SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Six young registered Holstein enthusiasts became the newest members of an elite club within Holstein Association USA Inc. when they were selected as Distinguished Junior Member award finalists. The youth were recognized June 27 at the organization’s national convention in Salt Lake City.
Finalists from Wisconsin included Courtney Glenna of Amery, Wisconsin; Samuel Mess of Rosendale, Wisconsin; and Jacob Harbaugh of Marion, Wisconsin. Lila Sloan of Davis, Illinois, was also recognized.
In addition to the DJM finalists, Young Distinguished Junior Members were honored as well, including Midwestern juniors Katie Brandel of Lake Mills, Wisconsin; Ella Raatz of Colby, Wisconsin; Cameron Ryan of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin; and Ethan Palmer of Waukon, Iowa.
The National DJM award is the highest honor bestowed upon junior Holstein members. It culminates their work with the Holstein breed.
The process includes a written application book and video responses to questions that are submitted to the national office. Twelve semi-finalists are selected to be interviewed at the National Holstein Convention, where the six finalists are determined.
Sloan began competing in dairy bowl as soon as she was old enough and said she has dreamed of being named a DJM.
“I have always enjoyed listening to Kelli (Dunklee, Holstein Association event and program lead) reading off the bios of the DJMs each year before she announces their names,” Sloan said. “When she started reading mine, I knew it was me. I definitely had some tears in my eyes. It’s something that has always been a goal of mine — to walk up there and get my pin and plaque. It was a big achievement for me.”
A recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Sloan is taking her junior experience full-circle, having started a job with Holstein Association USA as a regional sales representative covering Indiana, northern Illinois, northeast Iowa and southern Wisconsin.
The four Midwestern DJMs all agreed that dairy bowl served as the gateway of their involvement in their state junior organizations.
Glenna, who will be a junior at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls this year, did not grow up with registered Holsteins. Her introduction into the association came through her FFA quiz bowl coach, who encouraged her to continue to compete as a member of the Polk County junior Holstein dairy bowl team.
“I had always loved cows, but once I got involved through dairy bowl, I realized how fun being a junior Holstein member was,” Glenna said. “From there I started doing any contest that was offered. You meet so many people, people who will be a part of your life for a long time to come as friends and future colleagues.”
Sloan said she took a moment at the recent convention to take stock of how her years as a junior have impacted the person she has become.
“I look at how much I have grown, both as a person and professionally, and I think much of that can be credited to my junior Holstein involvement,” Sloan said. “The competitions I have taken part in have built confidence; and I have had so many opportunities for networking and making those important connections that will impact me for a long time.”
From showing cattle to studying for dairy bowl competitions, Harbaugh said his passion for the registered Holstein industry has continued to grow as he has become more involved and embraced leadership roles. Harbaugh will be a sophomore at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities this fall.
“I’m in the second year of my two-year term on the Wisconsin Junior Activities Committee, serving as the secretary of the current team,” Harbaugh said. “I grew up looking up to the kids on the JAC. Now I can give back, being a role model for the younger members.”
Mess, who milks 120 cows with his parents on their Fond du Lac County dairy farm, said mentorship from role models is valuable to youth.
“I was fortunate to have an advisor who pushed me to become involved in dairy bowl, show at state fair and fill out the award forms,” Mess said. “All through my time as a junior, my advisor probably believed in me more than I believed in myself. Without that support, I’m not sure my junior experience would have been the same.”
As their junior years are ending, each DJM reflected on those who supported them and considered how they might encourage the next generation.
“Never be afraid to take chances and create opportunities for yourself — use those to showcase who you are, what you do,” Harbaugh said. “You never know what doors might be opened for you, unexpectedly.”
Glenna agreed, urging juniors to invest the time in themselves to pursue the DJM application process.
“It is an intense application, but it is really nice to reflect on your time as a junior,” Glenna said. “It’s a great culmination of your time as a junior, a way to look back on the accomplishments that have gotten you to this point.”
Mess recalled hearing his name announced at the awards luncheon in Salt Lake City.
“I was the last of the six announced,” Mess said. “It was overwhelming, to have gone through the whole process, being at the convention — everything. But the feeling of receiving that reward for the chance you took, putting yourself out there, that really means a lot.”
Glenna advises juniors to seek out mentors.
“There are a lot of people involved in this industry who are willing to help those that show they have the drive and passion to succeed,” Glenna said. “Start seeing people you feel comfortable with, show them your passion. Chase every opportunity that comes your way, even if it’s scary.”
Taking every opportunity has been a key to their success, each DJM agreed.
“Get as involved as you can, always say yes to new opportunities, go outside your comfort zone,” Sloan said. “You never know who you’ll be sitting next to or what that connection might lead to down the road. The only person that can limit what you can do is yourself.”
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