The overall Youth Fitting Contest Winners were Robert Nagel, Brooke Hammann, Logan Shoop, and Ahdyn Schell. They are with World Dairy Expo President Bill Hageman (far left) and judges Garrett Schmidt and Kyle Natzke (right).

The buzz of clippers filled the Sale Pavilion on the World Dairy Expo grounds on Sunday, October 2 as 78 dairy enthusiasts ages 13 to 21 competed in the Youth Fitting Contest. This was more than double the number of youth that participated last year.

Robert Nagel of Clymer, N.Y., was presented the Overall Fitter Award after winning the senior male division. Brooke Hammann from Barron, Wis., was the winning senior female, and she and Nagel both received a set of clippers sponsored by Clipper Parts & Repair for their accomplishments.

The top intermediate male and female were Logan Shoop from Wimauma, Fla., and Adhyn Schell from Lewiston, Minn. They received fitting mats sponsored by Weaver Livestock.

This year’s contest attracted participants from 12 U.S. states, Canada, and Denmark to get their animal showring ready in one hour. Only the animal’s head and legs can be clipped prior to the event, and youth must bring their own fitting equipment. Contestants may use an animal of their own or borrow one from another owner. The animal must be entered into the show or be on the grounds for one of the breed sales.

Kyle Natzke was the judge for this year’s contest. He is the herd manager for Kash-In Holsteins and Jerseys in Tulare, Calif., and a professional fitter for herds worldwide. He was assisted by Garrett Schmidt.

After the one hour was up, participants led out their animals for closer inspection, placings, and reasons. They are evaluated on proper body clipping technique, appropriate hair blending, ease in using fitting equipment and products, and completeness.

The top five winners in each division are pictured below. Congratulations to all!

Senior male division (from right)

1. Robert Nagel, N.Y.
2. Evan Cooper, Mass.
3. Wesley Brantner, Pa.
4. Brian McCullough, Wis.
5. Keenan Thygesen, Vt.

Senior female division (from right)

1. Brooke Hammann, Wis.
2. Jamie Gibbs, Minn.
3. Haley Beukema, Wis.
4. Alexis Blankenberg, Wis.
5. Sophie Leach, Kan.

Intermediate male division (from right)

1. Logan Shoop, Fla.
2. Carter Major, Tenn.
3. Matthew Winch, Wis.
4. Oliver Nisen, Ind.
5. Suton Paulson, Ill.

Intermediate female division (from right)

1. Adhyn Schell, Minn.
2. Ellie Larson, Wis.
3. Emily Goode, Ky.
4. Lindsey Gibbs, Minn.
5. Makenna Mase, Pa.

Katelyn Allen

Katelyn Allen joined the Hoard’s Dairyman team as the Publications Editor in August 2019 and is now an associate editor. Katelyn is a 2019 graduate of Virginia Tech, where she majored in dairy science and minored in communication. Katelyn grew up on her family’s registered Holstein dairy, Glen-Toctin Farm, in Jefferson, Md.