Winner is from Maryland for the 4th year in a row

MADISON, Wis. – The Schwartzbeck Family, owners of Peace & Plenty Farm near Union Bridge, Maryland, have been chosen as this year’s recipient of the Robert “Whitey” McKown Master Breeder Award.

Given annually by the Klussendorf Association, this honor celebrates generations of dedication to advancing the Holstein breed, a commitment evident in every aspect of their dairy operation.

For decades, the Schwartzbeck name has been synonymous with quality and passion. The 1100 acres of Peace & Plenty Farm, owned by Joe and Nona Schwartzbeck, is home to 600 Registered Holsteins, each an example of meticulous breeding and dedicated animal care.

Their son, Gus, and his wife, Lisa – along with their sons – Davis and Austin — work full time on the farm. Both play a role in mating decisions, herd health and overall success of the Peace & Plenty herd. Their daughter, Aubrey, manages the show heifer program as well as doing daily chores.

Davis and Austin’s own families are also important members of the team. Austin’s wife, Lauren — the former Lauren Nell — has a lifetime of commendable experiences showing Registered Holsteins.

Furthermore, the family is fortunate to have additional help from Joe and Nona’s son Shane, who has a business of his own, as well as their longtime feeder, David Miller.

The Schawartzbeck breeding philosophy is rooted in advancement, versatility, and thoroughness. They have bred an impressive 181 Excellent cows. Classifications include two cows at 95 points, 10 cows at 94 points, 14 cows at 93 points, 25 cows at 92 points, 36 at 91 points, and 95 cows achieving 90 points. Beyond individual classification, their program has also produced six Merit dams and four Gold Medal dams, solidifying their status as top-tier breeders.

The show ring has offered many triumphs for Peace & Plenty, anchored by the Jubilant “Jubie” family. They have achieved considerable success showing in Maryland for many years and are increasingly making their mark nationwide.

A notable early success was having the first ever Junior Supreme Champion of the Premier National Junior Shows in Harrisburg, Pa., with a homebred heifer. Their very own, Peace & Plenty Atwd Jubilant (EX-93-3E) has emerged as a new cornerstone of success. Her offspring are making waves at national shows, bringing recognition for the Schwartzbecks and their partnered exhibitors.

The Jubilant family alone produced six All-American nominations in 2023 and followed with six more nominations in 2024 including junior champion of the open show at the Eastern Fall National Show in Harrisburg, Pa. Additional honors have included wins such as reserve grand champion at the Eastern Fall Nationa and grand champion at the Southern Spring National. A further testament to the value of their genetics, the farm hosted a sale in the spring of 2025 with Ducketts and Borderview, grossing over $1 million.

The Schwartzbeck family is diligent in cow care and environmental stewardship alike. Their cows are comfortably housed in freestall barns equipped with mattresses, while dry cows enjoy a newer loose housing barn. Fresh cows and show animals have a dedicated barn, receiving extra attention, ensuring optimal well-being. Their commitment to the land is equally as strong, earning them the 2006 Carroll County Soil Conservation District Cooperator of the Year Award as well as acknowledgement for outstanding conservation achievements as part of the Double Pipe Creek Rural Clean Water Project.

The Schwartzbecks’ commitment to advancing the Holstein breed goes beyond the farm’s fences. As active members of the Carroll County and Maryland Holstein Associations, they participate in various efforts to advance the breed they cherish. All three generations have given, and continue to give, significant time and service to these associations. Their reputation for excellence is further cemented by numerous accolades, including the Maryland & Virginia Milk Quality Award, recognition as the 2010 Dairy of Distinction, and the esteemed title of Master Farmer. But it’s not about winning awards.

The Schwartzbecks take pride in educating others about the milk industry and the realities of running a family farm – frequently opening their farm for tours and community groups. Indeed, they try to convey their love for farming to others.

The achievements within the Holstein breed and their combined loyalty to education and outreach have earned the family the McKown Master Breeder Award. Their steadfast devotion continues to leave an indelible mark on the dairy industry and the next generations, setting a shining example from their Maryland home.

Past winners of the Robert “Whitey” McKown Master Breeder Award include:

• 2024: Maple-Dell Farm, Woodbine, Md.
• 2023: Spring Valley and Heath Jerseys, Westminster, Md. 
• 2022: Palmyra Farm, Hagerstown, Md.
• 2021: Cutting Edge Swiss, Copake, N.Y.
• 2020: (no winner named; Covid)
• 2019: Woodsmansee, Preston, Conn.
• 2018: Ovaltop, Richfield Springs, N.Y.
• 2017: Wendon Holsteins, Innisfail, Alberta
• 2016: Ferme Jacobs Inc., Cap-Santé, Quebec
• 2015: Walk-Era, Wisconsin Dells, Wis.,
• 2014: Pond View Farm, Danville, Vt.,  
• 2013: Quality Holsteins, Vaughan, Ontario 
• 2012: Windsor Manor, New Windsor, Md.
• 2011: Moondale Farm, Monona, Iowa
• 2010: Snider Homestead, New Enterprise, Pa.
• 2009: Windy Knoll View, Mercersburg, Pa.

The Robert “Whitey” McKown Breeder Award was made possible by the family and friends of the 1997 Honorary Klussendorf honoree after his passing in 2009. McKown joined the Holstein World staff in 1956 and became widely respected as he traveled nationally and internationally, reporting on shows, sales, meetings, and other Holstein events. The 1987 National Dairy Shrine president also developed McKown Holsteins at Belleville, N.Y. He had great admiration for the farmer breeder.

The Klussendorf Memorial Association, considered by many as the Hall of Fame for dairy cattle exhibitors, began in 1937 in memory of Arthur B. Klussendorf, considered the outstanding dairy cattle showman of his time. Each year, the Klussendorf Association votes to add a new dairy cattle exhibitor to its rolls with lifetime membership for their cumulative works.