Six outstanding young adults have been named Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) finalists by Holstein Association USA. Established in 1922, the award is the highest honor National Junior Holstein Association members can earn.
“For 104 years, this incredible program has celebrated exceptional young people whose hard work, leadership, and commitment to Registered Holsteins have left a lasting mark on the dairy community. We are honored to continue this tradition by recognizing today’s outstanding youth and the bright future they represent,” said Kelli Dunklee, Holstein Association USA convention and youth programs manager.
Holstein Association USA named the DJM finalists on June 25, 2026, during the National Junior Holstein Awards Breakfast in Orlando, Florida. Congratulations to the 2026 Distinguished Junior Member finalists!
2026 DJM Finalists:
Abbie Ainslie, Clayville, New York
Jon Chapman, Keyes, California
Elizabeth Gunst, Hartford, Wisconsin
Logan Harbaugh, Marion, Wisconsin
Tristen Ostrom, De Pere, Wisconsin
Madison Wiese, Greenleaf, Wisconsin
The Distinguished Junior Member selection process has two parts. Applicants compile a book highlighting their Junior Holstein activities, projects, breeding program, and personal views. Each entrant’s book is worth 60 percent of their final score, and the top individuals are named DJM semifinalists based on their book score.
The second phase takes place at National Junior Holstein Convention, where the semifinalists are interviewed by a committee of judges. The interview is worth 40 percent of the final score, and the six individuals with the highest combined scores are named DJM finalists.
Young Distinguished Junior Member Finalists
Eight Junior Holstein members ages 9 to 16 were selected as Young Distinguished Junior Member (YDJM) finalists. The applicants were judged on their entry books, which highlight their accomplishments and leadership with the Junior Holstein Association and beyond.
The YDJM finalists were recognized during the 2026 National Junior Holstein Convention in Orlando, Florida. Congratulations to these outstanding Junior Holstein members for their impressive accomplishments!
2026 YDJM Finalists:
Addison Brown, Preble, New York
Trey Daubert,Dayton, Virginia
Madison Harbaugh,Marion, Wisconsin
Emma Hutchison, Ridgley, Maryland
Vivian Lichty, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Brady McConnell, Lancaster, Wisconsin
Georgia Sellers, Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Alivia Wiese, Greenleaf, Wisconsin
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