Can you picture the unique atmosphere of anticipation? The 2024 World Dairy Expo® Youth Fitting Contest was far from ordinary. On the memorable Saturday, September 28, at Madison, Wisconsin’s Alliant Energy Center, 41 talented young minds from across North America gathered. These youths, aged 13 to 21, from 12 states in the United States and one province, engaged in a thrilling one-hour challenge to prepare their animals for the show.
Excitement was in the air as two eminent judges, Dawson Nickels of Watertown, Wisconsin, and Josh Karn of Woodstock, Ontario, Canada, evaluated the intermediate and senior categories, respectively.
The judges were full of praise for the young fitters. “The skill and dedication these young fitters showcased was truly remarkable,” Karn said. “Each contestant brought their best, making it a tough competition to judge.”
But what was unique about this year? Now, let’s explore the highlights. Kyle Welk of Peachbottom, Pennsylvania, won first place in the Senior Male Division as the Overall Fitter. This esteemed title was more than simply a badge of honor for him. In addition to the jacket that Images Custom Embroidery stitched just for Welk, he was given the coveted Overall Fitter Award in honor of Michael Heath. Together with a $1,000 cash reward, this award included an engraved walnut plaque commemorating the life and legacy of a well-liked community member.
It wasn’t only Welk who shone. As the Senior Female Division winner, Alexis Blankenberg of Platteville, Wisconsin, received sponsored clippers from Clipper Parts & Repair, a necessary equipment for any severe fitter.
Winning extends beyond status. Take a look at the list of rewards that the top finishers received:
Medallion-adorned neck ribbons, The John Klossner family, St. Jacobs ABC, and FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative provided the cash awards.
\The top five finishers from each division were awarded neck ribbons with medallions and cash prizes, courtesy of FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative, the John Klossner family and St. Jacobs ABC.
Placings for the WDE Youth Fitting Contest are as follows:
Intermediate Female Division:
1. Kayla Trustem, Evansville, Wis.
2. Kamrie Mauer, Brownton, Minn.
3. Jazlynn Olson, Galesville, Wis.
4. Emma Roeben, Portsmouth, R.I.
Intermediate Male Division:
1. Jayse Pudwill, Dakota, Ill.
2. Braeden Bechel, Elmwood, Wis.
3. Ethan Staudinger, Reedsville, Wis.
4. Benny Uhe, Footville, Wis.
5. Devin Coleman, Brantford, Ontario, Canada
Senior Female Division:
1. Alexis Blankenberg, Platteville, Wis.
2. Jamie Gibbs, Rollingstone, Minn.
3. Olivia Jennrich, New Glarus, Wis.
4. Hannah Gingerich, Shippensburg, Pa.
5. Kayla Visser, Hutchinson, Minn.
Senior Male Division:
1. Kyle Welk, Peachbottom, Pa.
2. Kolby Stoltzfus, East Earl, Pa.
3. Payton Calvert, Cuba City, Wis.
4. Josh Brander, Rockwood, Ontario, Canada
5. Evan Cooper, Owego, N.Y.
