On Saturday, March 7th at the Annual Wisconsin Brown Swiss Association meeting in Waupaca, Wisconsin a group of selected judges crowned Madeline “Maddy” Mahlum the 2015 Wisconsin Brown Swiss Queen.
Madeline Mahlum has a unique Brown Swiss background as she was not raised on a farm. She was introduced to the Brown Swiss breed when she started showing and leasing heifers with the Muenzenberger family of Cashton, WI and Ranae Holthaus of Bangor, WI Over the past eight years Madeline has part taken part in showing and jr. activities at canton 3, Lacrosse County Fair, Iowa County Open Show, Wisconsin State Fair, Wisconsin Brown Swiss State Show, Nelson McCammon National Heifer show and World Dairy Expo.
This year Madeline took a huge leap by starting her own herd in partnership with Matthew Opland in Mindoro, WI. Madeline currently owns five Brown Swiss, two Jerseys and One Milking Shorthorn heifer. Madeline is a strong believer that no matter what your background is you can be involved in this breed and she is a truly a perfect example of that.
Along with starting her own herd of cows, Madeline started her first year of college at Western Technical College where she is enrolled in the Marketing program. Madeline is very involved at Western Technical College she is in College DECA, PAS and a Western Scout. At PAS state she showed off her knowledge and skills in Agriculture sales, Quiz Bowl, Agribusiness Sales Interview and, Dairy Specialist. Madeline will be going to National PAS conference to compete in all four events.
Madeline will proudly wear the traditional Swiss gown and sash at local, state and national Brown Swiss Shows and other Dairy events. Madeline says, “It is such an honor to be promoting this breed and being a role model for all the Juniors because I truly believe that being a part of this breed has made me into the person I am today and I can’t wait to share my story and encourage kids to be a part of the Wisconsin Brown Swiss Association.”