From nervous first step to Supreme Showman, youth showmanship stole the show at this year’s World Dairy Expo.
Shock. Speechlessness. Sheer pride. These were just a few of the emotions that defined the winners’ circle at the 2025 World Dairy Expo youth contests, where months of preparation and years of dreams came together on September 27 in Madison, Wisconsin. It was a night shaped as much by heart as by skill—one young showperson confessing, “I’m just shocked. I can’t believe it at all,” the other simply, “Overwhelmed, speechless.”
Day 1 at World Dairy Expo wrapped with two premier honors: William Zimmerman of Wisconsin earned the Annette Ostrom Memorial Supreme Showman title, while Pennsylvania’s Wesley Branter was named the Michael Heath Memorial Overall Fitter, each rising above record-setting fields in their respective contests.
Supreme Showman: William Zimmerman’s Moment
Competing against nearly 450 of the best, William Zimmerman first took top honors in the Intermediate Division, then held his nerve in the final drive to be named 2025 Supreme Showman. Zimmerman’s own words captured what set his performance apart: “She was a spring calf we bought last year… she never got shown because she was like super skinny, she never wanted to eat.” It was the skill and poise Zimmerman demonstrated—handling a nervous, inexperienced calf in the ring—that made the difference, emphasizing that true showmanship isn’t about parading a flawless animal, but about the connection, presence, and quick thinking of the exhibitor.
The Reserve Supreme Showman and Senior Division winner was Wisconsin’s own Logan Harbaugh, who earned her spot due to her dedication and expertise. The competition also recognized Justin Brandel of Wisconsin as Reserve Intermediate and Hannah Adams of New York as Reserve Junior.
Artistry and Precision: Wesley Branter’s Fitting Triumph
For 49 competitors in the Youth Fitting Contest, the focus was on artistic skill and efficiency. Pennsylvania’s Wesley Branter, Senior Male division winner, was named the Michael Heath Memorial Overall Fitter, citing his tactical approach: “Get the body done as fast as possible, give me more time on the top and the belly hair.” Reserve Senior Male was Payton Calvert, while the Senior Female division was led by Kayla Trustem, with Kathrin Hanemann close as Reserve.
Among the younger fitters, Olivia VanEvera topped the Intermediate Female division and Mason Buckley claimed the Intermediate Male title.
Celebrating a Slate of Talent
From coast to coast, these youth contests drew deep fields and highlighted rising stars:
- Senior Showmanship Division: 1. Logan Harbaugh, WI (Supreme Reserve), 2. Isaac Folts, NY, 3. Sarah Hill, VT
- Intermediate: 1. William Zimmerman, WI (Supreme), 2. Justin Brandel, WI, 3. Addison Brown, NY
- Junior: 1. Cooper Merrill, NY, 2. Hannah Adams, NY, 3. Paige Zimmerman, WI
Fitting Competition Standouts:
- Senior Male: 1. Wesley Branter, PA, 2. Payton Calvert, 3. Suton Paulson
- Senior Female: 1. Kayla Trustem, 2. Kathrin Hanemann
- Intermediate Male: 1. Mason Buckley, 2. Benny Uhe
- Intermediate Female: 1. Olivia VanEvera, 2. Kamrie Mauer
Standout performances at every level made it clear: the next chapter for the Expo, and the dairy industry, is in strong, capable hands.
Honoring a Legacy
These honors are about more than victory—they carry the names of two pillars in the dairy world. The Annette Ostrom Memorial Supreme Showman Award is a testament to the legacy of a beloved exhibitor and philanthropist, whose passion for youth and community echoes through every winner. The Michael Heath Memorial Overall Fitter Award celebrates an artist and mentor whose devotion to excellence raised the standards—and the spirits—of everyone around him.
The Future on Display
In the final moments, long after the applause faded, one message lingered: leadership in the dairy ring starts young—and lasts a lifetime. The World Dairy Expo’s youth contests remind us that, beyond ribbons or trophies, the industry’s real future is being shaped in the show ring today.
