Valentine Named 2025 Contemporary Guest of Honor by the Maryland Dairy Shrine, Inc

Alisha Yocum

Robert “Bob” Valentine was recently recognized as the 2025 Contemporary Guest of Honor at the Maryland Dairy Shrine Annual Banquet and Meeting in February. Valentine was one of four recipients recognized as a dairy leader who has made outstanding accomplishments and significant contributions to the dairy industry.

Valentine is a third-generation Ayrshire breeder, following in the footsteps of his father, grandfather, and uncle, and he has passed his love of the breed and dairy farming on to three more generations—his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Valentine served as president of the MD-DE Ayrshire Association from 1993-2011, as well as many National committees related to the breed.

Locally, Valentine has made huge impacts on the dairy industry and agriculture through this devotion to the youth. This past fall, he received a 50-year service award from The Great Frederick Fair as a 4-H Dairy Superintendent and was honored for his work with the Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show, where he has served as the Beef, Sheep, and Swine Sale Chairman since its inception 50 years ago. However, when asked his greatest accomplishment, he always says it is his family!

The National Dairy Shrine was founded in 1949 and years later in 1963 the Maryland chapter was established to specifically recognize leaders of Maryland’s dairy industry and to help preserve its legacy and history as well as inspire future leaders through recognition and scholarships.

Robert “Bob” Valentine with his wife Madeline after being recognized as the 2025 Contemporary Guest of Honor at the Maryland Dairy Shrine. Annual Banquet and Meeting

Robert “Bob” Valentine with his family after being recognized as the 2025 Contemporary Guest of Honor at the Maryland Dairy Shrine meeting.