Max Dunseth named an Honoree of the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation
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EmailDunseth had a long career with Holstein Association – USA and was recognized by the Michigan Holstein Association with the Distinguished Service Award.
Max Dunseth was born and raised in Bryan, Ohio near the dairy farms that provided a foundation for his career working with Registered Holsteins. Although he grew up in Ohio, Max spent much of his career with the Holstein Association – USA, adding value to Michigan’s dairy industry.
While at Montpelier High School, Max was a four-year varsity letter baseball player and led his local FFA chapter as president for two years. He began working on Saturdays at Leatherbrook Farms in Bryan, Ohio. Later in high school, he milked Maurice Tressler’s Registered Holsteins for half the day before attending school for the other half. After visiting the Ohio State University – Agricultural Technical Institute, Max decided to focus on learning through hands-on experience and continued working on both farms.
In May 1976, Max married his high school sweetheart, Tina Rasey. The next years were busy with the birth of two sons and a farm partnership that ended during the period of 18-21% interest rates in the 1980s. While working as a herdsman for Stookey Holsteins, a co-worker encouraged him to apply for a consultant position for Holstein Association – USA for Michigan and Indiana. After two visits from Bob Cain, Area II manager for Holstein Association – USA, he called to offer Max the job. Although Bob suggested that if Max got a better offer from his present employer, he should take it as consultant jobs usually lasted 3-5 years, Max took the Holstein Association – USA job and retired 31 years later in 2022.
Max’s passion for advancing the Holstein breed has been evident in his career with Holstein Association – USA , working numerous sales as a ring man, marketing cattle, registering animals and signing up new members with new prefixes. Max has been a regular contributor to Indiana Holstein and Michigan Holstein committees for sales, membership, the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference, the Golden Ticket event and national conventions. He first joined Holstein Association – USA as a new member in 1977, establishing the Ti-Max prefix, “The Cows to Watch.” Max was recognized as the Honorary Member by the Indiana Holstein Association in 2022 and with the Distinguished Service Award by the Michigan Holstein Association in 2023.
In his spare time, Max has enjoyed playing softball, raccoon hunting and fishing with his sons. He placed first in the Hoard’s Dairyman judging contest in the Agri-Marketing division. He and Tina continue to live in Coldwater, Michigan, where Max assists with the high school baseball program and enjoys golf and hunting in his spare time.
As Bob Cain said, “Take care of the Holstein cow and she will take care of you,” a saying that has been proven for Max Dunseth. His career has involved working with some of the greatest cows and veterinarians and many other great people, while being blessed with a great family. For his significant contributions to the cows and people of the Michigan dairy industry, the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation is pleased to recognize Max Dunseth as a Foundation Honoree.
