Pictured: Back Row: Delana Erbsen, IL; Evan Hathaway, WI; Alexis Hoefs, MN; Front Row: Brianna Meyer, WI; Rachel Craun, VA; Lauren Breunig, WI
Holstein Association USA named three outstanding young adults from Wisconsin as Distinguished Junior Member finalists. Another three Wisconsinites are Young Distinguished Junior Member finalists.
The Distinguished Junior Member is the highest honor given to a Junior Holstein Member. The award has been recognizing young adults for their dedicated work with Registered Holsteins and involvement in the dairy industry since 1922.
Distinguished Junior Member Finalists:
- Evan Hathaway, WI
- Brianna Meyer, WI
- Lauren Breunig, WI
- Delana Erbsen, IL
- Alexis Hoefs, MN
- Rachel Craun, VA
DJM judging is a two-part process. Youth members competing put together a book highlighting their Junior Holstein work, activities, projects, breeding program, and personal views. The Junior’s entry book is worth 60 percent of the final score. Based on their book score, the top 12 individuals are DJM Semifinalists.
Phase two of the contest takes place at the National Junior Holstein Convention. A committee of judges interviews the semifinalists. The interview is worth 40 percent of the final score. The six individuals with the highest combined scores are DJM finalists.
Young Distinguished Junior Member Finalists:
Eight Junior Holstein members ages 9 to 16 were selected as Young Distinguished Junior Member finalists. The applicants were judged on their YDJM books, which highlight their accomplishments and leadership with the Junior Holstein Association and beyond.
- Justin Brandel, Lake Mills
- Gavin Carncross, Lodi
- Abby Meyer, Chilton
- Chloe Chapman, CA
- Elyse Mead, PA
- Hannah Scott, IA
- Olivia VanEvera, NY
- Grant Yoder, PA
Dairy Bowl Champions!
Congratulations to the Brown County Juniors on representing Wisconsin in the National Junior Dairy Bowl contest. They are the 2025 National Junior Dairy Bowl Champions, winning 55-53 against California.
