Youth are eligible for junior memberships in the state Jersey organization until they reach 21 years of age. Currently, more than 100 young people are members of the Wisconsin Junior Jersey Breeders Association.
Membership gives them opportunity to develop friendships with young people with similar interests, compete in a variety of activities and learn valuable life skills. Many pursue careers in the agriculture industry; most harbor a love of the Jersey cow and their agriculture roots in their hearts throughout their lives.
Wisconsin juniors participate in several activities during the year and have a chance to compete for awards on both state and national national levels.
In early spring, juniors gather for their annual meeting, held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Wisconsin Jersey Breeders Association. New officers are elected, a new Jersey queen and princess are crowned and several other juniors are recognized for their achievements.
In the summer, juniors compete for prizes at county fairs and parish shows. In late summer and early fall, state shows and fairs and regional and national shows are on the calendar.
Becoming a Member
Membership is available to all Jersey enthusiasts under 21 years of age for $2.50 a year or $25 for a lifetime membership. For more information, contact Danielle Brown at 608-574-7726. For a membership application, CLICK HERE.
Ava Hebgen placed second in the senior division of the youth achievement contest and receives a $150 cash award. Regan Kramer, not pictured, was named winner and will receive a $250 cash award and plaque sponsored by Milk-n-More Farms.
Charlie Tauchen receives the award high protein cow, Tauchen Kiawa Enovy-P. The award is sponsored by Rainbow Dairy LLC, the Cornell Family.
Ivy Hebgen, left, won the intermediate division of the youth achievement contest and Kennedy Paul placed second. Ivy receives a $150 cash award and Kennedy receives a calf donated by Ela May Genetics in memory of Ela Hebgen.
Rubi Klinkner, left, placed second in the junior division of the youth achievement contest while April Owens placed first. Rubi will receive a show a show halter in memory of Lois Hauser while April will receive a calf donated by Pine-Valley Farm and $50 in memory of Jaclyn Pettis.
Noelle Vos was one of three recipients of a scholarship. Also receiving scholarships were Hazil Luttrop and Ella Raatz.
The 2025 junior officer team includes, left to right, Kenley Kessenich, secretary, Ava Hebgen, president, and Ivy Hebgen, vice-president.
Awards Program for 2025
Youth Awards
- Junior: for members 11 years and under as of January 1, 2024. The winner will receive a calf donated by Pine Valley Farm, Leah and Jason James. The runner-up will receive a calf halter donated by the family of Lois Hauser, in her memory.
- Intermediate: for members 12-15 years of age as of January 1, 2024. The winner will receive a calf in loving memory of Ela May Hebgen, sponsored by Kessenich Farms LLC and the Hebgen Family. Second place will receive $150.
- Senior: for members 16-20 years of age as of January 1, 2024. The winner will receive $250 and second place will receive $150.
Production Awards
Awards will be given for records completed in 2024 based on combined fat and protein (CFP) and their age at calving. Cows must be owned by the junior member before January 1, 2024. Please enclose both a copy of the registration paper and the DHI individual cow report or DHI test sheet for verification. The Stargazer Jersey’s Award will be given to the top CFP cow from all entries. The award form is available HERE.
Junior All-Wisconsin Awards
Junior All-Wisconsin and Reserve All-Wisconsin honors will be awarded for each class based on the animal’s 2024 show record. Eligible shows include spring shows, state show and fairs, parish shows and one national show (World Dairy Expo or North American International Livestock Exposition). Please include open and junior placings when applicable. Open-show results will only count if the animal was led by a junior owner. Placings from county fairs and non-national level, non-Wisconsin will not earn any points. Include a copy of the registration paper with the application. Cows must be owned by the junior member before January 1, 2024, while heifers can be owned or managerial (if they were led by the junior applicant). A form is available HERE.
Wisconsin Jersey Queen and Princess
The contest is open to all young women 16-21 years of age as of January 1, 2025. This is a great opportunity to serve as an ambassador of the Jersey breed and represent WJBA at events throughout the year.
Scholarships
The WJBA scholarship is awarded to youth pursuing post-secondary education. A total of $1,000 is available each year with a maximum of $500 awarded to the same member in one year. An applicant can receive a scholarship in two different years.
A single application form for the youth awards, Queen contest and scholarships is available HERE. Any questions on awards or forms can be directed to Danielle Brown at 608-574-7726 or daniellebrown2012@uwalumni.com.
Cost-Sharing Program
A cost-sharing program is also available to help juniors attend out-of-state events. For more information, contact Secretary-Treasurer Sydney Flick at 608/333-7599 or wjbasecretary@outlook.com. For an application, CLICK HERE.
National Level Achievements
Wisconsin juniors have represented their state well in national competitions too. Seven have topped the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest: Emma Vos of Maribel (2023); Colin Wussow of Cecil (2020); Kaila Wussow of Cecil (2017); Cassandra Krull of Lake Mills (2012); Brett Barlass of Janesville (2005); Kristin Barlass-Paul of Janesville (1999); and Brian Barlass of Janesville (1995).
They have also done well at the national level in other competitions. Some highlights are shown below.
Emma Vos won the 2023 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest and was featured on the cover of the September 2024 issue of the Jersey Journal. Emma was also crowned as second runner-up in the 2024 National Jersey Queen contest.
Colin Wussow of Cecil won the 2022 Pot O'Gold Production Contest with JX Bar MB Avon Klay Brooklyn 16312 {4}.
At the 2021 All American Junior Jersey Show, Alleah Anderson, fifth right, showed the Reserve Grand Champion, Meadowridge Triple Crown Fae.
Colin Wussow pictured on the cover of the September 2021 issue of the Jersey Journal as winner of the 2020 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest.
Allison Foster, left, was named first alternate in both the 2017 and 2018 National Jersey Queen Contests.
Austin Nauman showed Smokin Hot Lightning Strikes to Supreme Champion honors of the North American International Livestock Exposition in 2016.
India Tauchen of Bonduel won the 2015 National Jersey Youth Production Contest
with THVI Allstar Bonnie 7924 (4}.
Alleah Anderson exhibited the Supreme Champion of the 2015 North American International Livestock Exposition, Meadowridge Gentry Angie.
Sydney Endres, right, was crowned as the
2013 National Jersey Queen.
Cassy Krull, center, was crowned as the National Jersey Queen in 2011. Krull was also the winner of the 2012 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest.
Kaila Wussow topped the 2011 Pot O'Gold Production Contest with her entry, Rocha Iatola Whistle-ET. She also won the competition in 2008 with Ahlem Jace Charm 15069-ET.
Wisconsin Junior Award Winners 2025
Junior Breeder of the Year: Ava Hebgen, de Forest
Youth Achievement Awards
Senior Winner: Regan Kramer, Wauzeka
Senior Runner-up: Ava Hegben, de Forest
Intermediate Winner: Ivy Hebgen, de Forest
Intermediate Runner-up: Kennedy Paul, Milton
Junior Winner: April Owens, Frederic
Junior Runner-up: Rubi Klinkner, Viroqua
High Protein Cow: Tauchen Kiawa Enovy-P, Charlie Tauchen
Scholarship Awards: Hazil Luttrop, Berlin; Ella Raatz, Colby; and Noelle Vos, Maribel
Youth Cost Sharing: Kaitynn Riebe, Cumberland