The District 5 Junior Holstein Association hosted the Wisconsin Junior Holstein Convention in Wisconsin Dells from December 27 to 29, 2024. More than 450 members, chaperones, and volunteers gathered to make the event a success.

The convention celebrated outstanding youth leaders. The WHY Leadership Merit Award recognizes young people excelling in local leadership. This year’s recipients were Madison Wiese of Brown County, Matthew Ossmann of Brown County, and also Kelsey Hardy of Iowa County.

The WHY Friend Award honors individuals who have supported juniors. Kristen Metcalf of Rock County received the award for one to five years of leadership. Angela Davis-Brown of Iowa County was recognized for more than six years of leadership.

Wisconsin Holstein also awarded over $19,000 in scholarships. A successful auction raised additional funds for future awards.

Throughout the convention, youth were recognized for various achievements. The Junior Progressive Breeder Awards went to:

  • Macie Abraham, Sheboygan County
  • Katie Brandel, Jefferson County
  • Kayla Buttles, Grant County
  • Alison Gartman, Sheboygan County
  • Alison, Leo, and Brianna Gartman, Sheboygan County
  • Elizabeth, Cathryn, and Christopher Gunst, Dodge and Waupaca/Waushara Counties
  • Aspen Hagen, Clark County
  • Kaden, Aspen, and Paisley Hagen, Clark County
  • Dylan and Cameron Ryan, Fond du Lac County
  • Tessa and Stella Schmocker, Rock County
  • Gracin and Chesney Speich, Rock County
  • Emily Stumpf, Fond du Lac County

The Long Range Production Awards recognized owners of cows producing over 100,000 pounds in their lifetime. Award winners in the over 100,000 pounds category included:

  • Aaliyah Borchert, Wood County
  • Kayla Buttles, Grant County
  • Alison, Leo, and Brianna Gartman, Sheboygan County
  • Cathryn & Christopher Gunst, Waupaca/Waushara County
  • Kaiden, Aspen & Paisley Hagen, Clark County
  • Siera McCullough, Green County
  • Leah Mess, Fond du Lac County
  • Samuel Mess, Fond du Lac County
  • Dylan and Cameron Ryan, Fond du Lac County
  • Gracin & Chesney Speich, Rock County
  • Emily Stumpf, Fond du Lac County

In the over 150,000-pound category, the awardees were:

  • Kayla Buttles, Grant County
  • Samuel Mess, Fond du Lac County
  • Gracin & Chesney Speich, Rock County
  • Emily Stumpf, Fond du Lac County