quality and integrity of the people elected,” he explained emphatically.
John has a strong appreciation for the Holstein industry as well as the community that he calls home. That appreciation includes stepping up to the plate to help with the guidance of what’s important to him, his family and community.
Perhaps unknown to some people is the fact that John served on his local school board for 28 years; 14 years as president.
“I’m an advocate for honest education and honest communication,” he pointed out. John joined the HAUSA Board of Directors in 2014, serving two 3-year terms plus a seventh year due to Covid, when no elections were held. He stepped up to the vice presidency at the HAUSA annual meeting in 2022 and inherited the President’s gavel on June 26, 2024.
The well-known dairy leader’s interest inworking with people, debating issues and making decisions is rooted in one simple but very important fact. He likes people. Secondly, he likes cows. “That makes for a good mix,” he explained, because I’m collaborating with people who share like interests.”
“I understand the importance governance plays in any organization,” John continued. “Having effective leadership in any organization is crucial,” he affirmed. “It’s important to me that people have walked the walk before they talk the talk.” John’s integrity, strength, resilience and commitment can be documented in ways beyond dairy barns, board rooms and bull sessions.
He was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and despite that grim encounter, he maintained an attitude that included fighting and winning. God was with him; John acknowledges that fact. While in the hospital, treatments caused his calcium levels to diminish. One of his doctors surprised him one day by saying that the best source of calcium in one’s diet is milk.
Undoubtedly smiling in agreement, John learned that more doctors are coming on board with truth about milk and dairy products.
Frequently recognized by others who meet him at shows, sales, and/or meetings, John was recently approached by a dairyman while attending the Triple-Hil Sires Progeny II Sale this past June. The stranger extended his hand, which was unhesitatingly met by the strong and firm grasp of John’s hand.
As their hands clasped, the stranger shared a comment which John admittedly didn’t know how to take at first. He was described as “common.” It was meant to be a compliment. Translation: “You’re one of us.”
Profiles in comfort and quality 