Nicole Arrowsmith from Peach Bottom, PA was chosen as the 2023 Hellenbrand Lasting Legacy Award winner. She is this year’s recipient of a September Ayrshire heifer calf, Budjon-Vail Rynlds Kiwi-ET, from the 2021 WDE Ayrshire Grand Champion Marilie Gentleman Karmina. The heifer is owned and bred by Tom and Kelli Cull, Budjon Farms, Lomira, WI, and Peter Vail, Englewood, FL.
Applications were received nationwide from an impressive group of youth with a strong passion for the dairy industry. Nicole is currently a freshman at Boston University studying Public Relations. She continues to work at her family’s Hillacres Jerseys farm in Peach Bottom, PA where the calf will reside and be prepared for the upcoming show season. Nicole will be expertly guided by her designated mentor, Terri Packard from Boonsboro, Maryland.
The runner up was Tyler Lloyd from Central Bridge, NY, who received a $1,000 award. The six finalists, Kylie Konyn, Escondido, CA; Lily Nygren, Pulaski, WI; Katelyn Poitras, Brimfield, MA; Mattea Quigley, Hastings, MN; Ella Raatz, Colby, WI; and Paige Sweatt, Dane, WI each received a $500 award.
The HLLA continues the legacy of Mike Hellenbrand’s support of youth in the dairy industry. The award provides an aspiring and deserving dairy youth a chance to own and show a high-end genetic heifer at district, local and state shows including World Dairy Expo. The winner receives a 50% ownership in a heifer calf from a former WDE Champion.
2024 HLLA applications will be accepted October 1, 2023 through January 1, 2024 for the opportunity to own a Brown Swiss heifer calf from the 2017 WDE Brown Swiss Grand Champion, Top Acres Supreme Wizard ET, owned and bred by Wayne Sliker, Top Acres in St. Paris, Ohio.
For more information on the award, eligibility, and application process, visit our website https://www.hellenbrandlastinglegacy.com. Follow us on Facebook at Mike Hellenbrand Lasting Legacy Award.