Wisconsin Holstein Association
Awards and Recognition
Adult Awards
The Wisconsin Holstein Association is currently looking for nominations for their annual awards. Applications are due November 10. Award winners will be recognized at the annual meeting in February 2022.
Award Form Applications
Distinguished Holstein Breeder
- Any WHA member can submit names to the WHA office staff or WHA Board member to nominate another WHA member.
- All submitted forms will be kept on file for 3 years in contention for the award.Those nominees not receiving an award will be sent their previous application materials along with a new form to be resubmitted for consideration if they desire.
- The WHA Executive Committee will look over all forms submitted in the past 3 years and bring to the WHA full Board up to 5 possible recipients. The WHA full Board will then select the recipient for that year.
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Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder
- Any WHA member can submit names to the WHA office staff or WHA Board member to nominate another WHA member under the age of 40. Materials will be sent to your nominee requesting them to fill out and submit the necessary materials.
- All submitted forms will be kept on file for 3 years in contention for the award.Those nominees not receiving an award will be sent their previous application materials along with a new form to be resubmitted for consideration if they desire.
- The selection committee shall consist of five (5): chair(s) of the Breed Improvement committee and previous Distinguished Young Breeder award winners.
- The top ranking from the selection committee will then be presented to the WHA Board for their approval
Holstein Horizon Award
- Award entries may come from a nominator or the award candidate(s) themself
- All submitted forms will be kept on file for 3 years in contention for the award.Those nominees not receiving an award will be sent their previous application materials along with a new form to be resubmitted for consideration if they desire.
- The selection committee shall consist of three previous Distinguished Holstein Breeder award winners.
- The top ranking from the selection committee will then be presented to the WHA Board for their approval
Young Adult Education Award
- Applicant must be a member in good standing of the Wisconsin Holstein Association at the time of application.
- Applicants should indicate on this application which program or event the award will be used for.
- For programs such as YDLI, proof of acceptance must be provided.
- Award can only be received once per individual.
- Young Distinguished Breeder Award recipients are not eligible as they will have already received a $500 YAC sponsored award.
- If an award is given and the recipient is unable to attend or does not fulfill the program requirements, the individual is expected to return the funds to the Young Adult Committee.
- Applicant should be age 21 to 45 as of January 1, 2024.
Cow Awards
In addition to awards that honor Registered Holstein breeders we have awards available to recognize cows. Top Performer recognizes cows with exceptional production and classification scores. Download the application for a full a list of eligibility. All Top Performers are recognized in the News and a winner in each age group is awarded.
Past Award Recipients
Distinguished Holstein Breeder
2023 Mike and Marcy McCullough, Juda
2022 Rickert Brothers Farm, Eldorado
2021 William Schultz III, Waldo
2020 Glenn & Joann Brewer, Albany
2019 Emerald Acres & Dr. Scott Armbrust, De Pere
2018 Mike & Valerie Holschbach, Baraboo
2017 Don & Liz Mayer, Bloomer
2016 Carl & Bonnie Werner, Beaver Dam
2015 Jeff & Kate Hendrickson, Belleville
2014 Bob & Kathy Traynor, Spring Valley
2013 Bob & Karyn Schauf, Barron
2012 Brian & Wendy Fust, Wausau
2011 R. Paul Buhr, Viroqua
2010 Joseph & Chris Brantmeier, Sherwood
2009 Allen & Pat Rippchen, Richland Center
2008 Bauer Families, Scandinavia
2007 Tom Lyon, Westfield
2006 Roger & Peggy Borgwardt and
William & Judy Borgwardt, Valders
2005 John & Mary Cull, Lomira
2004 David Rose, Eden
2003 Marty & Trudy Kinyon, Lone Rock
2002 Tom & Gin Kestell, Waldo
2001 Robert Snow, Sparta
2000 Wallace Behnke, Brooklyn
1999 Hendrik & Bonnie Van Dyk, New Richmond
1998 Joseph & Marion Kuehn, Egg Harbor
1997 Steve & Kay Holte, Westby
1996 Niles & Elmo, Jr. Wendorf, Ixonia
1995 Dan & Barbara Wyss, Monroe
1994 Maurice & Geri Cooper, DeForest
1993 David Bachman, Sr., Sheboygan Falls
1992 Eugene Nelson, Union Grove
1991 Roger Heeg, Marshfield
1990 Richard Kretzschmar, Mellen
1989 William Hageman, Fond du Lac
1988 Robert Behling, Cumberland
1987 Jim Battist, Waterloo
1986 Duane Hegna, Baraboo
1985 Richard Towns, Janesville
1984 Clarence Boyke, Fond du Lac
1983 Gus Wendorf, Ixonia
1982 Don & Keith Long, Weyauwega
1981 Wayne Baier, Elmwood
1980 Richard Kruschke, New Richmond
1979 John Selz, Humbird
1978 Gordon Berg, Brownsville
1977 Elroy Borgwardt, Valders
Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder
2023 Tony & Jacob Brey, Sturgeon Bay
2022 Nick Kress & Amanda Knoener, Newton
2021 Bryan & Brittney Mauk, Plymouth
2020 Erik & Brenda Gilbertson, Hollandale
2019 Trent & Kelsey Hendrickson, Blanchardville
2018 Kurt & Sarah Loehr, Eden
2017 Joe & Sarah Sarbacker, Belleville
2016 Adam Borchert, Auburndale
2015 Matt & Travis Smith, Watertown
2014 Troy & Jaime Noble, Lancaster
2013 Ryan & Traci Weigel, Platteville and
Ryan & Brandi Kamps, Belmont
2012 Chad & Amy Ryan, Fond du Lac *
2011 Craig Carncross, Lodi (*2017)
2010 Chris & Kathie McCullough, Juda
2009 Todd Borgwardt, Valders
2008 Bill & Kelle Calvert, Cuba City
2007 Mark & Angie Ulness, Valders*
2006 Bruce and Brenda Long, New London*
2005 Lynn & Sara Harbaugh and Willis & Carla Gunst,
Pine River
2004 Andrew & Lynette Buttles, Lancaster*
2003 Tom Cull & Joel Kietzman, Lomira
2002 Brian & Cindy Krull, Lake Mills
2001 Roger & Faye Hildebrandt, Hustisford
2000 Scott Pralle & Pam Selz-Pralle, Humbird*
1999 Lonnie & Dana Kepler, Viola
1998 Todd & Trish Hoesly, Brodhead
1997 Mike & Valerie Holschbach, Baraboo
1996 Jeff & Kate Hendrickson, Belleville
1995 Kent & Terry Barnes, Hillsboro
1994 Ralph & Sharon Bredl, Stratford
1993 Robert Webb, Plymouth
1992 Gary & Rose Boyke, Fond du Lac*
1991 Charles Kruschke, New Richmond
1990 Dan Natzke, Greenleaf
1989 Elmo Wendorf, Jr., Ixonia*
1988 Joe & Jim Wautier
1987 Steve Fronk
1986 Doug & Linda Hodorff, Eden
1985 Bob Schauf, Barron
1984 Tom Pearson
1983 Don Mullen
1982 Roger Borgwardt
1981 Robert Lentz
1980 Eugene Peper
1979 William & Jeanne Nass
1978 Allen Rippchen, Richland Center
1977 Niles Wendorf, Ixonia
Distinguished Service Award
Marlowe Nelson Distinguished Service Award
2023 Jim Rickert, Eldorado
2022 Corey Geiger, Beaver Dam
2021 Ron Sersland, Reedsburg
2020 Kevin Jorgensen, Waupun
2019 R. Paul Buhr, Viroqua
2018 Dr. David Selner, Denmark
2017 Rick & Paula Bovre, Fond du Lac
2016 the late William Hageman, Sr., Fond du Lac
Distinguished Service Award
2015 the late Brian Krull, Lake Mills
2014 Christianne Williams, Baraboo
2013 Barb Kayser, Milton
2012 Steve Holte, Westby
2011 Ben Brancel, Westfield
2010 Michael Snyder, Baraboo
2009 Dr. Rick Daluge, Madison
2008 Henk Van Dyk, New Richmond
2007 Roger Borgwardt, Valders
2006 Elmo Wendorf, Jr., Ixonia
2005 John F. Oncken, Madison
2004 Maurice Cooper, DeForest
2003 Linda Hodorff, Eden
2002 Ray Kuehl, Waunakee
2001 Art Nesbitt, Ft. Atkinson
2000 Tom Morris, Amery
1999 Elroy Borgwardt, Valders
Ralph T Elmer Service Award
1998 John & Marianne Selz, Humbird
1997 Keith & Dawn Stump, Loyal
1996 Dr. Terry Howard, Madison
1995 Dr. L.C. Allenstein
1994 Nelson Rehder
1993 Frances Mae Rufi, Monroe
Don Gillett Distinguished Service Award
1992 Sylvester Weiler, Watertown
1991 Marlowe Nelson, Westby
1990 Dr. Elmer A. Woelffer
1989 Bob Weinfurtner
1988 Alvin Piper, Lake Mills
1987 John Wuettrich
1986 Harvey Swartz
1985 Gene Nelson, Union Grove
1984 Merle Howard, Watertown
1983 Margaret Rasmussen, Lone Rock
1982 Dr. David Dickson, Madison
1981 Norman Rasmussen, Lone Rock
Holstein Horizon Award
2023. David Sarbacker, Edgerton
2022 Nick & Jessica Sarbacker, Whitewater
2021 Lynn & Sarah Harbaugh, Marion
Wisconsin Holstein Association Wall of Fame
1991 Bull - Johanna Rag Apple Pabst
Cow - Colantha 4th Johanna
W. J. Gillett, Rosendale
1992 Bull - Sir Pietertje Ormsby Mercedes 37th
Cow - Wisconsin Fobes
John Erickson
1993 Bull - Wisconsin Admiral Burke Lad VG GM
Cow - Pabst Burke Rag Apple De Kol EX GMD
Fred Pabst, Oconomowoc
1994 Bull - North Star Joe Homestead
Cow - Allie Watson Prima Donna
Baltz Hoesly, New Glarus
1995 Bull - Admiral Ormbsby Fobes
Cow - Pietertje Maid Ormsby
John S. Wuethrich, Granton
1996 Bull - Sir Fobes Ormsby Hengerveld
Cow - Gray View BD Crissy EX-93 GMD
Professor A. C. Oosterhuis, Madison
1997 Bull - Wis Ideal-EX-GM
Cow - Wis Prima Donna EX-91 GMD
Glen Householder & Archie Sandburg, Green Bay
1998 Bull - Elmoka Joe Homestead
Cow - St. Croixco Lad Nina EX-94 EEEE
Carl J. Nelson, Poskin
1999 Bull - Wis Leader
Cow - Plain View Inga
Art Imig, Clark County
2000 Bull - SWD Valiant
Cow - Gene-Acres Felecia May Fury EX-97 5E
Allen Hetts, Fort Atkinson
2001 Bull - Jule King Fobes
Cow - Future Hope Reflector Blacky
William Baird, Waukesha & Francis Darcey, Watertown
2002 Bull - Gray-View Crisscross
Cow - Gray-View BD Skyanne
Gray View Farms, the Nelsons - Harvey, Eugene & Pete, Union Grove
2003 Bull - Mayers Majesty Duke
Cow - Mayers Mistress Dark Anna
Christ Mayer, Washington County
2004 Bull - Elmer Brook Aristocrat EX GM
Cow - Elmer Brook Elaine Inka Piebe EX GMD
H. Otto Elmer, Monticello
2005 Bull - St. Croixco Pioneer
Cow - St. Croixco Pidon Colette EX-92 4E GMD
Bernard Kuhn & Aulden Davis, St. Croixco Farm
2006 Bull - Pabst Roamer EX GM
Cow - Vickery Vale Mechthilde Ormsby
Arthur James Glover
2007 Bull - Hagemans Tempo
Cow - Vigo Burke Hengevale EX-93 GMD
Elsmer & Gordon Berg, Dodge County
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2008 Bull - Provin Mtn Ivanhoe Jewel EX GM
Cow - Sky-Hi Mars Helen –ET
Norman Rasmussen
2009 Bull - Pabst Comet VG GM
Cow - Linden Dictator Wimble Wimpy (Wimpy)
Harvey Swartz
2010 Bull - Life-O-Riley Marquis King, EX GM
Cow - D-R-A August EX-96 DOM
Elis Knutson
2011 Bull - Harborcrest Happy Crusader EX-92 GM
Cow - Crescentmead Rotate Amanda EX-94 2E GMD DOM
Elmer A. Woelffer, D.V.M.
2012 Bull - Lockway Sovereign Lucifer Lad
Cow - Jan-Com Fond Matt Matilda EX-97
W. D. Hoard
2013 Bull - Fustead Emory Blitz-ET EX-95 GM
Cow - Nectarlin Billie Bob Mark EX-90 GMD DOM
Alvin R. Piper, Lake Mills
2014 Bull - Regancrest Elton Durham-ET EX-90 GM
Cow - Snow-N Denises Dellia EX-95 GMD DOM
Marlowe Nelson, Westby
2015 Bull – Townson Lindy-ET EX
Cow – Stookey Elm Park Blackrose-ET EX-96 3E GMD DOM
Merle Howard, Lake Mills
2016 Bull – KHW Kite Advent-Red EX-94
Cow – Krull Broker Elegance EX-96 2E GMD DOM
John D. Wuethrich, Greenwood
2017 Bull - Sandy-Valley Bolton EX-90 GM
Cow - Scientific Debutante Rae EX-92 GMD DOM
Elroy Borgwardt, Valders
2018 Bull - Emerald-Acr-Sa T-Baxter EX-91
Cow - Ripvalley NA Bell Tammy EX-94 GMD DOM
Margaret Rassmussen, Lone Rock
2019 Bull - Pinehurst Copyright
Cow - Audrey Posch
David Bachmann, Sr., Sheboygan Falls
2020 Bull - Jenny-Lou Mrshl Toystory-ET
Cow - Wesswood-HC Rudy Missy-ET
William Hageman, Sr., Fond du Lac
2021 Bull - Sunnyside Standout-TW
Cow - EDR V I Angie Melvina EX-93 GMD DOM
Emil Titel, Plymouth
2022 Bull - Opsal Finley-ET
Cow - Fobes Mechthilde Ollie (Phoebe)
Person - Ben Dibble, Delevan
Person - John Selz, Humbird
2023 Bull - Ocean-View Sexation
Cow - Triple-J-Mac Bic Betty
Person - Eugene Halbach
2024 Bull - Lirr Drew Dempsey
Cow - Inwood Taffy Apollo
Person - John Austead