Burlington WA-All West/Select Sires is proud to announce that R.J. Rupard of Ephrata, WA, and Luke Wolfisberg of Lynden, WA, were winners in the 75th Anniversary Essay Contest. Juniors were invited to submit a 1500-word (or shorter) essay talking about the future of All West and in particular, what the western dairy industry will be like in the next 75 years.
Both young men recorded videos of their winning essays and will be featured at the 75th All West/Select Sires Annual Meeting, held in Palm Desert, CA, at the end of February. In addition, they will both receive a $500 cash scholarship.
Luke Wolfisberg is a 15-year-old sophomore at Lynden High School, where he competes in cross country, swim and soccer, and is part of the National Honor Society and FFA. His family dairy consists of 180 Jerseys and their milk is shipped to Organic Valley Cooperative. Having worked on the family dairy since the age of 7, Luke has become an avid showman, and also a member of the Whatcom County Dairy Quiz Bowl team. He’s participated in various judging competitions for many years, and this past September, he traveled to World Dairy Expo to compete in the National 4-H Dairy Judging Contest, where the team finished 5th in Holsteins.
R.J. Rupard is a 15-year-old freshman at Ephrata High School, where he’s a member of the local FFA Chapter. Raised on his parent’s dairy, R.J. joined 4-H at the age of 9, and quickly became interested in showing cattle. He topped off his most recent year of showing by being named 2015 Champion Intermediate Showman, Junior Champion 4-H and Senior Champion Open at the Grant County Fair. In 2013, R.J. created his own prefix (Pacific-Rim) based on genomic success with a purchased heifer, Ms Hol-Star Darlen (sired by Mogul). He’s currently a member of the 2016 Washington 4-H Judging Team and Junior Holstein Dairy Jeopardy Team. In his spare time, R.J. enjoys antique tractor pulling with his John Deere 435 diesel.
“We were thrilled with the essay entries we received and want to particularly recognize the outstanding work of Luke Wolfisberg and R.J. Rupard,” stated All West CEO Jim Wells. “It’s exciting to read and learn about the enthusiasm junior members from the All West region have, not only for our co-op, but for the western dairy industry in general. We’re in great hands!”
Luke and R.J.’s video presentations will be posted on the All West 75th anniversary site in March. Visit HERE to see the latest anniversary videos and stories!
All West/Select Sires is one of nine member-owned cooperatives in the U.S. that make up the federation of Select Sires Inc. Celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2016, All West exists to enhance member/owners’ success through genetics. To find out more about the company culture of All West, including information on bulls, products and services, and the 75th anniversary, please visit www.allwestselectsires.com or phone 800.426.2697.