The Wisconsin Holstein Association is a not-for-profit membership organization with the purpose of promoting the Wisconsin Holstein registered breed and their breeders and owners. Each year the Wisconsin Holstein Association hosts the All-Breeds Futurity at the Wisconsin State Fair.
Ana McCourt, the Wisconsin Holstein Association summer intern, shares what the futurity is, the work it takes to host, and the impact it has on the dairy industry.
The Wisconsin Holstein Association Futurity was founded in 1984 by Klaas Koopmans of Darien. The idea came from reading about the success of the Ohio Futurity in a Holstein World article. In 1987, the first Wisconsin Holstein Futurity was held at the Wisconsin State Fair Park. Pabst Brewing Company generously sponsored the show for the first ten years. Then, in 1997, Saputo became the main sponsor. Today Compeer Financial, Rural Mutual Insurance, Agropur and International Protein Sires sponsor the show.
In 2019 it was decided to transform the Wisconsin Holstein Futurity into an All-Breeds Futurity to focus on dairy promotion at the Wisconsin State Fair.
“The purpose of the event is to help promote the dairy industry to the general public and display the care and dedication that these breeders have for their animals and the products that they produce,” says McCourt.
This year there are five entries, which while being lower than normal, is no lack of quality. This year they also added an anniversary class. This class consists of animals entered in previous years’ futurities and are animals that are four to eight years old. This class was added to celebrate the 35 years of the futurity and highlight the previous cows entered.
“People refer to the futurity as cow prom as the exhibitors are in suits and long dresses,” adds McCourt.
While the exhibitors may be “dressed for prom” the animals are just as high class and that is actually what the judge is looking for. The judge looks at the animal’s frame, dairy strength, how it moves throughout the ring, and the udder with the ultimate goal of longevity and high milk production.
Preparation for this event starts three years in advance as exhibitors enter the animals when they are born. Then in the spring before the current show year, the Wisconsin Holstein Association staff contact the exhibitors to see how the animals are doing and if they will be brought to the futurity. They also reach out to the sponsors and volunteers that help things run smoothly.
McCourt adds, “It’s exciting to showcase these animals to those who may not get to see them every day and highlight the amazing cattle in our breed.”
The Wisconsin Holstein Association All-Breeds Futurity takes place Saturday, August 13 at 5:15pm in the Case IH Coliseum at the Wisconsin State Fair.
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