Clark County Holstein Breeders host 2nd annual Breeder’s Cup judging contest

On Feb. 5, the Clark County Holstein Breeders held their second annual Breeder’s Cup — a unique on-farm judging contest designed to highlight quality Holsteins that often go unseen in the show ring. The winners of the contest were announced in an April 17 press release.

The event brings a judge from farm to farm to evaluate entries in three classes: First Lactation, Second Lactation, and Third Lactation & Over.

The contest rules are as follows:

•Cows must be currently lactating.

•Cows cannot have been shown at any fair or exhibition in 2024.

•Each owner may enter one cow per class, with the option to enter all three classes.

•All cows must be registered Holsteins.

•All entries must be bred, owned, and housed within Clark County.

The concept for the Breeder’s Cup was inspired by similar events held by Holstein organizations in Canada, Pennsylvania, and Australia. The goal is to recognize and promote outstanding cows that may be overlooked due to the timing of calving, behavior challenges, or the owner’s limited ability to attend traditional cattle shows.

This year’s judge was Paul Trapp of Taylor, who visited 12 herds ranging from small 60-cow tie-stall operations to a large 2,200-cow free-stall dairy. A total of 28 cows were entered and evaluated directly in their home environments. Participants had the option to prepare their cows by washing, clipping, or bagging—or simply present them as they appear day to day.

Trapp carefully recorded his evaluations, ranking the cows from first to third in each class based on his notes and photographs. Prizes were awarded as follows: $100 for first place, $50 for second, and $25 for third.

The Breeder’s Cup continues to be a celebration of homegrown talent in Clark County’s Holstein herds—giving hardworking cows and their breeders a well-deserved moment in the spotlight.

Here are the results: Class 1: 1st Lactation

•First- Rivercrest Parfect 1642, Opelt family, Greenwood

•Second – Badger Doc 14450 (Doc x Delta), Badger Holsteins, Unity

•Third – Schindler Mystic Lonnie, Evan Schindler, Abbotsford Class 2: 2nd Lactation

•First – Echowood Z1379 Blaska 2159, Echowood Holsteins, Neillsville

•Second – Badger Parfect 13444 (Parfect x Legacy c Jodandy), Badger Holsteins, Unity

•Third – AM Kaiser Tattoo Fancy, Ashley Kaiser, Loyal Class 3: 3rd Lactation

•First – Hornland Chex Jolly, Hornland Farms, Loyal

•Second – Selz-Pralle Salvator 5251, Selz-Pralle Dairy, Humbird

•Third – Echowood 320 Cotton Pat 493, Echowood Holsteins, Neillsville

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO