The 19th Annual Accelerated Genetics Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest was held September 16, 2012 in Viroqua, Wis., with the University of Minnesota taking top honors in both reasons and overall. The University of Minnesota team was coached by Dr. Les Hansen, Scott Ellinghuysen and Alicia Thurk. Team members Jon Schmitt, Doug Petzel, Tyler Otte, and Laura Rosenhammer, took home the coveted Brown Swiss Canton III Traveling Trophy for winning the contest.

Placing second overall was the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, coached by Cory Weigel and Ryan Weigel. Team members included: Paul Johnson, Cassy Krull, Sarah Endres, and Andrea Pagenkopf. Rounding out the top three teams was South Dakota State University, coached by Steve Crego. Team members included: Alisha VanderWal, Chelsey Johnson, and Chris Schulze.

University of MN photo


The top overall individual award went to Jon Schmitt from the University of Minnesota. The other top individuals included (listed in order from 2nd-10th): Erik Warmka, University of Wisconsin-River Falls; Aaron Mitchell, University of Illinois; Doug Petzel, University of Minnesota; Sarah Endres, University of Wisconsin-Platteville; Tyler Otte, University of Minnesota; Alisha VanderWal, South Dakota State University; Kyle Jacobs, Kansas State University; Chris Schulze, South Dakota State University; and Paul Johnson, University of Wisonsin-Platteville.

University of MN photo


In the oral reasons competition the University of Minnesota took top honors again with second place going to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, coached by Chad Wethal and Brian Kelroy and team members: Mackenzie Nichols, Cassie Endres, Laura Finley and Anna Blake; and third place to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

Each year the top three individuals for oral reasons receive a special scholarship from the James W. Crowley Fund. This years top three individuals were: Cassie Endres, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Tyler Otte, University of Minnesota; and Jon Schmitt, University of Minnesota.

A total of 17 teams participated in this year's contest representing the states of Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. They judged dairy breeds including, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey and Milking Shorthorn with each participant placing 10 classes and giving five sets of oral reasons.

A key part of the judging contest are the youth that serve as leadspeople. Each year, Vernon County youth assist with the contest by leading the cattle – this year 22 youth participated. Showmanship awards are then given to the youth based on their skills exhibiting the cattle and sportsmanship.

In the Junior Showmanship Division Brianna Hall placed first, Mikayla Lepke placed second and Courtney Moser placed third. Placing first in the Senior Showmanship Division was Logan Guttenberger, second place Arlisa Landis and third was Ryan Guttenberger. And the Overall Showmanship Winner was Jacob Leum who received the David Larson Memorial Showmanship Award – a special award in memory of David Larson, who worked very closely with the Vernon County youth and the judging contest.

See the slide show of the winners!


This contest would not be possible without the tremendous support of the numerous contest and award sponsors. They include: American Guernsey Association, American Jersey Cattle Association, American Milking Shorthorn Society, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Chart Industries, Inc., Church of Christ, Connie Schmelzer, Hampel Corporation, Holstein Associaiton USA, James W. Crowley Fund, Merial, Ltd., Milk Products, Inc., Pfizer Animal Health, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Sci-Tech Premixes, Star Blends, Supreme Awards, Swiss Valley Farms, Taylor-Wharton Cryogenics, The Baraboo National Bank, The Bank of Viroqua, Vernon County Agricultural Society, Vernon County Junior and Open Show Exhibitors, and Wisconsin Brown Swiss Canton III – Jane of Vernon.
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09.17.2012