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.
Emma Vos, 2022 Wisconsin Jersey Queen, and Abbygail Foster, 2022 Wisconsin Jersey Princess.
Becoming a Member
Membership is available to all Jersey enthusiasts under 21 years of age for $2.50 a year. For more information, call Debbie Ashmore, Junior Advisor, at 608/375-5952 (home) or 608/485-0939 (cell). For a membership application, CLICK HERE.
A cost-sharing program is also available to help juniors attend out-of-state events. For more information, contact Secretary-Treasurer Sydney Endres at 608/333-7599 or sfendres@gmail.com. For an application, CLICK HERE.
National Level Achievements
Wisconsin juniors have represented their state well in national competitions too. Six have topped the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest: 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).
More recently, Emma Ruth Vos, Maribel, received the 2023 Walter and Joyce Owens and Family Scholarship. Colin Wussow placed second in the 2023 Pot O'Gold Production Contest with Dutch Hollow Alto Dianna. Other juniors to place in the production contest were Ava, Ela and Ivy Hebgen and Kenley Kessenich, all of de Forest.
At the International Junior Jersey Show held in conjunction with World Dairy Expo in Madison, Evan Jacquet of Pulaski showed the Grand Champion, Rolling Spring Premier Lucille-ET.
At the Junior All American Jersey Show in 2021, juniors from Wisconsin captured the state herd banner and Alleah Anderson of Cumberland showed the Reserve National Grand Champion, Meadowridge Triple Crown Fae.
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.
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 2022
Wisconsin Jersey Queen: Emma Vos, Maribel
Wisconsin Jersey Princess: Abbygail Foster, Juda
Junior Breeder of the Year: Sykora Ann Stanek, Reedsburg
Youth Achievement Awards
Senior Winner: Megan Moede, Algoma
Senior Runner-up: Sophie Larson, Reedsburg
Intermediate Winner: Katie Brandel, Lake Mills
Intermediate Runner-up: Lucas Kramer, Wauzeka
Junior Winner: Kennedy Paul, Milton
Junior Runner-up: Tani Riebe, Cumberland
Scholarship Awards: Alana Artac, Greenwood, Regan Kramer, Wauzeka, Sophie Larson and Megan Moede
Youth Cost Sharing: Alleah Anderson, Cumberland, and Kaitynn Riebe, Cumberland