FREDERICK, Md. — Brown Swiss breeders in Maryland and Pennsylvania will host the National Brown Swiss Convention June 24- 27 in Lebanon, Pa.

The two state associations have long been recognized for a tradition of excellence in the Brown Swiss breed on all levels, milk production and cheese-making, and quality show cattle known throughout the country and around the world.

Convention headquarters, the Fairfield Inn and Suites and the Lebanon Expo Center —where a show and sale will take place — are located near each other for convenient access.

The theme of this year’s convention is, “Share the Passion in 2025” and Brown Swiss enthusiasts from across the country are welcome to do just that as they gather to enjoy the activities planned for all ages, including tours, the popular fun auction and the National Convention Sale.

To top it all off, the Mid Atlantic Brown Swiss Invitational Show has been designated as a “one time” National Brown Swiss Show and will be held on Friday, June 27th. The long-running Mid Atlantic Brown Swiss show is one of the top Brown Swiss shows in the country with a reputation for outstanding quality. Breeders from all states are invited and there will be special awards for Juniors participating in showmanship classes. Youths will also receive special shirts for the show.  Joe Sparrow from Kentucky will be the judge. National sale animals can be entered in the show immediately following the sale.

There will be something for everyone at the convention. Kicking off the week, on Tuesday, June 24, will be a welcome reception at the Mount Hope Winery, Pennsylvania’s original winery, brewery, cidery and distillery. It attracts many visitors throughout the year and is especially beautiful in the summer. The renovated historic barn showcases a stonework bar on the first floor.

The meal will be served on the second floor, featuring original wooden beams and other original features of the historic barn. Highlights include flower gardens and a gift shop for souvenirs, as well as wines and ciders to take home. It’s all just a 10-minute drive from the hotel. 

A welcome mixer and pizza night for Juniors will be held at the fairgrounds. A youth poster board contest and a dairy trivia scavenger hunt, also await Juniors. what’s more, they will be treated to a tour of Hershey Chocolate World and Indian Echo Caverns that were formed over 440 million years ago. This is a must-see limestone cavern on the East Coast, but bring your jacket as the temperature is 52 degrees year-round.

Other highlights include a tour of historic Gettysburg where you can immerse yourself in the history of the most pivotal battle in the Civil War.

Moos and Brews will be another tour option – where people can visit the oldest brewery in the country — Yuengling Brewery — while also stopping to see outstanding Brown Swiss cattle at Northkill Creek and Wind Mill, two leading Swiss breeders on the East Coast. 

A happy hour is planned later that day for sale cattle viewing followed by an authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dinner. Youth awards will be given out that evening, followed by the popular fun auction, featuring a variety of unique items from across the country. This is a fun event for everyone. All proceeds are for the youth programs on the national level. So bring your checkbook for this and bid often and bid last if you want a special memory on Wednesday, June 25th.

Thursday, June 26, will start with adult award presentations, followed by the annual meeting.

The National Sale, managed by Wayne Sliker and Brian Garrison will be held at noon with lunch provided.  The line up of quality animals ranges from high level show prospects, to great genomic selections, production, deep pedigrees and more. After the sale, there will be a celebration with brews, a picnic and a corn hole contest for some friendly competition and fun! 

The climax of the week, Friday June 27, will be the show starting at 8 a.m. with showmanship. Then at 10 o’clock, heifer classes will enter the ring and at 1:30 p.m. it’s time for cow classes and finally champions. Entry information will be available on the Showman App on or about May 25th. (See the Maryland Brown Swiss website for additional information).

REGISTRATIONS close June 15th

• Mail registrations and payment to: Emily Heffner, 10943 Mapleville Road, Hagerstown, MD.  21742. Checks should be made payable to: “2025 National Convention”. Zelle payment option is available; call Emily at 240-344-6399.

• Ship fun auction items and Poster Board entries to: Laura Heilinger, 225 Heffelfinger Road, Lebanon, PA. 17046. For fun auction questions or items designated for the State Association Challenge, call Kathy Whitman at 301-704-8158.

• Hotel reservations: Fairfield Inn & Suites (convention headquarters) 100 Springfield Driver, Lebanon; phone: 717-273-3969. Be sure to ask for National Brown Swiss Convention group rates of $159 + tax per night. The hotel discount cut off is May 23rd.

Additional hotels: Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 2205 East Cumberland Street, Lebanon. Group Code “BSW” $139 + tax; Hampton Inn & Suites, Lebanon, $179+ tax Group Code NBSC2025.

Camping grounds: Pine Acres, 5.3 miles; TT Campgrounds, 8.6 miles.

Airports: Harrisburg, 30 minutes; Baltimore, 2 hours; Philadelphia, 1.5 hours.

Contact information:

• Co-chair: Laura Heilinger, 717-383-3061; email: heilingerswiss@yahoo.com

• Co-chair: Cindy Warner, phone 301-639-6887; email: bscow@comcast.net

• Finance and Invitational Show: Emily Heffner, phone: 240-344-6399; email:  eheffner@lswg.cpa  

• Sale: Dennis Daubert: 570-640-8954; email: windmill01@comcast.net

• Fun auction: Kathy Whitman: 301-704-8158;  gottawannafarm@gmail.com  

• Full registrations are due by June 1, offering savings: $145 for adults and $75 for Juniors for all the activities mentioned above for the week.