FORT ATKINSON, WI (August 19, 2024) — Seven outstanding collegiate dairy students will each receive a $1,500 scholarship through the Klussendorf Association and the McKown/Klussendorf Fund at the Dairy Shrine Awards banquet during World Dairy Expo this fall.

Award winners are in their first, second or third year of study at a two or four-year college or university in the U.S. or Canada, majoring in a field that will lead them to a career in the dairy industry. These students demonstrate the highest level of leadership, participation in extracurricular activities and a special interest in showing dairy cattle in their true-to-breed form.

Klussendorf Scholarship

The Klussendorf Scholarship is representative of the late, legendary showman and dairy cattle fitter Arthur B. Klussendorf. It was made possible through a gift from the late Chris Kampf, along with other members of the Klussendorf Association. Three students who most nearly exemplify his character and ethics each receive a $1,500 award.

Natalie Clemenson of Zumbrota, Minnesota studies dairy science at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. With aspiration of becoming a nutritionist, Clemenson has made it her mission to share the truth and importance of dairy with anyone she meets. She hopes to play a role in helping farmers improve their efficiency to become more sustainable and achieve the best possible production.

Emma Dorshorst of Marshfield, Wisconsin is a student at the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, where she received early acceptance through the Food Animal Veterinary Medicine Scholars program. Although her passion revolves around animal health and veterinary medicine, Dorshorst also recognizes the value in agricultural education. She will use her advanced education not only to provide excellent care for patients and clients, but also to be an advocate for agriculture.

Sarah Hagenow of Poynette, Wisconsin attends the University of Minnesota, where she continues to develop a passion for dairy cattle that begin with 4-H dairy judging in third grade. While much of her dairy experience is centered around elite show cattle, she envisions her role in the dairy industry in agricultural trading policy. She hopes to play a role in creating policies that benefit dairy farmers.

McKown Scholarship

Four students will receive $1,500 scholarships, thanks to the friends and family of the late Robert “Whitey” McKown. The group established the McKown scholarship to honor Whitey, the 1992 Honorary Klussendorf recipient and long-time Holstein enthusiast.

Jacob Harbaugh of Marion, Wisconsin is studying animal science with an emphasis in industry and business, and a minor in applied economics at the University of Minnesota. Having been an active member of many agricultural youth organizations, Harbaugh hopes to focus his career around animal health, nutrition, reproduction or risk management.

Ainsley Noble of Lancaster, Wisconsin is part of the sixth generation on her family’s dairy farm. She attends the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and plans to return to her family’s farm while also pursuing a career as an agriculture educator and FFA advisor.

Benjamin Styer of Menomonie, Wisconsin is a student at the University of Minnesota. His goal is to develop genuine relationships, advocate for agriculture, and make a positive difference in the dairy industry. Eventually, he plans to return to his family’s dairy farm to develop their genetic program and manage the farm together with his family.

Keenan Thygesen of Tunbridge, Vermont owns and operates Farmstead Genetics alongside his parents, while studying at the University of Minnesota. He hopes to start his own auctioneering company, helping farmers market their cows, equipment and farms. Having received a scholarship to attend auctioneering school, Thygesen envisions his auctioneering services giving back to the local dairy community.

For more information about the students being recognized by National Dairy Shrine, or to obtain tickets for the Awards Banquet on Monday, September 30^th in Madison, Wisconsin, contact the NDS office at [email protected]. Additional information on National Dairy Shrine membership and its many activities is available at www.dairyshrine.org. Dairy enthusiasts are encouraged to become part of this respected dairy organization whose mission since 1949 has been to inspire future dairy leaders, honor current and past dairy leaders, and preserve the history of the dairy industry.

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Photos available on request by contacting Dairy Shrine at [email protected]