BARABOO — The Wisconsin Holstein Association (WHA) is honored to select a group of Distinguished Junior Members (DJM) annually. Due to the cancellation of this year’s statewide junior convention, ten outstanding youth will be recognized at four District Activity Days around the state.

DJM recognition is designed to reward older youth who demonstrate a first-hand working knowledge of the dairy industry. Any junior member of the Wisconsin Holstein Association who has been enrolled in a dairy project with Holsteins and has not reached their 21st birthday as of Jan. 1 is eligible to compete in this contest. A panel of judges reviews written applications and those with the highest scores on the written application are invited to a panel interview to compete for Outstanding Holstein Girl and Boy.

Marissa Vosberg, the 17-year-old daughter of Phil and Laura Vosberg of Monroe, is one of this year’s DJM recipients. At the age of nine, with support from her parents, Marissa started her own herd of Registered Holstein and Brown Swiss cattle. She is responsible for developing her herd, and, with her parents, operates Vosberg Hilltop Livestock and helps as the third generation on her family’s beef and crop operation. Marissa is involved in many clubs in school and plays on the Girls Varsity Soccer team. She also enjoys exhibiting her Registered Holstein and Brown Swiss cattle, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.

The Wisconsin Holstein Association is a nonprofit organization that strives to increase knowledge and provide opportunities to youth by involvement through the Registered Holstein project. The Association positively influences young people by recognizing and congratulating their achievements and accomplishments in the dairy industry. 

For more information on WHA, visit www.wisholsteins.com or call 1-800-223-4269.