The Dunn County 4-H Dairy Judging Junior team and two Seniors qualified to go to the State Dairy Judging Contest that took place in Madison, Wisconsin, on August 17th. In his last year participating as a Junior, Tyler Quilling of Menomonie, Wisconsin, won first place in the Junior division out of 42 participants with an overall score of 557 points out of 580. According to Nancy Wickenhauser, this marks the first time in program history that a Dunn County participant has earned first place for either the junior or senior division. In addition to winning first place as an individual, Tyler was the top Junior for the Brown Swiss and Holstein breeds while also placing 3rd for Type Analysis Questions (TAQs).
When asked how he prepared for the competition, Tyler said, “I prepared myself for competing for the 4-H dairy judging season by judging cattle when I wasn’t exhibiting at the 2025 District 1 Holstein show. When I was not exhibiting, I was in the bleachers judging the cattle before the judge made his final decision and my placings were similar to the judge’s placings.” Tyler also prepared by going to different farms with his coaches, Jim and Dan Powers, and judged different dairy breeds. Tyler has also participated in the Hoard’s Dairyman cow judging contest for the past three years. In this year’s contest, Tyler placed 8th in the junior division out of 4,241 entries.
According to Tyler, he has learned a number of lessons from the 4-H State judging contest. He learned to always go with his gut instinct and to take the full amount of time allowed and not rush his placings. He also gained confidence and improved his public speaking skills.
Reflecting on the event, Tyler said, “For me personally, the most positive aspect of the 4-H State Dairy Judging contest was achieving first place in my final year competing as a Junior and my team doing so well.”
As a team, the Juniors placed 2nd for their combined overall score in the Brown Swiss breed and placed 5th for their combined overall score in the Holstein breed. The Junior team included Marlies Lange, Mackenzie McClelland, Cole Quilling and Tyler Quilling.
Joining the Junior team at State were two individuals from the Senior team who qualified, Kylee Schlough (placed 10th out of 44 participants) and Chloe Sparrgrove. Also at the State competition were Leads People, Anya Lange and Aubrey McClelland. They were judged on showmanship as they lead cattle. From this, they gained invaluable experience at the State level.
Also traveling with the participants to State were the Dunn County 4-H Dairy Judging coaches, Jim Powers and Ben Powers. Their leadership and guidance have made a world of difference for the Dunn County 4-H youth in the Dairy Judging Program.
Pictured is Tyler Quilling
Pictured are Juniors, Coach Jim Powers, Anya Lange, Mackenzie McClelland, Tyler Quilling, Cole Quilling, Marlies Lange, Aubrey McClelland, Coach Ben Powers.
