Timothy Coon of Amenia, New York, won the 25th Klussendorf-MacKenzie Award presented during the 49th World Dairy Expo, in memory of Duncan MacKenzie, the 1961 Klussendorf winner. In honor of the silver anniversary of this award, Maureen MacKenzie, daughter of Duncan MacKenzie, along with Rebecca Tamporello, granddaughter of Duncan MacKenzie, presented the wood statue of Duncan MacKenzie.
Growing up on a Guernsey farm in eastern New York, this year’s silver anniversary Duncan MacKenzie recipient came to his first World Dairy Expo in 1981, and hasn’t missed a show since. In the early 1980s, Coon pursued a career as a foot trimmer and cattle fitter. He then began working for several sales companies including Hanover Hill Sales and Service, The Cattle Exchange and the Guernsey Marketing Service.
Coon also had the opportunity to work with many excellent show herds, including Dreamstreet Holsteins, Lylehaven Holsteins, Piedmont Jerseys, Millbourne Guernseys and Woodmansee Holsteins. While working with Dreamstreet Holsteins, Coon cared for the 1983 World Dairy Expo Supreme Champion, Millervue Ultimate Rosalyn.
Most recently, the 25th MacKenzie Award winner lent his expert services to Elite Dairy’s Brown Swiss string, which has had four Grand Champions at World Dairy Expo in recent years, including Eloc Wagnor Kandid who won the 2014 show.
Coon has trained and mentored many youth throughout the years, getting them involved and off to a great start in the agricultural business. Tim has been married to his wife, Beth, for 30 years and has three daughters and seven grandchildren. He is very active in his local agricultural community, serving on the Dutchess County Fair board and on the New York Spring Show Committee.
Above all these accomplishments, Coon exemplifies all the principles of a Duncan MacKenzie recipient as to character, sportsmanship, ability, and endeavor. Tim is extremely dedicated, will help anyone solve their problem, and assist them in achieving their goals.
WDE, recognized as the meeting place for the global dairy industry, attracts more than 70,000 attendees from more than 90 countries each year. Visit worlddairyexpo.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@WDExpoor #WDE15) for more information.
