Day 1 - Monday, June 24

During the preconvention tour, Holstein enthusiasts witnessed the diversity of Wisconsin dairy farms. From a robot dairy to a conventional tiestall barn and a showplace, they saw legendary Holsteins at each stop. The tour demonstrated how “America’s Dairyland” has it all when visiting Jenlar Holsteins, Forest Ridge Holsteins, Budjon Farms and Rosendale Dairy.

The historic Fox River and the bay of Green Bay were home to the oldest European settlements on the entire Great Lakes established by French explorers. The exclusive river cruise had visitors exploring natural shorelines, landscapes, and the historic homes along the Fox River.

Juniors were busy during their second day of Convention. The Dairy Jeopardy and Prepared Public Speaking competitions were a highlight. In three age divisions, more than 60 participants competed for their shot at bringing home the top Dairy Jeopardy award. 

Here are the Dairy Jeopardy results:

Junior Division:

1st place, Isaiah Hammerand, Iowa
2nd place, Jacob Harbaugh, Wisconsin
3rd place, Brady Bleck, Wisconsin

Intermediate Division:

1st place, Courtney Glenna, Wisconsin
2nd place, Trenton Hammerand, Iowa
3rd place, Trevor Clapp, Massachusetts

Senior Division:

1st place, Paige Demun, New York
2nd place, Isabelle Leonard, Virginia
3rd place, Brock Irwin, Illinois

At the Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) Luncheon, 12 DJM Semifinalists were honored. Watch our Facebook live video for the announcement of the six finalists, Tuesday evening at the Gala Banquet.

·      Nathan Arthur, Sumner, Iowa

·      Madeline Beaudry, Walpole, New Hampshire

·      Allison Breunig, Sauk City, Wisconsin

·      Kalista Hodorff, Eden, Wisconsin

·      Brock Irwin, Belvidere, Illinois

·      Cady McGehee, Okeechobee, Florida

·      Courtney Moser, Westby, Wisconsin

·      Sierra Swanson, Hutchinson, Minnesota

·      Sarah Thomas, Pittsboro, North Carolina

·      Zachariah Tolzman, Dodgeville, Wisconsin      

·      Taylor Wolfe, Milton, Pennsylvania

·      Lora Wright, Verona, Missouri

The eight Young Distinguished Junior Members (YDJM) were also honored at the luncheon:

·      Caroline Arrowsmith, Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania

·      Delana Erbsen, Lanark, Illinois

·      Austin Holcomb, Lithia, Florida

·      Kylie Konyn, Escondido, California

·      Brianna Meyer, Chilton, Wisconsin

·      Ainsley Noble, Lancaster, Wisconsin

·      Addison Raber, Gridle, Illinois

·      Clarissa Ulness, Valders, Wisconsin

Juniors that competed in the Prepared Public Speaking Contest and Dairy Knowledge Exam, the results for these two contests will be announced at the Awards Luncheon on Thursday.

The night ended at the Junior Mixer at the Badger Sports Park event. Youth mixed and mingled as they highlighted their state. States presented their banners and shared their giveaway items. Attendees chose from go-karts, 18 hole mini-golf, batting cages, laser tag, inflatables, a mini bowling alley, and so much more.

Check back tomorrow for more highpoints from Convention Host Day activities and Family Night!