Working her way to the top

VIOLA, Wis. — As Pedretti’s Party Barn in Viroqua filled with dairy farmers from across Vernon County, Reagan Mithum was excited to be in attendance for the Vernon County Dairy Gala. What she did not know was that she would be leaving with an award of her own, as she was recognized with the Outstanding Junior Dairy Youth Award.

The eighth grader at Kickapoo Middle School has been involved in dairy farming for the past five years. She has worked with Bob and Marla Randall of BoMar Farms, raising 2-3 calves each summer and showing at the Vernon County Fair.

“When they announced I won the award, I was speechless,” Mithum said. “It was meaningful to know that even if you don’t live on a farm, you can still have involvement.”

To earn the award, Mithum applied with an essay that depicted what activities she was involved in, what she has learned about dairy and herself, and what her biggest accomplishment was. As someone who participates in the dairy show at the Vernon County Fair, Mithum pulled from her latest experience this summer.

“I received the best fitted Holstein award for my age group,” Mithum said. “I was especially proud of that because I clipped her completely by myself. When I started with the Vernon County Dairy Youth, I didn’t have a dairy background, so earning that award was really cool.”

When Mithum started to show interest in working with cows, her dad, Aaron Mithum, helped facilitate the partnership with BoMar Farms. Marla Randall works at Kickapoo Area Schools, where Aaron Mithum is the principal for the middle school and high school. Although the Mithums do not operate a farm of their own, agriculture is deeply ingrained in the family.

Aaron Mithum spent time on his grandparents’ dairy farm and showed cows when he was younger. Mithum’s mother, Angie Mithum, grew up on a farm with a variety of animals as Angie’s father, Dennis Nerison, operated a livestock sales barn. Nerison played a key role in Mithum’s early beginnings in the dairy industry, helping her purchase her first Holstein heifer and hauling cattle to the fair.

“My family guided and encouraged me to get involved in the dairy industry,” Mithum said. “I keep 2-3 calves at our house during the summer. In the winter, they’ll go back to BoMar.
We have it worked out that when my cows have their calves in the spring, I can raise them over the summer. We’ll sell the cows after that, and it’s a cycle we’ve had for a few years.”

Mithum works with a Red & White Holstein that she purchased from the Randalls’ daughter and son-in-law, Taylor and Miranda Riedel, of Riedel Ridge Farms. She is also raising a pair of Jersey calves. The Red & White calf is the animal she earned best fitted with this past summer at the fair.

“The yearling I have right now, I had her mom and showed her when she was a calf,” Mithum said. “She’s pregnant now and next summer will be the third generation of cows that I’ll be showing.”

Vernon County has seen an increase in its dairy numbers at the fair, making her best fitted award this past year more impressive.

“There’s a lot more people competing in showmanship now,” Mithum said. “When I started showing, there were 67 head of cattle, but last year, there were 138. It makes it hard because there are so many, but it’s good because you can look at everyone and they all enjoy it too. It’s a lot of fun.”

Vernon County Dairy Youth has played an integral role in the expansion of the number of cattle at the fair. The organization puts together several events for youth who have grown up on farms and others who might have an interest in dairy alike.

The organization hosts a day of dairy at the Vernon County Fairgrounds each year. This event helps teach youth about what is involved in raising cattle, as well as teaching the basics of showmanship. During the event, youth learn about clipping and leading cattle, as well as ration ingredients, vaccinations, bedding packs and more.

“When I first started in dairy youth, I was the little kid being taught how to do all of it,” Mithum said. “This past year, I was one of the people who showed people how to clip, what to do, and just knew how to do what we were teaching. It was pretty cool to look back and know that I used to be one of those kids.”

The youth organization also sets up tours of different dairy farms throughout the tri-state area, providing youth the chance to see dairy operations firsthand.

“Those are really fun,” Mithum said. “We learn about a farm’s facility, how many cows they milk, everything they do and learn where their milk goes.”

Vernon County Dairy Youth has provided a chance for those who do not currently live on farms to see what is involved in the dairy industry and how they can be involved with it. It also provides youth an opportunity to meet others with similar interests, something Mithum said she appreciates about showing cattle.

“It’s a really good experience, showing and working with cattle,” Mithum said. “You meet a lot of new people, and you have a good time and have fun. There’s also a lot to learn.”