Marvin Sprick, New Haven, MO
Throughout the past 30 years Marvin Sprick, New Haven, Missouri, has been in a leadership role in state dairy programs.
Marvin was born September 9, 1934 at New Haven. His parents were Emil and Helen Sprick. He graduated from Washington, MO High School in 1952 and was in the United States Army 1955-57. In 1957 Marvin started dairying on his own with Guernseys as his chosen breed.
In December 1960, Marvin and Mary Althage, of New Haven were married. They have two children: Mike is a classifier for Guernsey and Jerseys and Martha Jane is a registered nurse.
Marvin served several terms as a director of the Missouri Guernsey Breeders’ Association and he is the current president of the State association treasurer and president for many years. He was a Missouri DHI director from 1973-86 and was president of the state Dairy Herd Improvement Federation from 1975 to 1986. He has been active in Mid-America Dairymen, serving as secretary and vice president of Mid-Am District 16. He was a 4-H Dairy Club Leader in Franklin County for 10 years and did much to encourage young people with their dairy projects. He also is active the Missouri Farm Bureau serving as a county board member. At the present time Marvin is working part time on membership solicitations for the Missouri Dairy Association.
Mr. Sprick and his family are well recognized for their success as dairy farm operators. Marvin purchased his present dairy farm from his father in 1970 and over the years built a registered Guernsey herd of some 60 milking cows and 55 head of young stock. The 325 acre farm is used for pasture, corn silage and alfalfa production. A home-bred herd, by the use of good sires, a DHIA testing program, sound feeding and management, and regular classification for type many high producers were developed. Fifteen cows exceeded a lifetime production of over 100,000 pounds of milk. One cow Valors Tessie had 180,320 pounds of milk, 9,056 pounds of fat and Lyon Farms Millie had 138,680 pounds of milk and 6,580 pounds of fat. Twelve cows officially classified “Excellent” were developed. Cattle were exhibited at district shows and state shows winning their share of the ribbons. About three years ago the bulk of the herd was sold at a very successful auction at the farm. Buyers come from many states and 90 some head all ages averaged about $1,000 per head. Mr. Sprick still has a small herd and continues his dairy interests.
Marvin has given unselfishly of his time and energy to promote dairying in Missouri and the nation. It is fitting that he be recognized with the Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors Leadership Award.