HARRISBURG, Pa. — Barbara Ziemba of Weedsport, N.Y., will receive the Image Award at the 54th All-American Dairy Show, set for Sept. 16-21, at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg.
The Image Award is presented annually to an individual who has enhanced the image of the All-American Dairy Show with significant contributions to its reputation, prestige and welfare.
“Barb has been a dedicated fundraiser for the All-American Dairy Show. If not for her tenacity, the show wouldn’t have continued to grow and thrive over the past several years,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “In this behind-the-scenes volunteer role, Barb has consistently represented the best interests of the show and built critical relationships with industry partners.”
Ziemba has served as the show’s sponsorship coordinator for six years. As someone who understands the needs of exhibitors and agribusinesses at a large dairy show, Barb has seen great success in her role, raising more than $500,000 in cash and donations. She finds it gratifying to give sponsors the platform to promote their businesses and enjoys finding creative ways to help them to support their clients and connect with potential customers.
“I am very grateful and humbled to receive the All-American Image Award, as there are many show supporters and key people who are instrumental in preparing for a successful event,” Ziemba said. “Being a part of the show has allowed me to build friendships with my sponsors, the board members, industry exhibitors, and cattle exhibitors.”
Along with her late husband Steve and sons Kevin and Tim, Ziemba established a successful registered dairy farm – Ziems Farms – in Weedsport, N.Y. They exhibited cattle at local, state and national shows including Eastern States, All-American Dairy Show, North American International Livestock Expo, Canadian Royal Winter Fair and World Dairy Expo. The operation was nominated three times with the All-American Best Three females and earned the Reserve All-American Best Three in 2002.
Ziemba owns multiple high pedigreed Holstein and Red and White cattle in partnership with her sons and other breeders.
Ziemba’s son Kevin, his wife Barb and their son Mason live in Durhamville, N.Y. Her son Tim, his wife Leah and their children Claire and Luke live in Cambridge, Wis.
Ziemba is a member of the New York and Wisconsin Holstein associations. She served on the New York Holstein board of directors for more than 15 years, also serving on the association’s membership committee.
Recent Image Award recipients include Judy Black of Sinking Valley, Blair County, in 2016; Ed Pruss, of Lake Ariel, Wayne County, in 2015; Gary Hennip of Rome, Bradford County, in 2014; Denise Whiting of Slippery Rock, Butler County, and Steve Cornman of Boiling Springs, Cumberland County, in 2013; Jane Pepple, Oxford, Chester County, in 2012; Duane and Donna Duncan of Carlisle, Cumberland County, in 2011; and David Swartz of Loysville, Perry County, in 2010.
Other previous recipients: 2009 – Harry Thompson and Kathy Walton, 2008 – Dave Smith, 2007 – Ken Raney, 2006 – David Dunbar, 2005 – Janet Harding, 2004 – Eugene and Carol Schurman, 2003 – John Harris, 2002 – Sam Hayes, 2001 – Rita Kennedy, 2000 – Robert Rugaber, 1999 – Don Ace, 1998 – Elsie Wolff, 1997 – Obie Snider, 1996 – Larry Specht, 1995 – John Morris, 1994 – Steve Spencer, 1993 – Lee Yost and John Walker.
Contact the show office at aads@pa.gov or call 717-787-2905 for more information and to be a part of the 54th All-American.
Visit the newly-revamped www.allamerican.pa.gov for more details about the All-American Dairy Show. The event features 22 shows in six days, in addition to the nation’s only all-dairy antiques show. Last year’s show featured nearly 3,000 animals and 1,500 exhibitors from across the country.
— Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
