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Virginia Tech, including team members Gabriella M. Rockwell, Anna Cappellina, Mackenzie Kovach and Abigail Berkman, won Top Overall Team at the Vernon County Dairy Cattle Judging Contest held Sunday, September 18 at the Vernon County Fair in Viroqua, Wisconsin. Isaac Rott, University of Minnesota won the Larry Tande Memorial Top Overall Individual award.

Top Oral Reasons Team was Virginia Tech. Top five oral reasons individuals were honored with monetary awards, courtesy of the James W. Crowley Dairy Fund. Top Oral Reasons Individual was Gabriella M. Rockwell representing Virginia Tech. Second place in oral reasons was won by Kylie Konyn, University of Wisconsin-Madison Cardinal team. Natalie Roe, University of Wisconsin-Madison Cardinal team placed third, Mackenzie Kovach, Virginia Tech placed fourth. Anna Cappellina, Virginia Tech placed fifth.

High Team Brown Swiss was University of Minnesota. High Individual Brown Swiss was Marcus Marsigli, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. High Team Guernsey was University of Wisconsin-Madison Cardinal team. High Individual Guernsey was Anna Cappellina, Virginia Tech. High Team Holstein was University of Wisconsin-Madison Cardinal team and High Individual Holstein was Anna Cappellina, Virginia Tech. High Team Jersey was University of Minnesota. High Individual Jersey was Isaac Rott, University of Minnesota. High Team Milking Shorthorn was Virginia Tech. High Individual Milking Shorthorn was Gabriella M. Rockwell of Virginia Tech.

Ten teams traveled to compete from six states across the United States. These students from four- and two-year degree programs learn many life skills such as confidence, public speaking, critical thinking, logic and good sportsmanship as they vie to top awards. Many will become future dairy leaders in the industry.

The Vernon County Fair has supported this contest since the beginning. Vernon County cattle exhibitors and local dairy breeders provided high quality animals to represent each breed within the event. Vernon County area youth exhibitors provided their expertise in leading the animals for each class so that competitors could view the cattle from all angles. The Youth Showmanship contest was reinstated this year with over 38 leadspersons competing. Katy Torgerson won the Junior Division while Erin Torgerson topped the Senior Division and was also awarded the Dave Larson Memorial Overall Top Showman.

This year’s all-volunteer committee was comprised of a variety of dairy enthusiasts who wanted to provide a high-quality learning experience for participants while showcasing Wisconsin’s professional dairy industry.

The Vernon County Fair Board, ring stewards, youth, showmanship adult leaders, host committee and generous event sponsors implemented this important educational opportunity.