On Sunday, September 17th, 2023 the Iowa State University Dairy Judging Team competed in the 29th Annual Vernon County Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest held on the Vernon County Fairgrounds in Viroqua, WI. Eleven teams spanning from California to Indiana competed in the contest, and Iowa State displayed a strong showing with the following team members: Torri Burch, Frewsburg, NY; Delana Erbsen, Lanark, IL; Madalyn Palmer, Waukon, IA; and Colton Silveira, Hilmar, CA.
The team placed 4th overall in Ayrshires with Colton in 10th and Torri in 13th place. In Guernseys, Madi was 11th and Torri was 15th. The team finished 1st in Holsteins with Colton and Delana securing the 1st and 2nd place honors respectively. Additionally, Madi was 4th in Jerseys, and in Milking Shorthorns, Delana was 3rd and Colton was 7th propelling the team to a 1st place finish in that breed. In reasons, the team finished 3rd with three team members all tied for 11th place, making Madi 11th, Delana 12th, and Colton 13th. Lastly, the team rounded out the contest in 4th place overall with Madi being 11th, Delana 12th, and Colton 17thhigh individuals overall.
The senior dairy judging team is proud of the results achieved at their first contest of the fall judging season and eagerly awaits competing on the colored shavings in the coveted coliseum at World Dairy Expo and in Freedom Hall at the North American International Livestock Exposition.
Full team photo from L-R: Coach Christen Burgett, Delana Erbsen, Colton Silveira, Matt McGarry, Madi Palmer, Torri Burch, and Coach Mary Fliehler
1st place photo from L-R: Delana Erbsen, Colton Silveira, Torri Burch, Madi Palmer, and Coach Christen Burgett