Holstein Association USA Inc. has presented the Overall Judi Collinsworth Outstanding Junior Exhibitor Award to Karsen Haag of Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin.Haag is a 21-year-old senior at Southwest Technical College in Fennimore, Wisconsin, where she completed a dairy herd management degree. Next year she will transfer to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville to earn a double major in dairy science and agribusiness. She also works part-time at Virhada Holsteins in Mt. Horeb.
Haag's long-term goal is to expand her herd and improve its genetics, while working toward management and ownership of the farm owned by her parents, Virgil and Dawn Haag. "I couldn't imagine my life without cows in it," she wrote in her Collinsworth application. ""I have great childhood memories of being in the barn, working beside my brother with our show animals and tagging along after dad. From when I was little, showing Holsteins has been a growing, learning, and important experience for me."
Haag has participated widely in her state and county Holstein organizations. She started showing dairy cattle at age four, and has been a frequent exhibitor and volunteer at World Dairy Expo and North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE). As a high school student, she was involved in many activities, including FFA, Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, and her church.
The Collinsworth Award is presented in honor of the Association's former executive director of member and industry services, Judi Collinsworth. The award recognizes youths' work and involvement with Holstein cattle and dairy activities. Recipients are chosen based on their sportsmanship, herdsmanship, and participation in Holstein and other agricultural activities. They must also write an essay describing what they have learned while exhibiting Registered Holstein cattle.
One Judi Collinsworth Award recipient is selected at each of the four National Junior Holstein Shows. Haag won the award at NAILE. Other winners from 2014 National Junior Holstein Shows are Miranda Iager, Maryland, Premier Junior Holstein Show; Laura Lesher, Pennsylvania, International Junior Holstein Show; and Liza Van der Laan, Oklahoma, Southern Spring National Junior Holstein Show.
For more information on Holstein youth programs, contact Kelli Dunklee at 800.952.5200, ext. 4124 or kdunklee@holstein.com.
1.5.2015