MONROE — The 21st Annual Green County Dairy Youth Recognition Auction was held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 20 at the Green County Fairgrounds, in conjunction with the Foreign Type Cheesemakers Association Cheese Auction. The event continues to be a highlight of the fair, recognizing exceptional youth involved in the county’s dairy industry.
The auction opened with the awarding of four scholarships totaling more than $5,000. Since its inception, the Dairy Youth Recognition program has awarded over $70,000 in scholarships to Green County youth pursuing post-secondary education.
Ten outstanding youth exhibitors were selected and awarded the honor of participating in the prestigious auction. Zack Moldenhauer of New Glarus FFA earned Supreme Senior Champion Registered Female, which was purchased by New Glarus Brewery. Siera McCullough of Juda Jolly Juniors 4-H exhibited the Supreme Junior Champion Registered Female, purchased by Bank of New Glarus. Tyson Deery of Belleville FFA received Supreme Senior Champion Grade Female, purchased by Klondike Cheese. Katelynne Jorenby of Pecatonica FFA exhibited the Supreme Junior Champion Grade Female, which was purchased by David and Cheryl Spink. The award for Low Somatic Cell Count Cow also went to Zack Moldenhauer of New Glarus FFA and was purchased by Washington Implement.
Showmanship champions were also honored. Brooke Mueller of Decatur 4-H earned the title of Supreme Showmanship Champion, purchased by Hoesly Registered Holsteins. John Bartels of Juda Jolly Juniors 4-H was named Supreme Sportsmanship Champion and was supported by “Friends of John.” Siera McCullough of Juda Jolly Juniors 4-H received the Beginner Showmanship award, which was purchased by Decatur Cheese. Kennedy Zimmerman of Next Generation 4-H was named Intermediate Showmanship Winner, also purchased by Decatur Cheese. Raevynn Jackson of Monroe FFA earned Senior Showmanship honors, with the purchase supported by the Cattle Club Conglomerate.
Numerous local businesses and individuals showed their support by participating as bidders and sponsors. Among the active contributors were Monroe Surge, Spring Grove Dairy, Judd’s Auto Body, McCullough Grain, Syndom Motors, A1 Electric, Paris Family Farm, Dave Bollig, Framvale Farms, Jelle Repair, Hasse Surveying, Bartels & Co. Tap, Son of Beach Beef and many more. Each youth exhibitor receives 50% of the winning bid, with the remaining 50% allocated to the Dairy Youth Recognition Auction Fund. Proceeds from this fund help support scholarships, premiums for all youth who participate in dairy showmanship at the fair, improvements to the dairy facilities on the fairgrounds, contributions to the State Fair dairy exhibitor fund, and various other youth-focused dairy activities in Green County.
The Green County Dairy Youth Recognition Auction Committee extends its sincere appreciation to all donors, bidders, and community members for continuing to make this program such a valuable and meaningful tradition.
