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Dairy Cattle Judging

2023 Fall

Dairy Judging

SDSU returns to World Dairy Expo to compete in the National Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest. Team consisted of Ashley Holst, Owen Scheffler, Morgan Wingert, and Maggie Molitor.

  1. Team highlights:
    1. 2nd place team for Jersey
    2. 5th place team for Ayrshire
    3. 5th place team for Holstein
    4. 8th place team for Brown Swiss
    5. 9th place team for Guernsey
    6. 10th place team overall
  2. Individual Highlights
    1. Ashley Holst placed 7th in Jersey.
    2. Owen Scheffler placed 6th in Guernsey, 9th in Holstein, and 10th in Milking Shorthorn. Owen placed 9th overall in placings and 9th overall (placings plus reasons) earning an All-American award.
Dairy judging team

Vernon County Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest - SDSU sent two teams to compete at the Vernon County Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest. Teams consisted of Ashley Holst, Owen Scheffler, Morgan Wingert, and Maggie Molitor for Team A and Wyatt Zehr, Allison Wright, and Makenna Skiff for Team B.

  1. Team Highlights
    1. Team A: placed 6th overall, 3rd in Brown Swiss, 5th in Guernsey, 2nd in Jersey, and 4th in Milking Shorthorns.
    2. Team B: placed 9th overall and 3rd in Guernsey.
  2. Individual highlights:
    1. Owen Scheffler placed 7th in reasons and 7th overall. Owen placed 5th in Milking Shorthorn, 9th in Guernsey, and 6th in Brown Swiss.
    2. Morgan Wingert placed 10th in Milking Shorthorn and 8th in Jersey.
    3. Ashley Holst placed 9th in Jersey and 5th in Brown Swiss.
    4. Wyatt Zehr placed 8th in Brown Swiss.
    5. Makenna Skiff placed 8th in Guernsey.
       
Dairy Cattle Judging Team 1

NAILE - SDSU competed in the North American International Livestock Exposition Invitational Dairy Judging Contest in Louisville, KY. Team consisted of Ashley Holst, Owen Scheffler, Morgan Wingert, and Maggie Molitor.

  1. Team highlights:
    1. 3rd place overall
    2. 4th place team for reasons
    3. 5th place team for Ayrshire
    4. 4th place team for Brown Swiss
    5. 1st place team for Guernsey
    6. 4th place team for Holstein
  2. Individual highlights:
    1. Individually, Maggie Molitor placed 10th in Ayrshire.
    2. Morgan Wingert placed 5th in Guernsey and Holstein.
    3. Owen Scheffler placed 4th in Guernsey and 10th overall.

2023 Spring

Dairy Cattle Judging 2023

Left to right- Owen Scheffler, Morgan Wingert, Ashley Holst, Margaret Molitor, Allison Wright, Makenna Skiff, Alyson Dieball, Lauren Steffl, and Coach Cole Hoyer

The South Dakota State Dairy Cattle Judging Teams competed at the Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest in affiliation with the Fort Worth Stock show in Texas show on January 15th, 2023. The first team consisting of Morgan Wingert, Margaret Moliter, Owen Scheffler, and Ashley Holst placed 3rd out of nine teams. The team excelled in the Brown Swiss breed by taking 1st place overall. In this breed Morgan Wingert was 1st, Margaret Moliter was 2nd, Ashley Holst was 7th, and Owen Scheffler was 8th place. In the Holstein breed the team placed 2nd with Morgan Wingert being 6th and Margaret Moliter taking 8th place. Individually we had a great contest with Morgan Wingert placing 3rd overall and Margaret Moliter placing 7th overall. The second team, consisting of Alyson Dieball, Makenna Skiff, Allison Wright, and Lauren Steffl, placed 6th overall. This team excelled at the Jersey breed, placing 3rd overall. As individuals, Makenna Skiff placed 3rd individually and Aly Dieball, 9th. In the Brown Swiss Breed they placed 5th and in the Holstein breed, 6th. The SDSU teams were coached by SDSU Dairy Science alumnus, Cole Hoyer.

2019

Dairy Cattle Judging World Dairy Expo 2019

Left to right- Coach Isaac Salfer, Colten Carlson, Sanne de Bruijn, Ashley Maus and Brooke Engstrom

The South Dakota State University Dairy Cattle Judging Team competed in four contests. The first team consisting of Abigail Hopp, Sanne de Bruijn, Colten Carlson, and Ashley Maus competed at the Eastern States Dairy Cattle Judging Contest in West Springfield, Massachusetts on September 14, 2019. Out of 11 teams in the contest, the SDSU team placed 8th overall, 7th in oral reasons. They placed 5rd in Ayrshires, 5th in Brown Swiss, and 3rd in Milking Shorthorns. Individually, Abigail Hopp placed 7th overall, 1st in Brown Swiss, and 2nd in Milking Shorthorns. A second team competed at the 26th Annual Accelerated Genetics Dairy Cattle Judging Contest in Viroqua, Wisconsin on September 15, 2019. This team included Margaret Socha, Andrew Wilwerding, Rebecka Hoffman and Morgan Kohl. Out of 15 teams, the SDSU team placed 6th overall, placing 3rd in Guernseys and 5th in Holsteins. Morgan Kohl placed 5th in Guernseys individually. At the Eastern States Dairy Cattle Judging Contest in Harrisburg, PA on September 16, 2019, a team including Sanne de Bruijn, Colten Carlson, and Ashley Maus placed 13th overall out of 18 teams. On September 30, 2019 the senior team competed at the 99th National Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, WI . The contest featured twelve classes from all seven of the major dairy breeds, with six sets of oral reasons. The team competed valiantly in a very difficult contest and placed 15th overall out of 18 teams. Sanne de Bruijn placed 31st individually. In November a team consisting of Margaret Socha of Corcoran, MN; Andrew Wilwerding of Freeport, MN; Rebecka Hoffman of Dolton, SD; and Morgan Kohl of Kranzburg SD competed at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, KY. The team placed 5th in Brown Swiss, 9th in Guernseys and 9th in Holsteins. Rebecka Hoffman placed 9th individually in Holsteins. The team placed 13th overall in the contest. The SDSU teams were coached by Dr. Isaac Salfer and Danille Tews.

2018

Dairy Cattle Judging World Dairy Expo 2018

Left to right- Coach Michaela Della, Abigail Hopp, Dennisen Nelson, Kyle Tews, Katelyn Groetsch, and Coach Jill Anderson

The 2018 Dairy Cattle judging year kicked off in January with two teams competing in Fort Worth, Texas. Team 1 was comprised of Abigail Hopp, Katelyn Groetsch, and Dennisen Nelson and Team 2 was comprised of Carla Bromenschenkel, Jackson Sudbeck, and Kyle Tews. Abigail Hopp placed 10th and Jackson Sudbeck placed 11th as overall individuals. Team 1 placed 10th overall and Team 2 placed 13th. In individual breeds, Abigail Hopp was 10th for Brown Swiss, Dennisen Nelson was 9th for Holsteins, and Jackson Sudbeck was 11th for Holsteins and 9th for Jerseys. In mid-September the new junior team comprised of Colten Carlson, Brooke Engstrom, Ashley Maus and Jenny Thill competed at the Accelerate Genetics/Select Sires Intercollegiate competition in Viroqua, WI. They placed 10th in reasons and 14th overall. The same weekend the senior team comprised of Abigail Hopp, Dennisen Nelson, Kyle Tews and Katelyn Groetsch competed in the Invitational Youth Dairy Cattle Judging contest at the All-American Dairy Show in Harrisburg, PA. They placed 13th overall. The senior team competed a couple weeks later at the Intercollegiate National Contest in Madison, WI in conjunction with the World Dairy Expo. The team placed 1st in Brown Swiss. Abigail Hopp was 1st individual in Brown Swiss among 76 contestants and Dennisen Nelson was 15th in Brown Swiss with a 145/150 in a 5 way tie for 10th that was broken by individual overall reasons scores. Kyle Tews was 27th in Brown Swiss. Abigail Hopp was 10th in Jerseys as an individual with a 141/150. She also got an All American Award by placing 24 overall (in top 25) out of 76 individuals. Overall the team placed 14 out of 21 teams. To wrap up our season a team including Abigail Hopp, Brooke Engstrom and Ashley Maus competed in early November at the Collegiate Dairy Cattle Judging contest held as part of North American Internation Livestock Exposition (NAILE). They placed 15th overall. Dr. Jill Anderson and Michaela Della served as coaches.

2017

Harrisburg, PA

Dairy Cattle Judging Harrisburg 2017

Left to right – Kristin Erf, Andrew Socha,Cole Hoyer, Kirby Krogstad and Assistant Coach Michaela Della. Not in picture, Coach Jill Anderson

The SDSU senior team comprised of Kristin Erf, Cole Hoyer, Kirby Krogstad, and Andrew Socha competed in Harrisburg, PA’s 49th Annual All-American Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest. They judged classes of Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey, Ayrshire, and Brown Swiss with each participant placing 10 classes and giving five sets of oral reasons. The team placed 8th High Team overall and 5th in Jersey Team. Cole Hoyer placed 6th High Individual. Kirby Krogstad also went home with some ribbons, placing 5th High Individual in Guernsey and Jersey Breeds. Dr. Jill Anderson served as Coach and Michaela Della was Assistant Coach.

Viroqua, WI

In parallel to the Harrisburg contest, the SDSU junior team comprised of Carla Bromenschenkel, Dennisen Nelson, Katelyn Groetsch and Kyle Tews participated in Select Sires/Accelerated Genetics contest at the county fair in Viroqua WI. Along the way they had the opportunity to practice at Sheeknoll Dairy farm in Rochester, MN and Langrehr Dairy in West Salem, WI. The team placed 12th overall out of 14 teams and Dennisen Nelson placed 5th high individual in Milking Shorthorns. Dr. Jill Anderson served as Coach and Michaela Della was Assistant Coach.

Madison, WI

Dairy Cattle Judging World Dairy Expo 2017

Left to right – Michaela Della (Assistant Coach), Andrew Socha, Kristin Erf, Kirby Krogstad, Cole Hoyer and Coach Jill Anderson

he senior SDSU team comprised of Kristin Erf, Cole Hoyer, Kirby Krogstad and Andrew Socha competed in the 97th Annual World Dairy Expo Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest in Madison, WI. Each participant placed 12 classes and gave 6 sets of oral reasons. The SDSU team placed 1st in Ayrshires, 3rd in Holsteins, and 4th in Red and Whites. Kristen Erf placed 1st High Individual in the Jersey Breed and the team placed 1st in Jerseys. Kristen Erf also placed 10th Individual Overall, Cole Hoyer placed 22nd overall, and Kirby Krogstad placed 9th in Red and White, 6th in Ayrshire, 5th in Brown Swiss, and 4th in Holsteins. Kirby Krogstad placed 1st as High Overall Individual in the entire contest. He was 1st in overall placings and 10th in oral reasons. Overall, the SDSU team placed 3rd in the contest. Dr. Jill Anderson served as Coach and Michaela Della was Assistant Coach.

2016

Viroqua, WI

Dairy Cattle Judging Viroqua 2016

Left to right – Andrew Socha,Cole Hoyer, Kirby Krogstad and Kristin Erf. Not in picture, Coach Jill Anderson

On Sunday, September 18th 2016 the SDSU Dairy Cattle Judging Team competed in the 23rd Annual Accelerated Genetics Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest in Viroqua, Wisconsin. The team placed 3rd High Team overall, 2nd Guernsey Team, 3rd Holstein Team, and 4th Jersey Team. Kirby Krogstad finished 1st High Individual in the Holstein Breed and 7th High Individual overall. Cole Hoyer finished as 4th High Individual overall. A total of 14 teams participated in this year’s contest representing the states of Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, South Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, California and Wisconsin. They judged classes of Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey, and Milking Shorthorns with each participant placing 10 classes and giving five sets of oral reasons. The SDSU team is coached by Dr. Jill Anderson.

2015

Madison, WI

Dairy Cattle Judging Madison 2015

Left to right – David Trcka, Bernice Vander Wal, Audrey Souza, Jacob Johnson, and Coach Jon Pretz (coach)

On Monday, September 28th the SDSU Dairy Cattle Judging Team competed in the 95th Annual National Collegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest in Madison, Wisconsin at the World Dairy Expo. The team placed 16th High Team overall and 10th High Team in Reasons. The team placed 12th in Ayrshire, 16th in Brown Swiss, 11th in Guernsey, 12th in Holstein and 13th in Jersey. Jacob Johnson finished 16th High Individual in the Holstein Breed. A total of 18 teams participated in this year’s contest representing 69 contestants from 15 US states and two countries. They judged Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey, Milking Shorthorn and Red and White. The SDSU team coached by Jon Pretz included David Trcka, Bernice Vander Wal, Audrey Souza, and Jacob Johnson.

Viroqua, WI

Dairy Cattle Judging Viroqua 2015

Left to right – Audrey Souza, Bernice Vander Wal, Jacob Johnson, David Trcka, and Coach Jon Pretz (coach).

On Sunday, September 20th the SDSU Dairy Cattle Judging Team competed in the 22nd Annual Accelerated Genetics Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest in Viroqua, Wisconsin. The team placed 5th High Team overall and 5th High Team in Reasons. David Trcka finished 1st High Individual in the Guernsey Breed and 15th High Individual overall. A total of 12 teams participated in this year’s contest representing the states of Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. They judged Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey and Milking Shorthorn with each participant placing 10 classes and giving five sets of oral reasons. The SDSU team is coached by Jon Pretz.

Fort Worth, TX

Dairy Cattle Judging Fort Worth 2015

Left to right: Riley Pitman, David Trcka, Audrey Souza, Bernice Vander Wal, Jacob Johnson, and Jon Pretz (coach).

The South Dakota State University Dairy Cattle Judging team participated in the Southwestern Exposition & Livestock Contest in Fort Worth, Texas on January 18th. The team members consisted of Audrey Souza, Jacob Johnson, Bernice Vander Wal, and David Trcka. They were coached by Jon Pretz. The team placed 12th overall. The team placed 5th in Jerseys, 9th in Brown Swiss and 13th in Holsteins. The team placed 8th in oral reasons. Audrey Souza was 4th high individual in Brown Swiss, Jacob Johnson was 9th high individual for Reasons, Bernice Vander Wal was 9th high individual for Jersey and David Trcka was 21st high individual for Jersey. On their way to Texas the SDSU team practiced at dairies in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.

2014

Louisville, KY

Dairy Cattle Judging Louisville 2014

Left to right: Jon Pretz (Coach), Jacob Johnson, David Trcka, Bernice VanderWal, Audrey Souza.

The South Dakota State University Dairy Judging Team competed on 9th November 2014 at the North American International Livestock Exposition Dairy Judging Contest held in Louisville, KY. Team members were Jacob Johnson, Windom, MN; David Trcka, Montgomery, MN; Bernice VanderWal, Pipestone, MN; and Audrey Souza, Milbank SD. The team placed 15th overall and 14th in Reasons, 2nd in Brown Swiss and 7th in Guernsey. David Trcka was the 3rd High Individual Overall, 9th High Individual in Ayrshires, 11th High Individual in Brown Swiss, and 3rd High Individual in Holsteins. Jacob Johnson was 11th High Individual in Reasons and Audrey Souza was 7th High Individual in Jerseys and 14th in Brown Swiss. Bernice Vander Wal was 12th high individual in Guernseys and 14th in Jerseys. The team is coached by Mr. Jon Pretz.

Madison, WI

Dairy Cattle Judging Madison 2014

Left to right: Jon Pretz (coach), Benjamin Choudek, Mikayla Piller, Maggie Stiles, and Riley Pitman.

The South Dakota State University Dairy Cattle Judging Team competed at the annual National Collegiate judging Contest at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin on 29th September. Team members were Maggie Stiles, Mikayla Piller, Benjamin Choudek, and Riley Pitman. The team placed 18th Overall, and 11th in Reasons with 21 teams participating in the contest. With a 3-way tie for 1st place for Red and White, the SDSU team placed 3rd overall. Mikayla Piller placed 2nd and Maggie Stiles 8th. The team placed 4th for Brown Swiss, Mikayla Piller placing 11th high individual. Jon Pretz coached the team.

Viroqua, WI

Dairy Cattle Judging Viroqua 2014

Left to right: Maggie Stiles, Benjamin Choudek, Andrea Pfaffenbach, Riley Pitman, Mikayla Piller, and Jon Pretz (coach).

The South Dakota State Dairy Judging teams participated in the 21st annual Accelerated Genetics Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest on September 14th in Viroqua, Wisconsin. A total of 21 teams competed in the contest. The SDSU team included Mikayla Piller, Maggie Stiles, Andrea Pfaffenbach, and Riley Pitman and was coached by Jon Pretz. The team placed 12th High Team Overall and 11th High Team in Reasons. Mikayla Piller was 1st High Individual in the Guernsey Breed and 16th High Individual overall.

Fort Worth, TX

Dairy Cattle Judging Fort Worth 2014a

Left to right: Stephen Crego (coach), Matthew Holdvogt, Alisha VanderWal, Mikayla Piller, Abigail Weyrens, Chelsey Johnson, Benjamin Choudek, and Chris Schulze.

The South Dakota State University Dairy Cattle Judging team participated in the Southwestern Exposition & Livestock Contest in Fort Worth, Texas on January 19th. The team members consisted of Andrea Pfaffenbach, Maggie Stiles, Mikayla Piller, and Riley Pitman. They were coached by Steve Crego and assisted by Jon Pretz. The team placed 2nd overall among 15 collegiate teams. The team placed 2nd in Jerseys, 4th in Holsteins and 4th in oral reasons. Mikayla placed 1st in Jerseys and placed 4th as high scoring individual. SDSU practiced prior to the contest with North Dakota State and Kansas judging teams on dairies in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.

2013

Louisville, KY

Dairy Cattle Judging Louisville 2014

Left to right: Jon Pretz (assistant coach), Matthew Holdvogt, Abigail Weyrens, Mikayla Piller, Benjamin Choudek, Stephen Crego (coach).

The South Dakota State Dairy Cattle Judging Team participated in the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky on November 11th. Team members were Mikayla Piller, Abigail Weyrens, Matt Holdvogt, and Ben Choudek and coached by Steve Crego. There were 19 teams that competed at this year collegiate division. The judging team is looking to travel to Fort Worth for judge at the Southwestern Livestock Exposition in January.

Madison, WI

Dairy Cattle Judging Madison 2013

Left to right: Stephen Crego (coach), Matthew Holdvogt, Alisha VanderWal, Mikayla Piller, Abigail Weyrens, Chelsey Johnson, Benjamin Choudek, and Chris Schulze.

The South Dakota State University Dairy Cattle Judging Team competed at the 93rd annual National Collegiate judging Contest at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. The team members were Chelsey Johnson, Alisha VanderWal, Ben Choudek, Chris Schulze and Matthew Holdvogt. The team placed 14th with 19 teams participating in the contest. Chelsey Johnson placed 7th in Brown Swiss classes. Chris Schulze placed 7th in the Red & White classes. Saturday and Sunday prior to the contest the teams practiced at several farms in the Madison area. The SDSU team was also joined by Mikayla Piller, Abigail Weyrens and Benjamin Choudek who will be representing SDSU at the North American International Dairy Judging Contest in Louisville in November.

Fort Worth, TX

Dairy Cattle Judging Fort Worth 2013

Left to right: Matthew Holdvogt, Benjamin Choudek, Rachel Achen, and Stephen Crego (coach)

The South Dakota State Dairy Cattle Judging team participated in the Southwestern Livestock Exposition Contest on January 20th in Fort Worth, Texas. Team members were Rachel Achen, Benjamin Choudek, and Matthew Holdvogt. The team was coached by Steve Crego, Manager of the Dairy Research and Training Facility. Eleven teams participated in the contest. The SDSU team placed 3rd in Brown Swiss and placed 5th in Team Oral Reasons. Chelsey Johnson, Alisha Vander Wal and Chris Schulze also accompanied the team on the judging trip to continue developing their judging skills. The team practiced with teams from North Dakota State University and Kansas State University in Oklahoma on the Friday prior to the contest at Chupp’s Guernsey’s, Chapman’s Holsteins and the Oklahoma State University’s Dairy Research Farm.

2012

Louisville, KY

Dairy Cattle Judging Louisville 2012

Left to right: Christopher Schulze, Chelsey Johnson, Alisha VanderWal, Stephen Crego (Coach)

The South Dakota State University Dairy Cattle Judging team participated in the North American International Livestock Dairy Judging contest on 4th November in Louisville, KY. The team consisted of Alisha VanderWal, Chelsey Johnson and Christopher Schulze. Stephen Crego was the coach. There were twenty teams in the collegiate division with SDSU placing 15th. Chelsey Johnson placed 3rd in Holsteins and Chris Schulze placed 25th overall.

Viroqua, WI

Dairy Cattle Judging Viroqua 2012

Left to right: Alisha Vander Wal, Matthew Holdvogt, Chelsey Johnson, Benjamin Choudek, Rachel Achen, Christopher Schulze, and Stephen Crego (coach).

The South Dakota State Dairy Judging teams participated in the 19th annual Accelerated Genetics Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest on September 16th in Viroqua, Wisconsin. The senior team consisted of Chelsey Johnson, Alisha VanderWal and Chris Schulze. The junior team included Ben Choudek, Matthew Holdvogt, and Rachel Achen. Eighteen teams were present representing 10 universities. The contest consisted of ten Classes and Reasons for five classes. The SDSU Junior Team placed 4th in Guernsey and the Senior Team placed 1st in Holstein. Chelsey Johnson placed 5th individual overall and 7th in Reasons. The team placed 5th in Jersey, 4th in Milking Shorthorn. Overall, Alisha Vander Wal placed 7th and Chris Schulze was 9th. Overall, the SDSU team placed 3rd in the contest. The SDSU teams were coached by Stephen Crego, Dairy Farm Manager.

Fort Worth, TX

Dairy Cattle Judging Fort Worth 2012

Left to right:Stephen Crego (coach), Megan Smith (assistant coach), Alisha Vander Wal, Chelsey Johnson, Sara Sontag and Chris Schulze.

The South Dakota State University Dairy Cattle Judging team attended the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show in Fort Worth, Texas on 15th January. The team consisted of Chelsey Johnson, Chris Schulze, Sara Sontag, and Alisha Vander Wal and was coached by Steve Crego and Megan Smith. The team placed 7th overall among 14 teams and 6th in reasons. They placed 5th in Brown Swiss and Jersey classes. Chris Schulze and Alisha Vander Wal placed 5th and 10th, respectively in Jerseys. Alisha placed 2nd in Brown Swiss. In overall individual placing Alisha and Chris were 22nd and 24th respectively. Alisha placed 15th and Chelsey 18th in overall individual reasons. Oklahoma State University hosted judging practice prior to the contest in Fort Worth. At this practice teams from Kansas State University and North Dakota State University also participated.

2011

Madison, WI

Dairy Cattle Judging Madison 2011

Left to right: Stephen Crego (coach), Jennifer Vander Wal, April Johnson, Johnna Schuur and Angela Sellner

The 91st National Intercollegiate dairy cattle judging Contest was held in conjunction with the World Dairy Expo in Madison, WI, on Monday, 3rd October. There were 21 teams from across the country present and 81 contestants. The SDSU was represented by April Johnson, Heron Lake, MN; Johnna Schuur, Sauk Centre, MN; Angela Sellner, Sleepy Eye, MN; and Jennifer Vander Wal, Pipestone, MN. The contest included twelve classes with six sets of reasons. The SDSU team tied for 11th place overall. April Johnson placed 13th as an All-American Judge and was ranked 12th with overall top placings and 9th with Guernsey. In the Milking Shorthorn Classes the top 11 students had a tied score. Angela Sellner placed 10th. She was two points from a perfect score. The team also placed 8th overall with Milking Shorthorns, Holsteins and Brown Swiss classes. The SDSU team was coached by Stephen Crego, dairy farm manager and lecturer.

Viroqua, WI

Dairy Cattle Judging Viroqua 2011

Left to right: Angela Sellner, Johnna Schuur, April Johnson, Jennifer Vander Wal, and Stephen Crego (coach).

The SDSU dairy cattle judging team participated in The Accelerated Genetics Intercollegiate Judging Contest in Viroqua, WI on 18th September, 2011. There were a total of 16 teams competing in four different dairy breeds with five sets of reasons. The SDSU team was represented by April Johnson (Dairy Production and Ag Education major), Angela Sellner (Dairy Production major), Johnna Schuur (Dairy Production and Dairy Manufacturing major), and Jennifer Vander Wal (Ag Journalism major). The team placed 3rd overall, 2nd in Jerseys and 5th in Guernsey's. The team also placed 5th in overall in reasons. Angela Sellner was 3rd high individual as well as 3rd in Jersey. Chelsey Johnson (Ag Communication and English Education major), Alisha Vander Wal (Dairy Production major) and Holly Schmitt (Dairy Production and Dairy Manufacturing major) were other team member that attended the judging contest. The team was coached by Steve Crego, dairy farm manager and lecturer.

Fort Worth, TX

Dairy Cattle Judging Fort Worth 2011

Left to right:Stephen Crego (coach), Jennifer Vander Wal, Johnna Schuur, April Johnson, and Katie Nelson

The 2011 dairy cattle judging team started out the year in Fort Worth, TX competing at the Fort Worth Stock Show Dairy Judging Contest. The team coached by Steve Crego consisted of Katie Nelson, April Johnson, Jennifer Vanderwal, and Johnna Schuur. The team traveled to Oklahoma where they met up with other judging teams from Kansas State, Oklahoma State University, and North Dakota State University to practice together. The teams traveled together and visited five farms in the Stillwater, OK area. They had the opportunity to judge Guernseys, Jerseys, Ayrshires, and Holsteins. Forth Worth, TX contest took place on Sunday, January 16th and consisted of 10 classes and 4 sets of reasons. The SDSU team placed 6th just missing 5th place by 4 points. Individually, Jennifer placed as the 2nd high individual within the Holstein breed and 5th overall. April also was awarded 4th place high individual in Oral Reasons.

2010

Madison, WI

Dairy Cattle Judging Madison 2010

Left to right: Matthew Laubach (coach), Katie Nelson, Megan Rice, Heather Jons, and Stephen Crego (coach).

SDSU Dairy Science students competed in the 89th Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle judging contest on 27th September. The contest was held in conjunction with the World Dairy Expo at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI. Twenty four-year universities from the across the USA participated in the contest. During the contest, students placed twelve classes representing seven dairy cattle breeds and presented six sets of oral reasons.

The SDSU team consisting of Katie Nelson, Rice, MN; Megan Rice, Firth, NE; and Heather Jons, Bonesteel, SD placed 16th overall in the contest. On an individual basis Katie placed 26th. The team placed 4th overall in the Red and White Holstein class.

The SDSU team was coached by Matthew Laubach and Stephen Crego, Interim Manager of the SDSU Dairy Research and Teaching facility.

2009

Dairy Cattle Judging 2009

Left to right: Gerben Landman, Heather Jons and Megan Rice. Not pictured, Matthew Laubach (coach).

The SDSU cattle judging team participated in two contests during 2009. The 16th Annual Accelerated Genetics Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest was held on 20th September in Viroqua Wisconsin. The SDSU team members were Heather Jons, Megan Rice, Amanda Hoover, and Valerie Mohr. At the contest five dairy breeds were judged by 13 different teams. Val Mohr was 3rd in Guernsey and 5th in Milking Shorthorns, and 10th overall. The team placed 5th in Milking Shorthorns, 9th overall, and was 8th in reasons overall. The North American International Livestock Exposition Dairy Cattle Judging Contest was held in Louisville, Kentucky on 20th November. Sixteen teams from across the country participated in the contest. Representing SDSU was Heather Jons, Megan Rice, and Gerben Landman. Five dairy breeds were represented in the contest. In the Ayrshire breed, Gary place 24th overall. In the Guernsey breed, Heather Jons was 8th and Megan Rice was 18th. The team was 8th. In Holsteins, Gary was 25th and the team was 7th. Heather Jons placed 25th overall in the contest.

The final contest of the year was in Fort Worth, Texas. Eight teams from across the country participated in the 2010 Dairy Judging Contest at the Fort Worth Stock Show. Team members that participated were Abbie Wirt, Heather Jons, Megan Rice, and Val Mohr. The contest was held on January 10th, 2010. The team placed 4th overall and 3rd in reasons. The team was also 5th in Jersey's, 5th in Guernsey's, and 5th in Brown Swiss. Val Mohr placed 5th in Holstein. Abbie Wirt was 3rd in reasons.

The SDSU coach is Matthew Laubach, Instructor and Manager of the Dairy Training and Research Facility at SDSU.

2008

World Dairy Expo Intercollegiate Judging Contest: Twenty two teams representing colleges from across the nation competed in the 88th Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest that was held on 29th September 2008 in conjunction with World Dairy Expo in Madison, WI. The SDSU team that included Jessica Berg, Abbie Wirt, John Temme, and Tim Korver placed 19th overall. Other rankings included 12th in Reasons, 8th in Ayrshire, 17th in Brown Swiss, 21st in Guernsey, 9th in Holstein, 13th in Jersey, 15th in Milking Shorthorn, and 12th in Red and White. John Temme placed 1st overall in Red and White and 19th in Ayrshire. Abbie Wirt was 25th in Reasons, 24th in Holstein; Jessica Berg placed 20th in Ayrshire, 18th in Brown Swiss, 20th in Holstein, 24th in Jersey; and Tim Korver was 27th in Ayrshire, and 12th in Guernsey. The team was coached by Matt Laubach.

The 15th Annual Accelerated Genetics Intercollegiate Judging Contest was held in Viroqua, WI on 14th September, 2008. Twenty two teams competed in five different dairy breeds; Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey and Milking Shorthorn. The SDSU team was represented by Ashley Schroeder, Rachel Becker, Rachel Patrick, and Brian Speltz. Overal,l the team placed 11th. The team was 4th in Milking Shorthorn and 9th place team in Reasons. The team was coached by Matt Laubach.

2007

Dairy Cattle Judging 2007

Left to right: Coach Matt Laubach, Assistant Coach Keith Christen, Jessica Berg, Abbie Wirt, Tim Korver, and John Temme.

The Accelerated Genetics Intercollegiate Judging Contest was held in Viroqua, WI on 16th September, 2007. Eighteen teams competed in four different dairy breeds with five sets of reasons. The SDSU team was represented by Abbie Wirt, Lewiston, MN; Jessica Berg, Baltic, SD;John Temme, Wayne, NE; and Tim Korver, Alton, IA. Overall the team placed 9th, including 3rd in Milking Shorthorn. Abbie Wirt was 10th high individual at the contest. Other team members that attended were Craig Niemann and Mike Donnelly. The team was coached by Matt Laubach and Keith Christen.

Twenty four teams from across the country competed at the The North American International Livestock Exposition Dairy Judging Contest in Louisville, KY on 4th November, 2007. Students were required to place 10 classes of cattle and give 5 sets of oral reasons. The SDSU team included Abbie Wirt, Lewiston, MN, Jessica Berg, Baltic, John Temme, Wayne, NE, and Tim Korver, Alton, IA. Jessica place 2nd in Holsteins and 10th in Guernseys and Abbie place 3rd in Ayrshire and 5th in Jerseys. The team placed 4th in Guernsey, 3rd in Holstein, 3rd in Jersey, 8th in Ayrshire, and 16th in Brown Swiss. The team was also 10th in reasons and 4th place overall. Abbie was 11th high individual and Jessica was 4th high individual. The team was coached by Matt Laubach and Keith Christen.

2006

Dairy Cattle Judging 2006

Left to right: Brad Korver, Brittany Nussbaum, Jared Schafer, and Heather Rollefson.

World Dairy Expo Intercollegiate Judging Contest: More than 20 four-year colleges from across the nation competed in the 86th Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, October 2, 2006 that was held in conjunction with World Dairy Expo in Madison, WI. During the contest students place twelve classes representing seven breeds of dairy cattle and present six sets of oral reasons. This year at the contest SDSU placed 17th overall. Team members include Brad Korver, Alton, IA; Brittany Nussbaum, Garretson, SD; Heather Rollefson, Sibley, IA; and Jared Schaefer, Taopi, MN. The team was coached by Darrel Rennich. The team was 5th in Red & White Holsteins, where Brittany placed 6th individually, Heather place 13th individually. In Milking Shorthorns SDSU place 9th. The team was 11th in Brown Swiss. As a team SDSU placed 13th in oral reasons. World Dairy Expo is an international trade and dairy cattle show. This year more than 65,000 visitors gathered from several countries to participate in the dairy cattle breed shows and sales, youth judging contest, education seminars, a 1,500 booth trade show and an America's Dairyland Marketplace.

The Accelerated Genetics Intercollegiate Dairy Judging Contest was held in Viroqua, WI on September 17, 2006. Twenty teams competed in six breeds and gave five sets of oral reasons. Team members for SDSU were Brittany Nussbaum, Garretson, SD; Heather Rollefson, Sibley, IA; Jared Schaefer, Taopi, MN; and Steve VanDyke, Elkton, SD. The team was coached by Darrel Rennich. Overall the team placed 14th, including 9th in Milking Shorthorn. Brittany placed 5th individually in Milking Shorthorn. Heather placed 8th in Holsteins. Overall, individually Heather place 26th. Other members that attended were Brad Korver, Abbie Wirt, Tim Korver, and John Temme.

2005

World Dairy Expo was held on October 4 - 8 , 2005. This team members of the SDSU Dairy Judging team consisted of Molly Alberts, Bill Reyes, Andrew Doll, and Dan Fritsche, The team was coached by Darrel Rennich. The team judged many classes of cows and heifers along with linear evaluations and oral reasons. Overall the team placed 20th and was 4th in Red & Whites. Individually Bill placed 6th in Red & Whites and 10th in Guernseys. Andrew placed 13th in Red & Whites.

The North American International Livestock Exposition Dairy Judging Contest was held on November 6, 2005 in Louisville, Kentucky. The SDSU team consisted of Garrett Schmidt, a sophomore from Melrose, WI, Brad Korver, a junior from Alton, IA, Heather Rollefson, a sophomore from Sibley, IA, Brittany Nussbaum, a sophomore from Garretson SD, and alternate Jared Schaefer, a junior from Taopi, MN, with Coach Darrel Rennich. The four team members started judging at eight o'clock in the morning, judging ten classes of cows and heifer between five breed. Overall as a team SDSU placed thirteenth out of eighteen team, placing fifth in Ayrshires and eighth in Brown Swiss. Individually the team was very consistent with each other. Garrett was top for the team placing 39th overall with 634 points, followed by Brad placing 40th with 632 points, Heather placed 41st with 631 points, and Brittany placed 48th with 617 points.

2004

Regional Contest

The SDSU team consisting of Ted Norling, Justin Morehouse, Brad Korver, Ashley Vonk and coached by Darrel Rennich competed at the Accelerated Dairy Cattle Judging Contest in Viroqua, WI on September 19th, 2004. Specific breed placements were: 10th in Ayrshire, 14th in Guernsey, 19th in Holstein, 9th in Jersey, and 21st in Milking Shorthorns. They placed 17th in Reasons and 19th overall.

National Contest

Ted Norling, Justin Morehouse, and Shannon Sellner competed at the National Collegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest in Madison, WI on October 4th, 2004. The team placed 11th in Ayrshire, 3rd in Brown Swiss, 24th in Guernsey, 17th in Holstein, 23rd in Jersey, 20th in Milking Shorthorn, 20th in Red and White, 16th in Reasons and 21st Overall. Ted Norling placed 3rd for Ayrshire, 14th for Brown Swiss and 6th for Holstein. Justin Morehouse was 15th in Brown Swiss. The team was 16th in the Linear Contest and Justin Morehouse placed 7th as an individual. Ted Norling placed 25th overall in the contest.

2003

Regional Contest

The SDSU students competed at the regional contest in Viroqua, Wis. The team placed 14th overall. In the Brown Swiss breed, the team was second and in the Guernsey breed the team placed third. Darrel Rennich coached the team.

National Contest

Dairy science students from South Dakota State University performed well at the 83rd Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest on Sept. 30 held in conjunction with the World Dairy Expo at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis.

During the contest, students place twelve classes representing seven dairy cattle breeds and present six sets of oral reasons. SDSU team members included: Kristin Kuhl, Salem; Barret Olson, Redfield; Heidi Brandt, New Salem, N.D.; and Anna Alexander, Brookings. Overall the team ranked 21st, and ranked 20th in reasons.

In the Ayrshire breed, the SDSU team placed 14th with Barret Olson placing 24th. Kristin Kuhl took honors in the Brown Swiss breed, placing 25th. In the Holstein breed, the team placed 15th, with Heidi Brandt receiving 25th. The team placed the highest in the Jersey breed, receiving 11th overall. Also in the linear contest, which is the evaluation of 15 individual traits on a dairy cow, Heidi Brandt placed 10th overall.

Dairy Science students also competed at the North American International Livestock Exposition contest in Louisville, KY. The team placed 7th overall and included Darin Zoellner. Tony Galgowski, Brian Walters, and Ted Norling.