Larsen Swan from Sherman, NY has been chosen as this year’s recipient of a September Jersey heifer calf from the 2022 World Dairy Expo (WDE) Jersey Grand Champion and Reserve Supreme Champion, Rivendale VIP Eloise. The heifer is donated by Vierra Dairy Farms, Hilmar, CA.
Applications were received nationwide from an outstanding group of youth with a strong passion for the dairy industry. This year all five finalists hail from the East Coast. Larsen is a senior at Sherman Central School. His passion for agriculture and dairy cattle led to leadership positions in his local FFA, 4-H, and breed associations, and to excelling in national youth contests for Quiz Bowl, Public Speaking, Judging, and Showmanship. Larsen’s goal of developing show animals with strong pedigrees started years ago with the purchase of a Guernsey calf from Seth Johnson, Tunbridge, VT. Their connection developed into a mentoring relationship that will be showcased with this award. Seth is well known throughout the industry as a leader, showman, and judge of dairy cattle at local to national levels. The calf will reside at Larsen’s family farm in Sherman, NY, where he will prepare her for the upcoming show season.
The runner up is Taryn Burns from Whiting, VT, who will receive a $1,000 award. The three finalists, Caroline Allen, Vegennes, VT; Jacob Couture, Bow, NH, and Emma Hutchison, Ridgely, MD will each receive 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 high school 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.
2027 HLLA applications will be accepted October 1, 2026 through January 1, 2027 for a daughter out of the 2022 WDE Milking Shorthorn Grand Champion, Lazy M Wildside Genette-EXP, owned by Peter Vail of Englewood, FL.
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.
