Young Adult Education Award Spotlight - Bob and Shelly Hart

The Wisconsin Holstein Association and the Young Adult Committee are excited to again offer 4, $500 awards for Wisconsin Holstein members to attend an educational event. These events include, but are not limited to: Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI), World Dairy Expo, World Ag Expo, PDPW, and the National Holstein Convention.

Last year's winners, Bob and Shelly Hart, share their experience with the opportunity that this award provided them below.

Tell a little about yourself, such as, your family, current employment and when you joined the Wisconsin Holstein Association.

Bob and I currently reside at Pine Knoll Farms in Galesville, WI which is located in Trempealeau County. This was my home farm and we officially took over the dairy in June of 2012. I have been a member of the WI Holstein Association ever since I was a member of the Junior Association at the age of 9. Bob became a member in 2003. We currently raise Registered Holstein and Brown Swiss dairy cattle. Bob is in on the farm full-time and I work part-time at Dairyland Laboratories as a lab technician. Along with my mom, Linda, we milk 60 cows twice daily and work side-by-side one another in daily farm tasks.

Why did you complete the YAC Educational Award application?

We were introduced to this award application last year and thought it would be a great opportunity to branch out to see the aspects of the Holstein industry. Bob and I have always remained active in the dairy industry, but thought this would be an extra push to try something new.

What dairy industry event did you attend? What did you learn from the event?

We elected to attend the 2013 National Holstein Association Convention. It allowed us to learn more about the Holstein Association at a national level. In addition, it gave insight to the business aspects of the industry and also allowed us to gain networking opportunities.

What is your favorite Wisconsin Holstein or dairy industry event and explain why?

This makes for a tuff question. We would have to say for the Wisconsin Holstein Association side, we enjoyed attending the state meeting. It allowed us to catch up with fellow friends and dairyman as well as at the same time gave us a chance to see the year in review for the association. On a dairy industry side, World Dairy Expo would be a favorite. It truly is a show like no other!

What has been your most memorable moment in the dairy industry? 

It would be hard to narrow in on one single moment, instead I would have to say they are more like milestones in working with our dairy herd. Favorites would be when the home bred cows bring home the blue ribbons at shows or when you have that great classification day on the farm and are able to add more Excellent’s to the herd. On another note, we also take pride in the moments when you are able to witness youth you have coached receive their first blue ribbon with their project animal. Bob and I enjoy working with youth dairy programs and we encourage individuals to become active in the dairy industry.

Would you recommend other complete the YAC Educational Award application?

Yes, we would certainly recommend for others to take the time to complete the application. It truly is a great opportunity to challenge yourself to branch out to see the aspects of the dairy industry. In this industry, times are always changing and there are always new things to be discovered. Thus, we feel this is a way to allow individuals to develop new insight or networking tools that can be beneficial to their own herd. Bob and I truly thank the Wisconsin Holstein Association for this award and wish to encourage other to take part.

Applicants for this award must be a member in good standing of the Wisconsin Holstein Association at the time of application. Applicants should indicate on this application which program or event the award will be used for. For programs such as YDLI, proof of acceptance must be provided. Award can only be received once per individual. Young Distinguished Breeder Award recipients are not eligible as they will have already received a $500 YAC sponsored award. If an award is given and the recipient is unable to attend or does not fulfill the program requirements, the individual is expected to return the funds to the Young Adult Committee. This award is intended for those whose main source of income is from the farm. Applicant should be age 21 to 45 as of January 1, 2013. 

Wisconsin Holstein Members Excel at World Dairy Expo

The 2013 World Dairy Expo concluded with an outstanding Holstein cow show on Saturday, October 5. Below are the results and highlights of the top five placing exhibitors from Wisconsin for the International Junior Holstein Show, International Red and White Holstein Show, and International Holstein Show.

For photos, contact Laura at lauraw@wisholsteins.com.

International Junior Holstein Show

Spring Calf (14)

3. BHHD Sid Legacy (Pine-Tree Sid), Nicole Ballweg & Karlee Ketelboeter, Dane, WI

Winter Calf (33)

4. Siemers Fever Hia-Glam-ET (Crackholm Fever), C, J, J, J, C, L Siemers, Newton, WI

5. Siemers Sid Scarlett-ET (Pine-Tree Sid), C, J, J, J, C, L Siemers, Newton, WI

Fall Calf (38)

3. Siemers Gsun Haya-Dream-ET (Toc-Farm Goldsun), C, J, J, J, C, L Siemers, Newton, WI

4. WI Fischerdale Damion Rambo (Erbacres Damion), Sara Griswold, Black Earth, WI

Summer Yearling (22)

3. Siemers Bradnk Haya-Love-ET (Regancrest-GV S Bradnick), C, J, J, J, C, L Siemers, Newton, WI

Winning Fall Yearling

Fall Yearling (17)

1. Phoenix Gr Gloria (Nipponia Edr Gibraltar-ET), C, J, J, J, C, L Siemers, Newton, WI

2. Rock-N-Hill Garret Liz (Eastview Garret), Garrett Lederman, Brodhead, WI

3. Kulp-Dale Wndbrok Ellie-ET (Gillette Windbrook), Zachary Lemke & Jess Mullikin, Chilton, WI

4. Jeffrey-Way WB Twitter-ET (Gillette Windbrook), Brienne Hendrickson, Belleville, WI

Yearling in Milk (6)

2. Bella-Ridge Go For Broke-ET (Regancrest S Braxton), Kayla Krueger, Marion, WI

5. Elmlo Sanchez Canadian Club *RC (Gen-Mark Stmatic Sanchez), Austen Schmidt, Cascade, WI

Winning Junior 2-Yr-Old

Junior 2-year-old (11)

1. Langer Dundee Bubbles-ET (Regancrest Dundee), Jenna Langer, DeForest, WI

Senior 2-year-old (11)

2. Butlerview Aftersh April-ET (Ms Atlees Sht Aftershock), Ryan Lauber, Union Grove, WI 4. Birkentree Goldwyn Cadee-ET (Braedale Goldwyn), Jenna Langer, DeForest, WI

Winning Junior 3-Yr-Old

Junior 3-year-old (10)

1. Jeffrey-Way Advent Dynasty (KHW Kite Advent-Red-ET), Patrick Blair, Belleville, WI

5. Siemers Atwood Alexia (Maple-Downs-I GW Atwood), C, J, J, J, C, L Siemers, Newton, WI

Senior 3-year-old (17)

2. Wis-Tex SS Poem-ET (Pursuit September Storm), Grace Curran & Jeff Koster, Taylor, WI

4. Budjon-Vail Gold Dreams-ET (Braedale Goldwyn), Jordan & Whitney Ebert, Algoma, WI

5. Ehrke Ytina Gold Athiena (Braedale Goldwyn), Cierra Ehrke Essock, Fort Atkinson, WI

HM Intermediate Champion: Wis-Tex SS Poem-ET (Pursuit September Storm), 2nd sr. 3-year-old, Grace Curran & Jeff Koster, Taylor, WI

Judy Collinsworth Award Winner - Elizabeth Sarbacker

5-year-old (11)

2. Gildale Advent Primrose (KHW Kite Advent-Red), Kayli, Kalista, Kaianne Hodorff & Nicholas Shuster, Eden, WI

Winning Aged Cows

Aged Cow (3)

1 (BU). Budjon Dundee Azalea-ET (Regancrest Dundee), Trevor Tuman & Chandler Bening, Lomira, WI

2. Willows Edge Advent Malika (KHW Kite Advent-Red), Jordan Van Dyk, New Richmond, WI

3. Kizzys Lheros Josie-ET (Comestar Lheros), Jared Buske, Brownsville, WI

Winning Production Cow

125,000 Lb. Production Cow (5)

1. Siemers Dundee Hilda 8669-ET (Regancrest Dundee), Jordan Siemers, Newton, WI

5. Willows Edge Dur Michele-ET (Regancrest Elton Durham), Jordan Van Dyk, New Richmond, WI

International Red and White Show

Winter Calf (19)

3. Lyn-Vale Cherrypepper-Red (Hylite Barbwire-Red), William Schultz III, Waldo, WI

4. Rosedale Rumor Hasit-Red-ET (Lookout P Redburst-Red), Rosedale Genetics Ltd., Oxford, WI

Fall Calf (23)

4. Bohnview Barb LingLing-Red (Hylite Barbwire-Red), Benjamin Buske, Brownsville, WI 5. Hammertime Noniberry-Red (Patince Showline Contender-Red), Milksource Genetics, Kaukauna, WI

Summer Yearling (17)

1. Maiz-N-Blue Adve Scarlet-Red (KHW Kite Advent-Red), Milksource Genetics, Kaukauna, WI

5. Ms Opportunity Lauryn-Red-ET (Charpentier LFG Spectrum), Siemers Holsteins, Newton, WI

Spring Yearling (20)

4. Siemers Brbwire Reba-Red-ET (Hylite Barbwire-Red), Siemers Holsteins, Newton, WI

Winter Yearling (20)

3. Krull Larson Dirty Girl-Red (Willsbro Larson), Cassy, Bryce & Carley Krull, Lake Mills, WI 4. Milksource Dty Tanya-Red-ET (Scientific Destry-Red), Cathryn & Christopher Gunst, Poy Sippi, WI

Res. Junior Champion, Junior Show

Res. Junior Champion, Junior Show: Krull Larson Dirty Girl-Red (Willsbro Larson), Cassy, Bryce & Carley Krull, Lake Mills, WI

HM Junior Champion, Junior Show: Bohnview Barb LingLing-Red (Hylite Barbwire-Red), Benjamin Buske, Brownsville, WI

Premier Beeder & Exhibitor of the Heifer Show: Milksource Genetics, Kaukauna, WI

Winning Yearling in Milk

Yearling in Milk (8)

1 (BU). Rokey-Benfer R Cutie-Red-ET (Valleyriver Ruben Redman-Red), Kyle Natzke & Zachary Lemke, Fond Du Lac, WI

3. Budjon-Vail Deidra-Red-ET (Crackholm Secure-Red), Michael & Laura Rammer, Sheboygan, WI

4. Saybrok-Mrk C Carly-Red-ET (Patience Showline Contender), Milksource Genetics, Kaukauna, WI

Junior 2-year-old (18)

3. Rosedale Lucky-Rose-Red (Rainyridge Perseus), Rosedale Genetics Ltd., Oxford, WI

Senior 2-year-old (16)

3. Duckett D Layla-Red-ET (Scientific Destry), Michael & Julie Duckett & Westcoast Holsteins, Rudolph, WI

Red & White 2013 World Dairy Expo International Futurity (4)

2. Synergy Absolt Supprise-Red (Apples Absolute-Red), Milksource Genetics & Synergy Dairy, Kaukauna, WI

4. Ms Starmark Renita-Red-ET (KHW Kite Advent-Red), Beechwood-H LLC, Ripon, WI

Junior 3-year-old (13)

3. Criter-Ridge Reba-Red-ET (Patience Showline Contender), C, J, J, J, C, L Siemers, Newton, WI

Senior 3-year-old (9)

3. Budjon-Vail Dione-Red-ET (KHW Kite Advent-Red-ET), M.E. Ladina, Lomira, WI

Res. Intermediate Champion, Junior Show

Res. Intermediate Champion, Junior Show: Criter-Ridge Reba-Red-ET (Patience Showline Contender-Red), 1st jr. 3-year-old, C, J, J, J, C, L Siemers, Newton, WI

4-year-old (21)

4. Valleyriver Jup Rudy (Valleyriver Joyboy Jupiter-Red), Milksource Genetics, Kaukauna, WI

Winning 5-Yr-Old

5-year-old (13)

1. (BU). Ms Candy Apple-Red-ET (Ladino Park Talent-IMP-ET), Frank & Diane Borba and Frank & Carol Borba, Lomira, WI

2. Krull Advent Smiley-Red-ET (KHW Kite Advent-Red), Carley Krull, Lake MIlls, WI

5. Oakvale Advent Cinnabar-Red (KHW Kite Advent-Red), Milksource Genetics, Kaukauna, WI

Aged Cow (6)

4. Creeknook Advent Dawn-Red (KHW Kite Advent-Red), Kelsey Crull, Monroe, WI

125,000 Lb. Production Cow (5)

1. KHW Regiment Apple-Red-ET (Carrousel Regiment-Red), Apple Partners, Edgerton, WI 

3. Greenlea Advent Leta-Red (KHW Kite Advent-Red), Duckett & Junemann, Rudolph, WI 

**Nasco International Type & Production Award Winner

4. Rosedale Tea-Rose-Red (Fradon Redliner-Red), Rosedale Genetics Ltd., Oxford, WI

Champion Bred & Owned of the Junior Show: Krull Advent Smiley-Red-ET (KHW Kite Advent-Red), Carley Krull, Lake MIlls, WI

Res. Senior & Res. Grand Champion, Junior Show: Krull Advent Smiley-Red-ET (KHW Kite Advent-Red), 1st 5-year-old, Carley Krull, Lake MIlls, WI

Premier Breeder: Milksource Genetics, Kaukauna, WI

State Herd: Wisconsin

Res. Senior & Res. Grand Champion: KHW Regiment Apple-Red-ET (Carrousel Regiment-Red), 1st 125,000 Lb. Cow, Apple Partners, Edgerton, WI


HM Senior & Grand Champion & Best Udder of Show: Ms Candy Apple-Red-ET (Ladino Park Talent-IMP-ET), 1st 5-year-old, Frank & Diane Borba and Frank & Carol Borba, Lomira, WI

Also, congratulations to KHW Genetics for breeding the Grand Champion and Reserve Supreme Champion!
Grand Champion: KHW Regiment Apple-3-Red-ETN (Carrousel Regiment-Red), 1st 4-year-old, Westcoast Holsteins, Chilliwack, BC

International Holstein Show

Winter Calf (37)

5. Siemers Fever Hia-GlamET (Crackholm Fever-ET), C, J, J, J, C, L Siemers, Newton, WI

Fall Calf (48)

2. Jacobs Windbrook Bally (Gillette Windbrook x Jacobs Goldwyn Blacka), Siemers Holsteins, Newton, WI

Congrats to the Wisconsin breeders of the winning Summer Yearling - Quad-R Attic Malibu (Allyndale-I Attic-ET x Quad-R Outside Mallory), R&S Allyn and J&K Cantele, Canaan, CT

Spring Yearling (25)

5. Hammertime Windbrook Reno (Gillette Windbrook), Nick & Jessica Sarbacker and Matthew & Lauren Evangelo, Whitewater, WI

Winter Yearling (14)

Congrats to the Wisconsin breeders of the winning Winter Yearling 1. Welsh-Edge Fever Huggable (Crackholm Fever-ET x Welsh-Edge Normanharmony-ET), Sweet Peas & Dymentholm, Susquehanna, PA

5. Budjon-JK Glaz-Way Erin-ET (Maple-DOwns-I G W Atwood-ET), Budjon Farms, Glaz-Way and MD Lucky Lady, Lomira, WI

Fall Yearling (14)

3. Phoenix Gr Gloria (Nipponia Edr Gibraltar-ET x Penn-Octo Dundee Gloria), C, J, J, J, C, L Siemers, Newton, WI

Yearling in Milk (23)

1. Extondale Sid Iams (Pine-Tree Sid-ET x Extondale Goldwyn Heaven), Milksource Genetics, Kaukauna, WI

4. Duckett Fever Trendy-ET VG-87 (Crackholm Fever-ET), Mike & Julie Duckett, Rudolph, WI

Junior 2-year-old (24)

2. Weeks Dundee Anika (Regancrest Dundee-ET x Whittier-Farms Gold Anna-ET), Milksource Genetics, Kaukauna, WI

4. Dream-Prairie GW Alberta (Maple-Downs-I G W Atwood-ET), Milksource Genetics, Kaukauna, WI

Senior 2-year-old (29)

4. Kingsmill Atwood Allison-ET (Maple-Downs-I G W Atwood-ET), Milksource Genetics, Kaukauna, WI

5. Arcroix Goldwyn Jamaique-ET (Braedale Goldwyn), Budjon Farms and Peter & Lyn Vail, Lomira, WI

Holstein 2013 World Dairy Expo International Futurity (4)

Congrats to the Wisconsin breeders of the winning Futurity cow!

1. Milksource Dundee Lovin VG-89 (Regancrest Dundee-ET x Eastside SS Lindsy), Ferme Blondin & TJR Genetics, Saint-Placide, QC

3. Macland Atwood Stacie EX-92 (Maple-Downs-I G W Atwood-ET x Macland Hi Metro D Stacie), Sun Prairie, WI

Junior 3-year-old (23)

1 (BU). Ehrhardt Gold Beauty-ET EX-92 (Braedale Goldwyn x Stanhope Brea Starbuck-ET), Milksource Genetics, Kaukauna, WI

HM Intermediate Champion: Ehrhardt Gold Beauty-ET EX-92 (Braedale Goldwyn x Stanhope Brea Starbuck-ET), 1st jr. 3-year-old, Milksource Genetics, Kaukauna, WI

Merle Howard Award Winner: Cassy Krull, WI

4-year-old (27)

2. Robrook Goldwyn Cameron EX-94 (Braedale Goldwyn x Robrook Dundee Constance), Budjon Farms, St. Jacobs ABC, Peter & Lyn Vail and Woodmansee Farms, Lomira, WI

Winner of 5-Year-Old Class

5-year-old (21)

1. Rosedale Lexington-ET EX-94 (Braedale Goldwyn X Rosedale Lexi-ET), Rosedale Genetics, Ltd., Oxford, WI

Production Class Winner

125,000 Lb. Production Class (12):

1. (BU) Vangoh Durham Treasure EX-96 (Regancrest Elton Durham-ET X Talk-About Linjet Try), Mike & Julie Duckett, Rudolph, WI

5. Siemers Dundee Hilda 8669-ET EX-94 (Regancrest Dundee-ET), Jordan Siemers, Newton, WI

HM Senior & Grand Champion: Robrook Goldwyn Cameron EX-94 (Braedale Goldwyn x Robrook Dundee Constance), 2nd 4-year-old, Budjon Farms, St. Jacobs ABC, Peter & Lyn Vail and Woodmansee Farms, Lomira, WI

Premier Exhibitor: Milksource Genetics, Kaukana, WI

Congratulations to all exhibitors! Look for highlights and stories on the winners in the November 2013 issue of the WHA News.

12th Featured Futurity Exhibitor

Featured Futurity Exhibitor: Jordan and Whitney Ebert

Our next entry is Frozens JK Darnell exhibited by Jordan and Whitney Ebert. Jordan and Whitney reside on their family farm, Ebert Enterprises, in Algoma, Kewaunee County. Ebert Enterprises consists of 2,900 cows on 4,800 acres. Jordan and Whitney have shown at the Kewaunee County Fair, Wisconsin Jr. State Fair, District Show, State Show, and World Dairy Expo. They are honored to have exhibited the 2012 Supreme Champion of the Jr. State Fair Show with Goldie. Jordan is a sophomore at UW-Madison where he is majoring in Dairy Science. He is involved in the Badger Dairy Club, 4-H, Jr. Holsteins, and Jr. Jerseys. Whitney is a Jr. at Algoma High School where she is active in 4-H, FFA, Jr. Holsteins, and Jr. Jerseys. The family is also involved in the Kewaunee County Dairy Promotions. They would like to thank everyone who has been helpful in the industry as they continue to learn and be a part of good memories.

Futurity Fact:

The Wisconsin Holstein Futurity is an annual event and we invite you all to attend next year's show for the 28th annual WHA Futurity in 2014.  We hope to see you all at this year's show and at many more shows in years to come.

11th Featured Futurity Exhibitor

Featured Futurity Exhibitor: Joseta Halbur, Burledge Holsteins

Joseta, along with Ray, Rae Nell, Ted, and Olivia own and operate Burledge Holsteins, a 150 cow, 300 acre farm in Fond du Lac.  Both Ted and Joseta hold jobs off the farm.  Joseta serves as a Certified Energy Specialist with United Cooperative.  She helps with nightly calf chores on the farm and fills in when needed with milking.  Joseta also serves as the official calf namer on the farm and enjoys coming up with fun names for all the calves and building family themed names.  Joseta also serves as a 4-H leader and Secretary of the Fond du Lac Holstein Board.  Ray and Rae Nell have also been 4-H leaders for over 35 years. 

Futurity Fact: 

This year will be the 27th annual Wisconsin Holstein Futurity.  The show was founded in 1984 by Klass Koopmans of Darien, WI after reading about the success of the Ohio Futurity in a Holstein World article.  In 1987, the first Wisconsin Holstein Futurity was held at the Wisconsin State Fair Park sponsored by Pabst Brewing Company.  The first winner of the show was Indianhead Chief Jessica-ET exhibited by Bob and Karyn Schauf.  In 1997, Alto Dairy Cooperative became the main show sponsor, and today, the main sponsor is Badgerland Financial.  

1st ever Futurity winner Indianhead Chief Jessica-ET

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 

9th Featured Futurity Exhibitor

Featured Futurity Exhibitor: Brenda Gilbertson, Gildale Holsteins

Brenda, along with her husband, Erik, their daughters Makenna, who is 2, and Elise, who is 2 months old, and her father-in-law, Mark own and operate Gildale Holsteins in Hollandale, located in Iowa County.  Brenda has a life-long passion rooted in the dairy industry.  She was introduced at a young age to all facets of her family’s 50-cow farm, Cava-Lanes Holsteins in Reedsville, WI.  Actively involved in various agricultural organizations, Brenda went on to study at UW-River Falls and earned a degree in agricultural marketing communications and dairy science.  It was at one of her favorite dairy events, World Dairy Expo, that she met her husband Erik.  Married in 2009, she joined the partnership of Gildale Holsteins.  Gildale has bred and exhibited All-Wisconsin’s and many champions of the District 3 Holstein Show throughout the years.  Brenda’s father-in-law, Mark has served on the WHA board and has previously served as President of the Association.  Brenda currently works with ABS Global as the North America advertising and promotions manager.  She is a participant of the Young Dairy Leaders Institute as she advocates sharing the story of dairy farming and value it brings to consumers.  The Gilbertson family enjoys exhibiting at local, state, and national level Holstein shows. 

Futurity Fact: 

The Futurity is a very unique cattle show that features an opening ceremony before the show begins.  Dignitaries, sponsors, and royalty will enter the Case IH Coliseum riding in one of two convertibles, this year provided by Jeff Zwiers and Mark Gilbertson.  As they enter, a bio will be read about each person to introduce them to the crowd.  Then, the National Anthem will be sung by Bryce Krull and Cierra Ehrke-Essock.  As the animals enter the arena, a bio will also be read about the exhibitors and family.  Our Parade of Bovine Beauties will enter the arena and walk down the "red carpet."  Judge Chris Lahmers will choose his top ten animals and place them one by one from the bottom up until he reaches his Champion.  

2012 dignitaries entering the arena 

   

8th Featured Futurity Exhibitor

Featured Exhibitor: Kenna Kirsnis, Ourway Holsteins

Kenna Kirsnis hails from Brooklyn, WI, located in Dane county.  Kenna works at Virhada Holsteins, which is owned and operated by Virgil, Dawn, Koday, and Karsen Haag.  The 190 cow, 320 acre farm is located in Mt. Horeb, WI.  Besides working at Virhada Holsteins, Kenna enjoys breeding and showing Holstein and Brown Swiss animals, works as an AI relief breeder, and enjoys helping junior members.  Kenna also started her own herd of Brown Swiss animals.  In high school, Kenna was very active in the dairy industry receiving the FFA Star Farmer award 2 years in a row and was a top 5 individual in livestock judging all 4 years.  After high school, Kenna attended Blackhawk Technical College and graduated with a degree in Agriculture Business and Farm Program in 2012.  Make sure to look for Kenna at this year's Futurity show.

Futurity Fact: 

The purpose of the Futurity show is to help promote our dairy industry to the general public and display the care and dedication that we have for our animals and the products they produce.  The State Fair is the perfect time to do this as the show brings a large crowd, many of whom are from non-agriculture backgrounds.  To help inform the audience, we have many dignitaries and royalty that will attend the show.  Attending this year's show will be Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture, Ben Brancel, Wisconsin Holstein Association Princess, Morgan Behnke, Wisconsin Holstein Association Princess Attendant, Crystal Siemers-Peterman, Alice in Dairyland, Kristin Olson, and the WI Fairest of the Fairs, Steffani Koch.  Each will be introduced during opening ceremonies and will all be giving a short speech about the dairy industry and their involvement.

2012 Royalty in attendance