10th Featured Futurity Exhibitor

Featured Futurity Exhibitor: Cierra Ehrke-Essock, Ehrke Farms

Cierra hails from Fort Atkinson in Jefferson County on Ehrke Farms, a 300 acre farm milking 70 head of Registered Holsteins.  Ehrke Farms was started in 1965 when Cierra’s grandfather, Bill Ehrke purchased the farm.  The farm has had many accomplishments over the years, including exporting cattle and embryos to 14 countries, having numerous All-American, Jr. All-American, All-Wisconsin, and Jr. All-Wisconsin nominations and winners over the years.  Bill is an active member of the Wisconsin Holstein Association serving on the Spring Show and Futurity Committees, is a former Junior Activities Committee member, has served as Chairman of the Sale Committee, and is a former Vice President of the Association.  Bill is also a past President of the Jefferson County Holstein Breeders and was appointed by the USDA to serve 6 terms as a dairy representative to the National Beef Promotion and Research Board.  Cierra’s mom, Cheryl, is also an active WHA member and former JAC member.  She currently serves on the Spring Show and Futurity Committees and is an officer and board member for the Jefferson County Holstein Breeders.  Cheryl volunteers for the Post Secondary Dairy Judging Contest at World Dairy Expo, is on the dairy committee for Jefferson County 4-H, and is a dairy leader for the club where they have many 4-H and FFA members exhibit their cattle each year.  Cierra will be a freshman at UW-River Falls to major in Agriculture Education and Dairy Science.  She is a 5 year FFA member serving as Secretary and Vice President, and she received her FFA State Farmer Degree this year.  Cierra is also a 13 year 4-H member. 

Futurity Fact:


Besides our top prizes, there are many other awards that the Futurity exhibitors will be competing for.  All of the entries in our "Procession of Bovine Beauties" can compete for Best Udder, sponsored by East Central Select Sires, Top Milk Production and Top Fat & Protein, both sponsored by Brian Greenman Rural Mutual Insurance Agent, Top Bred & Owned and Top Jr. Bred & Owned, both sponsored by Robert and Randy Nigh of Lirr Farms, and 1st Place Jr. Award sponsored by Angela Davis-Brown of Ma-Brown Holsteins and Jerseys and WI Jr. Holstein Association.  

Awards table from the 2012 Futurity