Screenshot
” data-medium-file=”https://www.midwestfarmreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/image0-1-300×297.jpeg” data-large-file=”https://www.midwestfarmreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/image0-1-1024×1014.jpeg”>
Tomah native Josie Bailey stepped into a national spotlight as she was crowned the 2025 National Guernsey Queen. Her path to the crown has been built on years of dedication to dairy and a passion for the Guernsey breed.
The path to claiming the crown was not short and simple. Before reaching the national level, Bailey served as the Wisconsin State Guernsey Princess. The national contest included an application and interview process.
“Most of the candidates have been state princesses,” Bailey explained. “The application asks why you want to be Guernsey Queen and what you’ve done with the breed. It’s a chance to show your story.”
Candidates take part in a multi-day selection process that includes farm tours, one-on-one time with judges, a prepared speech, and a formal interview. For Bailey, those moments of connection valuable.
“I really like to take the personal route when talking to the judges,” she said. “They might not always remember what you say, but they’ll remember that you were a friendly face who wanted to talk to them.”
Though her family’s farm is primarily a Holstein operation, Bailey fell in love with Guernseys after working with one at the state fair. Since then, she’s built her own herd of 11 Guernseys and is actively involved in breeding decisions aimed at improving both longevity and milk production.
As National Guernsey Queen, Bailey will attend several national shows and write for the Guernsey Breeders’ Journal. She’s excited for the year ahead — and to continue spreading the word about the golden Guernsey breed.
