By Andi Anderson
The World Dairy Expo Youth Fitting Contest brought together talented young dairy enthusiasts from across North America on September 26 at the Alliant Energy Center. The prestigious competition attracted 63 participants between the ages of 13 and 21, representing nine U.S. states and two Canadian provinces.
The event tested the contestants’ ability to prepare dairy animals for the showring. Each participant was given one hour to groom and fit an animal to competition standards. The contest provided young dairy exhibitors with an opportunity to demonstrate their technical knowledge, attention to detail, and livestock handling skills.
The competition was judged by Sean Lynch of Walworth, Wisconsin, and Madison Fisher of Tully, New York. Lynch evaluated the intermediate division participants, while Fisher judged the senior division competitors. Jessica Pralle and Nicole Pralle-Nepermann served as superintendents for the contest.
The highest honor of the event went to Suton Paulson of Rockford, Illinois. After claiming first place in the Senior Male Division, Paulson was named the Overall Fitter of the competition. His achievement highlighted excellent preparation techniques, professional presentation skills, and strong knowledge of dairy cattle fitting.
As part of the award, Paulson received a custom embroidered jacket courtesy of Images Custom Embroidery of Rudolph, Wisconsin. He also received the Overall Fitter Award in memory of Michael Heath, which included a $1,000 cash prize and an engraved walnut plaque presented by Heath’s friends and family.
Additional division winners were also recognized for their impressive performances. Morgan Smoker of Belleville, Pennsylvania, captured the Senior Female Division title, while Karile Supplee of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, earned top honors in the Intermediate Female Division. Benny Uhe of Footville, Wisconsin, secured first place in the Intermediate Male Division.
Paulson and Smoker were awarded clippers sponsored by Clipper Parts & Repair of Clayton, Wisconsin, for leading the senior divisions. Intermediate division champions Supplee and Uhe received cash prizes for their accomplishments.
The competition also recognized the top five finishers in each division with cash awards and commemorative neck ribbons featuring medallions. Awards presented to female participants were given in memory of Katie Coyne. In addition, the top five finishers across all divisions received special recognition sponsored by GenoSource of Epworth, Iowa.
The World Dairy Expo Youth Fitting Contest continues to be an important event for developing future leaders in the dairy industry. By encouraging skill development, professionalism, and teamwork, the contest helps prepare young participants for successful careers in agriculture while celebrating excellence in dairy cattle exhibition.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jevtic
Categories: Illinois, Livestock