Addison Wille of Holmen, Wisconsin, was selected as the 2025-2026 ADGA Youth Representative.
This year, over 60 youth participated in the American Dairy Goat Association Youth Program, the highest attended youth program in recent years. Part of attending the Youth Program includes the opportunity to run for the positions of ADGA Youth Representative and ADGA Alternate Youth Representative. These are the only two leadership positions for youth in the American Dairy Goat Association.
This position includes leadership opportunities at the ADGA National Show and the following year’s ADGA Youth Program. It also includes active participation in the association’s communications through writing and public speaking. The selection process includes submitting an application, participating in an individual interview, and presenting an impromptu speech on a selected topic to the youth banquet attendees.
This year, the topic was, “What does service mean to you, and what was a time you provided service?”
Eight students ran for the position of Youth Representative. Three individuals from the ADGA Board of Directors reviewed their applications, conducted individual interviews, and listened to their speeches. Additionally, they were assigned leadership roles within the ADGA Youth Program to determine their ability to work with others.
“The quality of candidates was exceptional and a testament to the passion and commitment that they all showed for the dairy goat industry,” says Director Laura Warren Hughes.
Director Todd Biddle commented on how impressed he was with Wille’s application: “Her answer on the final question brought me to tears.”
Wille officially accepted the position. She will be representing the dairy goat industry not only within ADGA but also at other local, statewide, and national events.
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