Twelve semifinalists have been named for Holstein Association USA’s 2022 Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) awards. The Distinguished Junior Member award is the highest honor given to members of the National Junior Holstein Association, ages 17 to 21, in recognition of a commitment to the Holstein breed and involvement in a variety of agriculture related activities.
The 2022 Distinguished Junior Member Semifinalists are:
- Jill Allen, Jefferson, Maryland
- Ryan Allen, Jefferson, Maryland
- Elise Bleck, Glenbeulah, Wisconsin
- Regan Demmer, Peosta, Iowa
- Payton Erbsen, Lanark, Illinois
- Jasenko Gavranovic, New Ulm, Minnesota
- Matthew Gunst, Hartford, Wisconsin
- Hannah Hockerman, Westfield, Wisconsin
- Hannah Houseknecht, Columbia Cross Roads, Pennsylvania
- Brian McCullough, Juda, Wisconsin
- Jonathan McGee, Clearfield, Pennsylvania
- Blake Wright, Verona, Missouri
The twelve young adults were selected as semifinalists based on their firsthand working knowledge of the dairy industry and participation in Holstein, dairy, and other activities. The application process includes a resume, story of Junior Holstein work, essay questions, video elements, and more. Established in 1922, the DJM contest is the longest running Holstein youth program.
The DJM semifinalists will be interviewed at the National Holstein Convention being held June 27 to July 1, 2022, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Six DJM finalists will be announced during the Junior Awards Banquet on Friday, July 1.
For more information or to register for the 2022 National Holstein Convention visit www.2022nationalholsteinconvention.com. To learn more about the Distinguished Junior Members or Junior Holstein Association visit www.holsteinusa.com/juniors or contact Kelli Dunklee at 800.952.5200 ext. 4124 or by email.
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Holstein Association USA, Inc., provides programs, products and services to dairy producers to enhance genetics and improve profitability — including animal identification and ear tags, genomic testing, mating programs, dairy records processing, classification, communication, consulting services, and Holstein semen.
The Association, headquartered in Brattleboro, VT., represents approximately 25,000 members throughout the United States. To learn more about Registered Holsteins® and the other exciting programs offered by the Holstein Association, visit www.holsteinusa.com, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
