Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Abildgaard, Mark (NMI)

Mark (NMI) Abildgaard

Notes for Mark (NMI) ABILDGAARD-183

MARRIAGE: Mark Abildgaard was married 2nd, to Olive Bell (Wright) Amos in Dec 1939.


OBITUARY: Dairy Leader, Mark Abildgaard Dies

The man who was long considered Mr. Dairy in Kansas died April 28, at the age of 87. Mark Abildgaard, a 1911 graduate of Kansas State University managed dairy farms and brought high quality breeding cattle to the state before becoming the owner of his own dairy farm.

As a dairyman he was a leader in organizing Wichita Milk Producers Association in 1931. He was its first president and in 1932 became manager, a job he held until retirement in 1955.

As a dairy co-op manager he was described by John Heersche, elderly Kansas dairyman as "priding himself in running an efficient operation on the smallest dollar with the largest return to the dairy farmer."

"Without an attorney and as sole spokesman for dairy farmer interests, Abildgaard handled all testimony at federal order hearings. He was considered honest and fair, and his judgment was respected in all segments of the industry," said Heersche.

"Through Abildgaard's efforts Dairy Council was brought to Wichita, and he supported and aided its function through the years," said Wichita Dairy Council leader Molly Goodwin, now with Dairy Council, Inc.

WMPA became a member of the National Milk Producers Federation because of the influence of Abildgaard.

"He was a great dairy leader," said Lynn Elrod, who replaced Abildgaard as manager of WMPA in 1955. Elrod is now assistant to the general manager of AMPI.

Jim Moore, manager of the Kansas Division of AMPI said, "Kansas dairymen will miss the influence and counsel of this outstanding dairy leader."
(Source: "Dairymen's Digest, June 1977)



Email: Dick.Henthorn@gmail.com
Posted: 20 Dec 2001
Reposted: 22 Feb 2011

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