Have you ever suddenly realized that your name is being called over a public address system? Isn’t that the most amazing heart pounding…adrenalin rushing experience? Well, that is exactly what happened to Cassy Krull of Lake Mills Wisconsin at World Dairy Expo when she heard these words.
“The 2013 winner of the Merle Howard Award is Cassy Krull”
Like others in the large crowd, Cassy was trying to figure out whose biography was being read as the 10th winner of the Merle Howard Award. (Read more: Wisconsin’s Cassy Krull Wins 2013 Merle Howard Award) “I had NO idea I was going to receive this award. My boyfriend Bradley and I went to sit in the top part of the coliseum to be able to view the show ring. Not knowing why he wanted to sit in the lower sections, I insisted on sitting higher. He had gotten a phone call the night before to make sure I would be there for the Four-Year Old class at the International Holstein Show. As they began reading the background, my eyes welled up with tears after realizing it was me that they had selected. I ran down the stairs of the coliseum crying and trying to breathe and get there before they finished the biography. I remember looking into the crowd and hearing the applause and getting goose bumps all over. It was the most amazing feeling ever!”
“I still cannot even believe I was chosen”
Everyone asks Cassy what it feels like and she answers with endearing honesty. ”Winning the Merle Howard Award is by far the most humbling achievement I have received. To receive such an honorable award helps put all the hard work into perspective. I like to watch the presentation every year to see who they recognize. Little did I know I would ever be able to stand next to the other amazing recipients of the Merle Howard Award. I am truly honored and blessed to have been selected for this milestone achievement in my life.”
Special Thanks. Appreciation to Cassy’s Crew.
Cassy feels quite strongly that she has been blessed by the encouragement she is surrounded by. “I would like to thank my family first for all the support they have given me, and constructive criticism to help push me further.” Breed associations have earned her thanks as well. “The Wisconsin Holstein Association, American Jersey Cattle Association and the Red and White Dairy Cattle Association are important to me for giving me all the opportunities I have had in my time of being a junior member.” There is another group who also rates special Cassy consideration. “I want to thank my boyfriend Bradley Griswold and his family for supporting me and being there for me through many of my life changing events.” Cassy generously recognizes the importance of others in her life. “A big thank you to all my friends, supporters, believers, and the people who have told me I couldn’t. They all helped me push through and succeed. I am truly thankful for everyone who has been there for me and gotten me to where I am today. THANK YOU!”
The Krull Family Circle of Influence
More than most of us realize we are influenced by those around us. For Cassy Krull those positive experiences in her life started right at home. “My parents have been the ones who I have looked up to my whole life. My dad, being active in the state and national Holstein Associations, showed me that being involved and good leadership is something that helps you build your time management skills, public speaking, responsibility, and leadership. Also he showed me how to work hard, as he had an amazing work ethic. We would work hard to make sure we got everything done and would end our days racing back to the house, playing basketball or softball, racing four wheelers, or throwing someone in the pool. My dad showed me the way with a lot of things in life but my mom has been along side helping me as well.” Cassy explains what her Mom means to her. “She was the one helping me be on time to events, getting me more involved in 4-H and FFA, and teaching me to never give up on what I want. She has stood by me with my decisions and pushed me to be successful.”
Many Awards. Full Calendar.
We sometimes ask ourselves what is most special about receiving an award. Is it the award itself… or the recognition for the hard work that earned it? Cassy is no stranger to receiving awards and declares, “This award is definitely a highlight of my career!” for recognizing her abilities in fitting and showing. Her dairy passion has also led her to success as the 2011-2012 National Jersey Queen, as well as a being a member of the Wisconsin Junior Activities Committee, and being the Junior Chair for the National Red and White Convention in 2014. For Cassy the process is part of what makes the accomplishments so special. “The National Jersey Queen title was one of my biggest life goals. I ran for the National Jersey Queen title the year before I received it and was not selected, but I wanted it and hoped I could get it if I tried again. I was determined that I was going to represent the breed I fell in love with at age two. The American Jersey Cattle Association has given me numerous opportunities that I have been fortunate to take advantage of.”
Working hard Works for Cassy!
It seems that when “working” is involved in the goal then it’s almost guaranteed that Cassy will be enthusiastic. She was part of the Wisconsin Holstein Association Junior Activities Committee and explains what it meant to her. “I love working with young people and this title allows me to do just that. I am responsible for the Southeast region of the state, where I travel to shows and other events bringing all Wisconsin Holstein Juniors together.” Cassy doesn’t set limits on age or organization and gives her best wherever she gets the opportunity. “I am proud of being the Junior Chair of the National Red and White Cattle Convention in 2014. I am excited to work with the board members and create an amazing convention right in Wisconsin. I enjoyed my time working with the Red and White Association this last summer as the intern and continue to move forward with helping with the convention this coming summer.”
Cassy’s Keys to Success – Do not stop. Push on. Keep Trying.
Although her calendar is full, there is no end date determining when Cassy Krull must reach all her goals. She advises others. “Stay true to what you believe in. If you have a goal in life, go for it and do not stop until you achieve the goal. Push yourself to be what you want to be. Think of my example in wanting to be National Jersey Queen, I did not get it the first time I tried, but I did not give up and I tried again. I have always been told, “If you do something you love, you will never work a day in your life.” To me that is not far from the truth. I love working with good cattle and good people so it is easy to go and do it.” For the near future, Cassy hopes to find an internship for the summer of 2014. “I would like to gain more life skills by working away from the farm. Understanding different aspects of agriculture can only provide benefits to my knowledge when farming in the future.”
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Hard work earned Cassy Krull the opportunity to win the Merle Howard Award. Hearing her name announced was a thrill but long before her name was inscribed on the trophy, she put her own name on the work lists for dairy fitting, showing and passion. The Bullvine and all your friends urge you to keep going and growing and one day you will be the only one surprised – again — to learn that you have arrived at that special dairy place where “Everybody knows your name” … Cassy Krull!” Congratulations!
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Last night and today there are some big events for our family. No it’s not the Royal Winter Fair Holstein Show or some big sale. No, no one is having a baby. Those days are behind us now. What is happening is that my older brother is judging Canada’s national 4-H, The TD Canadian Classic 4-H Dairy Show, with 350 young dairy enthusiasts competing to see who is Canada`s best!
Holstein Canada continues its commitment to the development of the next generation of dairy leaders with the launch of the newly revamped Young Leader Program.
Harrisburg – In just eight weeks since being launched industry-wide, the Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow program is being used by 600 students in 33 classrooms throughout Pennsylvania and in five other states across the U.S. Fifteen independent students are also enrolled in the curriculum-based program. Developed by the Center for Dairy Excellence Foundation of Pennsylvania, the Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow program fills a void by preparing students specifically to work in dairy production or agribusiness careers.
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Expo 2013 Becomes the Centre of the Dairy-Marry-Me Universe
She said, “Yes!” 
Willdina Jade Bee was crowned Supreme Champion of the Junior Show at the 2013 World Dairy Expo. Bee was exhibited by siblings Nic, Jeni, Ben & Andy Sauder of River Valley Dairy of Tremont, Ill. Bee kicked off Expo as winner of her Five-Year-Old class, and went on to win both Grand and Senior Champion of the Jersey Junior Show. Bee has been climbing the Showring ladder since 2009. She was named Reserve Junior Champion in 2009 at World Dairy Expo, and two years later won the Reserve Grand Champion title at the 2011 International Jersey Junior Show. The third time is the charm, when two years later, Bee returned to take the Supreme Champion crown of the Junior Show. Bee was bred by Willdina Farms in Bowmanville, Ontario, sired by Giprat Belles Jade and the daughter of Hermitage Duaiseoir Bette. Bee is classified Excellent 91.
A three-breed award winner equally well known in Red & White, Holstein and Jersey circles, Cassy Krull won the 2013 Merle Howard Award. The daughter of the Cindy Krull and the late Brian Krull of Lake Mills, Wis., Krull is the tenth person to receive this honor. The Merle Howard Award is presented to the top junior exhibitor at World Dairy Expo who demonstrates exemplary skills in fitting, showmanship and overall passion for the dairy industry.
The University of Minnesota placed 1st overall by a 33-point margin over the 2nd place team from Oregon State University in the intercollegiate dairy cattle judging contest hosted by Accelerated Genetics, September 15, at the Vernon County Fair, Viroqua, WI. Fourteen teams competed for honors. The University of Minnesota team also placed 1st in oral reasons by a 19-point margin, 1st in Brown Swiss, 1st in Holstein, 1st in Milking Shorthorn, and 2nd in Jersey. Team members were Kelsey Mussman, Erin Daninger, Janna Sorg, and Michael Schmitt.
The Center for Dairy Excellence Foundation of Pennsylvania Board of Directors has selected six individuals to receive $1,000 Student Leader Scholarships.
Hannah Bachman,(right) a senior studying agribusiness management and agriculture economics, sociology and education at the Pennsylvania State University. Hannah’s parents are Mark and Melanie Bachman, from Ulysses, Potter County, and she is planning to return to work in the family’s artisan cheese business.
Isaac Haagen, (left)a junior studying animal science at the Pennsylvania State University. Isaac is the son of Stephen and Sandra Haagen, who live in Howard, Centre County. Isaac helps on his family’s registered Holstein dairy operation and plans to complete a master’s degree program in animal science before pursuing a career in genetics.
Kayla Romberger, (right)a junior studying livestock science and management at Delaware Valley College. She is the daughter of William and Kathy Romberger, who have a farm supply business in Pitman, Schuylkill County. Kayla’s internship with Nationwide Agribusiness sparked an interest in either agriculture education or agriculture finance.
Roxanne Seltzer, (left)a senior studying dairy science and communications/public relations at Virginia Tech. Roxanne’s parents are Dennis and Nancy Seltzer from Selinsgrove, Snyder County. Roxanne recently completed an internship with Pfizer Animal Health and would like to eventually work in the agricultural communications industry.
Corbin Wood, (right)a senior studying building construction and management with an emphasis in agriculture at the Pennsylvania College of Technology. Corbin’s parents are Steve and Chrissy Wood from Littlestown, Adams County. Corbin’s future plans include returning to his home farm, Penn Gate, to expand the business and take advantage of agritourism opportunities in that area.
Ryan Zimmerman, (left)a freshman studying dairy science at Virginia Tech and the son of Kathy Zimmerman in Littlestown, Adams County. Ryan graduated 12 out of 162 students in his high school and is completing his first year at Virginia Tech. He would like to pursue a career in either cattle genetics or consumer education.
John R. Klossner, age 19, of the rural New Glarus area passed away on Monday, August 12, 2013 at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee following an accident at the Wisconsin State Fair on August 3, 2013. He was born on October 8, 1993 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison to his parents Richard and Roxanne (Reuter) Klossner. John graduated from New Glarus High School in 2012 and was currently a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison majoring in Dairy Science. He was an active member of the Badger Dairy Club and AGR at UW. John was an accomplished cattle showman and had won many awards. He was very involved in FFA, 4H, and Junior Holstein Association activities. John also enjoyed the outdoors especially hunting with his dad. His family was also very important to him including his nieces, brother and sister.
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Hundreds of enthusiastic Holstein Association USA Junior members ventured to Indianapolis, Ind., last week to participate in a variety of activities during the 2013 National Junior Holstein Convention. All contests are designed to help youth develop skills that will benefit them in future endeavors, and showcases their talents on a national stage.
Youth were the stars of the show during the Holstein Foundation’s National Holstein Dairy Jeopardy and Dairy Bowl competitions, held in Indianapolis, Ind., last week, as part of the 2013 National Holstein Convention. Over 180 youth from around the country participated in the two contest, most of whom qualified at the state level before moving to the national competition.
A group of four academically polished and heavily involved high school graduates are each awarded a $500.00 scholarship. These 2013 recipients include Jessica Pralle of Humbird, Wis.; Amber Gabel of Newport, Pa.; Renae Tokach of Saint Anthony, N.D.; and Ethan Dado of Amery, Wis.
Hannah Bachman of Ulysses, Pennsylvania, Emilie Strand of Ithaca, New York, and Mary Elizabeth Foote of Hartford, New York have been named the 2013 Klussendorf Association Scholarship Award winners. These $1500 scholarships are awarded by the Klussendorf Association and funded by a significant donation from Klussendorf member, Chris Kampf, and through fund raisers and memorial gifts by the Klussendorf Association.
David Hardesty Jr., a versatile sports star in football, basketball and soccer, was named the 2013 Star Leadership Award winner from Clarke County High School at the school’s Senior Recognition Night on Sunday.
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Sixty-one students from seven western US and one Canadian university traveled to Everett, Washington for the 8th annual Western Regional Dairy Challenge on February 28 – March 2, 2013.
The Red and White Dairy Cattle Association is excited to announce that their 2013 summer internship position was awarded to Cassandra (Cassy) Krull of Lake Mills, Wisconsin. During the course of the summer, Cassy’s responisbilities will include assisting with registrations and transfers, publications and representing the RWDCA at various events.
