Clark County Holstein group hosts Breeder’s Cup
On Feb. 5, the Clark County Holstein Breeders held their 2nd Annual Breeder’s Cup—a unique on-farm judging contest designed to highlight quality Holsteins that often go unseen in the show ring. 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: 1. Cows must be currently lactating. 2. Cows cannot have been shown at any fair or exhibition in 2024.
3. Each owner may enter one cow per class, with the option to enter all three classes.
4. All cows must be registered Holsteins. 5. All entries must be bred, owned, and housed within Clark County.
The concept for the Breeders’ 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 2,200cow 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.
Judge 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.
Results
Class 1: 1st Lactation
1st- Rivercrest Parfect 1642, Opelt family, Greenwood 2nd – Badger Doc 14450 (Doc x Delta), Badger Holsteins, Unity 3rd – Schindler Mystic Lonnie, Evan Schindler, Abbotsford Class 2: 2nd Lactation
1st- Echowood Z1379 Blaska 2159, Echowood Holsteins, Neillsville 2nd – Badger Parfect 13444 (Parfect x Legacy c Jodandy), Badger Holsteins, Unity 3rd – AM Kaiser Tatoo Fancy, Ashley Kaiser, Loyal Class 3: 3rd Lactation
1st- Hornland Chex Jolly, Hornland Farms, Loyal 2nd – Selz-Pralle Salvator 5251, Selz-Pralle Dairy, Humbird 3rd – Echowood 320 Cotton Pat 493, Echowood Holsteins, Neillsville
CUP WINNERS - In front, from left to right, Breeder’s Cup judge Paul Trapp is shown with winners Joe Meyer (Badger Holsteins), Brian Begert (Echowood Holsteins), Ashley Kaiser (AM Kaiser Holsteins), and Kristan Opelt (River-Crest Holsteins). In back, from left to right, are Ken Horn (Hornland Farms), Scott Pralle (Selz-Pralle Dairy), Trent Opelt (River-Crest Holsteins) and Eavan Schindler (Schindler Farms).
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