University of Wisconsin – Madison Cardinal team, including team members Emma Dorshorst, Jenna Gries, Sara Jordan, and Clarissa Ulness won Top Overall Team at the Vernon County Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest held Sunday, September 17 at the Vernon County Fairgrounds in Viroqua, Wisconsin. John Alamo, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, won the Larry Tande Memorial Top Overall Individual award.
Top Oral Reasons Team was University of Wisconsin – Madison Cardinal team. Top five oral reasons individuals were honored with monetary awards, courtesy of the James W. Crowley Dairy Fund. Top Oral Reasons Individual was Emma Dorshorst representing University of Wisconsin – Madison Cardinal team. Second place in oral reasons was won by Sarah Hagenow, University of Minnesota. John Alamo, Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo placed third, Sara Kronberg, University of Wisconsin-Madison Cardinal team placed fourth. Megan Ratka, University of Minnesota placed fifth.
High Team Ayrshire was University of Wisconsin – Madison Cardinal team. High Individual Ayrshire was Sarah Hagenow, University of Minnesota. High Team Brown Swiss was University of Wisconsin – Madison Cardinal team. High Individual Brown Swiss was Emma Dorshorst, University of Wisconsin – Madison Cardinal team. High Team Guernsey was University of Wisconsin – Madison Cardinal team. High Individual Guernsey was Emma Dorshorst. High Team Holstein was Iowa State University and High Individual Holstein was Colton Silveira, Iowa State University. High Team Jersey was University of Minnesota. High Individual Jersey was Megan Ratka, University of Minnesota. High Team Milking Shorthorn was Iowa State University. High Individual Milking Shorthorn was Emma Dorshorst.
Eleven teams traveled to compete from seven states across the United States. These students from four- and two-year degree programs learn many life skills such as confidence, public speaking, critical thinking, logic, and good sportsmanship as they vie for top awards. Many will become future dairy leaders in the industry.
The Vernon County Fair has supported this contest since the beginning. Vernon County cattle exhibitors and local dairy breeders provided high quality animals to represent each breed within the event. Vernon County area youth exhibitors provided their expertise in leading the animals for each class so that competitors could view the cattle from all angles. The Youth Showmanship contest included 30 leadspersons competing. Top Junior Showperson was Jed Olson and Top Senior Showperson was Erin Torgerson. Katy Torgerson was awarded the Dave Larson Memorial Overall Top Showman.
