2025 Scholarship Recipients 

Josie Kinnard, WI - District 5

My name is Josie Kinnard and I'm from DePere, WI.  My uncle and grandma were involved with the Brown Swiss for a while, they had a strong foundation in dairy farming or cattle breeding.  They shared their knowledge about Brown Swiss with me throughout the years, giving me insights into the breed's characteristics. My family already had a herd and experience in the industry, so I want to keep on helping with daily chores or learning the basics of care and breeding.

I have been an active participant in the 4-H program for ten years, where I have had leadership roles in various projects and events. I enjoy 4-H and all it has to offer. My goal after I graduate from 4-H is to become an adult leader to help my grandmother.  I have also been involved in community service activities, which have taught me the importance of giving back to my community.

Isabella Wilbur, VT - District 1

My name is Isabella Wilbur, and I am currently attending Cornell University for Animal Science with a focus in Dairy Management. I reside in Orwell, Vermont, with my family on our organic dairy farm. We milk 45 dairy cows that consist of Jerseys, Brown Swiss, Lineback, Milking Shorthorn, and Ayrshires. Our farm used to be mainly Jersey cows but as I became more interested in showing, the breeds on the farm expanded. When I was twelve years old, I received my first Brown Swiss calf for Christmas. This started my involvement in 4-H and Brown Swiss activities. Since then, I have made my own herd of Brown Swiss, Jersey, Ayrshire, and Lineback cows with my brothers under the prefix IBG Genetics. We have shown at all of the local and state shows for the past couple years and been successful. In the past two years, we started showing regionally. The Brown Swiss junior activities that I have participated in are the Vermont State Brown Swiss show 3 years in a row, Bell-Ringer contest, and Northeast All-Breeds Spring Show Brown Swiss class. I hope to participate in more junior activities through the Brown Swiss Association this year. When I complete my degree, I plan to come back to the farm and continue what my parents started. This opportunity will open up new pathways to better the farm and make a better ecologically footprint.

Eli Staudinger, WI - District 5

My name is Eli Staudinger. I am the 18-year-old son of Brian and Angie Staudinger and Jennifer Staudinger of rural Reedsville, Wisconsin. I grew up and currently live on my family’s 2,500-cow dairy farm, Blue Royal Dairy, LLC. in rural Reedsville. I graduated from Valders High School in June of 2024 and am currently a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls where I am majoring in Dairy Science.

Since the young age of 4, when I was able to show my first calf at the county fair, I knew that dairy cattle and dairy farming would be a passion of mine. I would follow my dad and grandpa around the farm every day and watch everything they did. Most little boys would be fascinated by the big tractors and machinery on the farm, but I was different. Somehow, I always ended up back in the barn by the cows, whether I was petting or feeding them, I was fascinated by them. I joined our local 4-H club when I was in kindergarten. Through 4-H, I was given the opportunity to show cattle at our county fair. At that time, we only had Holsteins on our farm. By 2018, the first Brown Swiss heifer arrived on our farm. I purchased her with money I earned from selling my market hog at our county fair’s market animal sale. It was then that my passion for the Brown Swiss breed began.

I was very active in my 4-H club, including being secretary and president for numerous years. I also have participated in 4-H dairy judging for the last 10 years. In eighth grade I joined the Valders High School FFA Chapter and was an active member throughout all of high school. Last June I earned the coveted Wisconsin State FFA Degree. I also participated in dairy judging and was an officer for three years, including president my senior year. Being actively involved in both 4-H and FFA helped me develop many skills including communicating, leadership, and how to raise and care for my animals.

Over the past few years I have continued to grow my Brown Swiss herd. I started with the Swiss breed in 2018 when I purchased my first Swiss calf. That first calf led me into currently owning a total of seven Swiss now. Brown Swiss have started to become my favorite breed of dairy cattle. I enjoy there personality’s and training them every day. With in the next few years I plan on increasing my herd, and attempting to get into different genetics. This breed has helped me meet many Swiss breeders, that I have learned a lot from.

Following my college graduation, I plan to return to my family’s dairy farm and become one of the herd managers. I also plan to continue to raise, breed and show Brown Swiss cattle as well as other breeds. Nevertheless, agriculture and dairy cattle will always be an important part of my life.

Hannah King, PA - District 2

Hannah King, from Belleville, PA, is studying Animal Science at Penn State University, where she is a member of the Dairy Science Club, Meat Science Club, and Collegiate Cattlewomen's Club. She is interning this summer on a large dairy in New York, learning more about herd management.

Hannah hopes to develop a small herd of Brown Swiss and be able to help youth get a start with this amazing breed.  Upon completion of her education, her goal is to find a job in the dairy consulting field.

Lauren Kishman, IA - District 6

My name is Lauren Kishman and I am from Northeast Iowa, where I grew up on a small dairy farm. I have been actively involved in showing numerous breeds of dairy cattle at all levels, with Brown Swiss being my favorite. The dairy industry has been my life's foundation, beginning with my earliest days at KishHolm, where the barn became my second home. Growing up on our registered Holstein and Brown Swiss farm instilled in me not only a strong work ethic but also a genuine love for dairy cattle. This passion has shaped my identity and drives my academic and professional pursuits.

Currently, I am a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, majoring in Animal Science with a minor in Agricultural Business. I am deeply involved in the Pioneer Dairy Club, the American Dairy Science Association, and the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Dairy Judging Team. My ambition is to be at the forefront of the dairy industry, working in agricultural sales and service, upon graduating in May 2026. I am committed to empowering dairy farmers with practical solutions that optimize their production, recognizing their vital role in global food security.

My interests and hobbies are deeply rooted in the dairy world. Beyond my academic and extracurricular commitments, I am actively engaged in farm work, showing cattle across the United States, and cherishing time with friends and family. My life is truly centered around dairy cattle.