Dairy Shrine Pioneer preserving dairy history with an estate gift

Gerald “Jerry” Strandlund of Bellingham, Washington, is a lifetime supporter and promoter of the purebred cattle industry through his photos, magazines, Holstein field work and early experiences with top show herds. He is a past Dairy Shrine Pioneer Award winner and this year celebrates his 60^th year as a Dairy Shrine member.

Born and raised in Minnesota, Strandlund set down roots in Washington while serving as field representative for Holstein Association USA. Later he established Bovagraph, a successful cattle photography and publishing business that helped registered dairy breeders promote their animals and took Strandlund to herds, shows and sales across the West Coast. Strandlund’s wife, Sandra, was an integral part of Bovagraph. Together the couple has provided for the National Dairy Shrine Museum in their estate plan – even though, surprisingly, they have never had the opportunity to visit the museum themselves.

Dairy Shrine recently spoke with Jerry Strandlund to get his perspective on leaving a legacy for the dairy industry.

How did you become a Dairy Shrine member?

My membership certificate is dated October 31, 1962. In January of that year, I had started work at Mor-Ayr Farm in Red Wing, Minnesota. At the National Dairy Cattle Congress my boss, Dr. R.B. Graves, introduced me to Joe Eves.  Joe was one of the early dairy leaders who were making a big push for new Dairy Shrine members at the Cattle Congress. Joe was very enthusiastic guy with a lot of charisma. If Joe was connected to something, you wanted to be, too. I signed up for Dairy Shrine on the spot. I got a yellow pin to wear and a certificate that is signed by Joe. I think the membership fee was $5, which was quite a bit of money then.

Why did you decide to provide for Dairy Shrine in your estate plan?

Like a lot of my dairy friends, I have an interest in preserving the history of the dairy industry and purebred cattle. This is a decision we made after talking to Maurice Core, former Dairy Shrine executive secretary, 10 to 15 years ago.

Is your estate gift designated for a certain Dairy Shrine program?

The youth scholarships are a vital part of the organization, as is the banquet at Madison. We believe it’s also important to continue to maintain a physical institution to display the artifacts and provide a place for people to come to enjoy, study and be educated about the dairy industry. We want our contribution to help perpetuate the National Dairy Shrine Museum for years to come.

Any last thoughts about Dairy Shrine?

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my friendships with other Dairy Shrine members. Back in the day, everyone wore their yellow Dairy Shrint buttons proudly at Waterloo and other cattle shows and sales. Like any organization, volunteers are important to keep Dairy Shrine going. Keep up the good work!