Holstein Association USA is pleased to announce the 12 semifinalists for the 2020 Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) award. Established in 1922, the Distinguished Junior Member recognition is the longest running Holstein youth program. This award is the highest honor given to members of the National Junior Holstein Association, ages 17 to 21, in recognition of a commitment to the Holstein breed and involvement in a variety of agriculture related activities.
The 2020 DJM semifinalists are: Todd Allen, Jefferson, Md.; Matthew Boop, Millmont, Pa.; Kristen Burkhardt, Fowlerville, Mich.; Connor Erbsen, Lanark, Ill.; Morgan Hungerford, East Meredith, N.Y.; Mason Jauquet, Pulaski, Wis.; Yvonne Longenecker, Williamsburg, Pa.; Rachel McCullough, Juda, Wis.; Emily Mikel, Stafford, N.Y.; Hannah Nelson, Ellsworth, Wis.; Bailie Shultz, Seattle, Wash.; and Colin Uecker, Watertown, Wis.
Applicants complete two judging phases. Phase one is the Junior’s entry book, worth 60 percent of the final score. The book highlights the Junior’s Holstein work, activities and projects, breeding program and personal views. Phase two consists of the twelve semifinalists being interviewed by a committee of judges and accounts for 40 percent of the final score. The six individuals with the highest combined score are recognized as Distinguished Junior Members and receive annually renewed membership to Holstein Association USA.
This year, the 2020 DJM Finalists will be announced during a Facebook Live Event on the Holstein Association USA Facebook page, Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at 12 noon Eastern time.
The National Junior Holstein Association is a dynamic organization for youth under the age of 21, with over 8,000 active members in 48 states. For more information about the DJM contest or other Holstein youth programs, visit HERE, or contact Kelli Dunklee at 800.952.5200, ext. 4124 or email [email protected].
Holstein Association USA, Inc., provides programs, products and services to dairy producers to enhance genetics and improve profitability — including animal identification and ear tags, genomic testing, mating programs, dairy records processing, classification, communication, and consulting services.
The Association, headquartered in Brattleboro, Vt., maintains the records for Registered Holsteins® and represents approximately 25,000 members throughout the United States.