MADISON, Wis. — Friends, breeders and international Brown Swiss representatives had an impromptu surprise gathering for Norm Magnussen during the World Dairy Exposition. Norm had recently retired as executive secretary of the Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders Association and they wanted to show their appreciation.

Norm attended the National Brown Swiss Convention in Cedar Rapids, Iowa this past July and was presented with a token of appreciation from the National Board of Brown Swiss Directors and the staff’s appreciation for the years of service to Brown Swiss. 

The new executive secretary, Alicia Horn stated her appreciation, and praised everyone in the office, and especially Norm Magnussen for the smooth transition of duties and information.

Norm left at the end of 2025, after serving for over seven years, and was such an intricate part of the Brown Swiss Sales Service which was started by his father many years ago.  The Brown Swiss breed ran deep in the veins of Norm, as he was very dedicated to working with the breeders, the breed’s integrity, programs and finances – and he accomplished a lot in these categories for the breed. 

One of his important quotes in the Brown Swiss Bulletin was as follows: “The extra value of registered cattle can only be realized when they are, in fact, Registered”! So true and so profound in the world of marketing and breeding your Brown Swiss. Thank you, Norm, for everything you did for the breed and the people behind the cows!