Wisconsin Holstein awards over $16,000 in scholarships every year to deserving students enrolled in a four-year, one or two year or short course or tech school Ag-related program. 

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All Wisconsin Holstein members are encouraged to apply for scholarships. Students majoring in agricultural programs are given highest consideration. Non-agricultural majors that plan to have a career that contributes to rural communities also will be given consideration. 

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The WHA scholarship application is available January 1 each year, and due to the Wisconsin Holstein office March 1. Recipients will be recognized at respective scholarship banquets, with actual scholarship checks to be awarded to recipients at the following Junior Convention.

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Eligibility for all scholarships:

1. Applicant must be a member of the Wisconsin Holstein Association at the time of application.

2. Applicant must be presently enrolled in a four-year college or a one or two-year tech school or a short course program in an agricultural-related field; or be a high school senior admitted into one of the before mentioned programs.

3. Applicant may need to be available for an interview if selected as a finalist. (time to be announced)

4. Scholarships administered by the WHA Scholarship Committee are capped at $2,000 per scholarship recipient and are a one-time award. This includes all scholarships administered by WHA, including 2-year, 4-year and all memorial scholarships.

5. Scholarship judges will be strictly evaluating candidates’ ability to follow the application guidelines, especially word count limits.

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2024 Scholarship Application  

4-Year University students   Word Doc

1 or 2-Year Technical College  Word Doc

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John & Isabelle Ames Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship, established in memory of John and Isabelle Ames of Ames-Way Holsteins in Darien, Wisconsin, is a $750 award, to be released to the recipient upon proof of registration for classes for the upcoming semester.  Mr. and Mrs. Ames were avid supporters of education.  All nine of their children received a college degree, which was a source of pride for them.  Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate a commitment toward completion of a degree.

 

Eligibility:

1. Applicants must be currently or recently involved in 4-H, FFA, and/or the Registered Holstein industry.

2. Applicants must be a sophomore or junior at a four-year college pursuing a degree in any field.

3. Handwritten applications will not be accepted.

4. This scholarship will not be awarded to a previous recipient.

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​The completed application form must be post marked by March 1 and sent to Janice Berezowitz, W8401 S & D Townline Rd., Darien, WI 53114 or j_berezowitz@yahoo.com. The form is available here: Download PDF

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Wisconsin Holstein Memorial Scholarships​

The following named scholarships are awarded through the Wisconsin Holstein Foundation.

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Presidents' Scholarship:

The Presidents' Scholarship was established in 2020 with funds donated by friends and family of past Wisconsin Holstein Association Presidents. The scholarship honors past leaders of the Wisconsin Holstein Association and will be given to the top applicant each year.

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Maurice and Geraldine Cooper Memorial Scholarship:

The Maurice and Geraldine Cooper Scholarship was established in honor of Maurice and Geraldine Cooper, lifelong Holstein breeders from Moss Oak Farm, DeForest, Wis., by their family and friends. The couple were active members, supporters and leaders of 4-H and all levels of the Holstein Association. Maurice was a director of the Wisconsin Holstein Association; a director, president and secretary of the Dane County Holstein Association; a delegate to the National Holstein Convention multiple times; and served on many industry Boards including DHI and World Dairy Expo. The Wisconsin Holstein Association recognized Maurice and Gerry with the Distinguished Holstein Breeder Award in 1994 and Maurice with the Distinguished Service Award in 2004. Love of family, Holsteins, service to the community, and support of youth activities were paramount in their lives. This award is given to a student enrolled at a four year university.

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Marlowe Nelson Memorial Scholarship:

The scholarship is given in honor of Marlowe, whose passion was to teach and mentor young enthusiastic breeders to become more involved in the Registered Holstein business. Throughout his lifetime, Marlowe paved the way in many aspects of the Registered Holstein breed and its impact on the United States, Japan, Germany and Holland dairy industries. This award is given to a student enrolled at a 4-year university or technical college, two-year or short course agriculture program on a rotating basis.

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Doris Morris Memorial Scholarship:
Doris and her husband Arden, along with Arden’s brother Maldwyn and his wife, Inez, owned and operated Arwyn Farms in Waukesha County for over 40 years. This scholarship is in honor of Doris who was longtime Wisconsin Holstein member from Waukesha County and is the mother of Tom Morris, whose family and friends graciously fund the award. This award is given to a student enrolled in a four year university.

 

Bradley Fust Memorial Scholarship: 
The Bradley Fust scholarship is given in memory of Brad who was tragically killed in an auto accident. Brad was an enthusiastic member of the Junior Holstein Association from Wausau, Wis., and this scholarship was established by Brad's parents, Brian and Wendy Fust, with the sale of one of Brad's heifers. This award is given to a student enrolled in a four year university.

 

Gordon Berg Memorial Scholarship: 
Gordon was a long-time Wisconsin Holstein member and breeder from Brownsville, Wis. Gordon’s sister, Vivian Minor, started the Gordon Berg Scholarship. She made up the “VI” in the famed VIGO herd prefix with her brother, Gordon, making up the “GO.” We hope this award has special meaning to you since Gordon was a well-respected breeder who bred outstanding registered Holsteins in the Dodge County area his entire life. Gordon was a great cowman. This scholarship is given to a student enrolled in a technical college, two-year, or short course agriculture program.

 

John Klossner Memorial Scholarship: 
The John Klossner Memorial Scholarship was established for John - a young man who touched many lives during his short Junior Holstein career. The scholarship is given in memory of John who tragically passed away in an accident while exhibiting at one of his favorite events - the Wisconsin Junior State Fair. John was active in the Green County Junior Holstein Association and served on the Wisconsin Junior Holstein Junior Activities Committee. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and was an active member of the Badger Dairy Club and AGR at UW. He was also an accomplished cattle showman and had won many awards. This scholarship was established by John’s parents Richard and Roxanne Klossner and is given to a student furthering their education at a four year university. 

 

John Selz Memorial Scholarship: 
The John Selz Memorial Scholarship fund was established in honor of John Selz of Humbird, Wisc. He managed his family’s farm, Selz Farm, which was in his family for over 125 years. John was actively involved in the Wisconsin and National Holstein Associations in various capacities for numerous years. Through his life, John served as a strong advocate for progressive dairying and the Holstein industry. Specifically, he served as President of both the National Holstein Association and Wisconsin Holstein Association and was the first chairman of the Wisconsin Holstein Jr. Activities Committee. He was a long-time advocate of developing Wisconsin's Holstein youth. He also served on the World Dairy Expo Board of Directors, Purebred Dairy Cattle Association Board, the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding, the U.S. Animal Health Association Board and the University of Wisconsin Board of Visitors. His incredible insight and leadership earned him many prestigious honors including the WI Holstein Distinguished Breeder Award, World Dairy Expo Dairyman of the Year, WI Agriculturalist Award the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences Award of Distinction, and the UW-River Falls Top Agriculturalist Award.

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Annette Ostrom Memorial Scholarship

The Annette Ostrom Memorial Scholarship celebrates the life and legacy of a friend, a philanthropist, a coach and a leader within the Holstein Association. Annette Ostrom of De Pere, Wis., was the picture of grace and beauty as she paraded Holsteins across the shavings with her Milk Source family. Yet, her greatest impacts were in the way she connected with each individual who crossed her path. As an advisor and dairy quiz bowl coach in Brown County, Annette was a cheerleader for youth, going out of her way to give back and with a warm smile and an ear ready to listen to young members talk about the cows they too loved. With her husband, Jim Ostrom, the couple co-founded Dairy Cares, a non-profit organization that has raised more than $2 million for Children’s Wisconsin (formerly Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin) over the past decade.  She also was well loved by the dairy community she served through her career as an animal health professional. However, awards and recognition were not Annette’s ambition. Her greatest commitment was to her family and her children: Carlie, Mac, Shelby and Tristen.

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2023 Scholarship Recipients 

Brianna Meyer of Chilton will be receiving the $2,000 Presidents’ Scholarship. This scholarship, which honors past leaders of the Wisconsin Holstein Association, is given to the top applicant each year. Brianna Meyer is the daughter of Larry and Jennifer Meyer. She is a graduate of Chilton High School and will be attending UW-Madison in the fall to study dairy science with a goal of attending veterinary school to become a large animal veterinarian. 

 

Clarissa Ulness of Valders is the recipient of the $2,000 Doris Morris Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is in honor of Doris, who was a long-time Wisconsin Holstein member. Doris and her husband Arden, and Arden’s brother, Maldwyn, and his wife, Inez, owned and operated Arwyn Farms in Waukesha County for over 40 years. Clarissa, the daughter of Mark and Angie Ulness, recently wrapped up her freshman year at UW-Madison where she is majoring in dairy science with certificates in life sciences communication and art. Following college she would like to attend graduate school.

 

Madeline Hensel is the recipient of the $2,000 John Selz Memorial Scholarship. The John Selz Memorial Scholarship fund was established in honor of John Selz of Humbird, Wisconsin. He managed his family’s farm, Selz Farm, which was in his family for over 125 years. John was actively involved in the Wisconsin and National Holstein Associations in various capacities for numerous years. Through his life, John served as a strong advocate for progressive dairying and the Holstein industry. Madeline, the daughter of Michael Hensel and Paula Hensel, is a 2023 graduate of Pittsville High School. This fall she will be attending UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield to pursue a career in education.

 

Jacob Harbaugh of Marion is the recipient of the $2,000 Bradley Fust Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is given in memory of Brad, who was an enthusiastic member of the Junior Holstein Association from Wausau. The scholarship was established by Brad’s parents, Brian and Wendy Fust, with the sale of one of Brad’s heifers. Jacob is the son of Lynn and Sarah Harbaugh and recently graduated from Clintonville High School. He will be attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to major in animal science with a minor in agriculture and food business management.

 

Paige Sweatt of Lodi is the recipient of the $1,000 Maurice and Geraldine Cooper Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is given in memory of Maurice and Geraldine Cooper, lifelong Holstein breeders from Moss Oak Farm. Maurice was a director of the Wisconsin Holstein Association; a director, president, and secretary of the Dane County Holstein Association; a delegate to the National Holstein Convention multiple times; and served on many industry Boards including DHI and World Dairy Expo. Love of family, Holsteins, service to the community and support of youth activities were paramount in their lives. Paige is the daughter of Paul and Jenny Sweatt. A graduate of Lodi High School, she will be attending UW-River Falls to pursue a degree in agriculture business with a minor in animal science.

 

Kenadee Weigel, Platteville, is the recipient of the $1,000 Marlowe Nelson Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is given in memory of Marlowe whose passion was to teach and mentor young enthusiastic breeders to become more involved in the Registered Holstein business. Through his lifetime, Marlowe paved the way in many aspects of the Registered Holstein breed and its impact on the United States, Japan, Germany and Holland. Kenadee is the daughter of Ryan and Traci Weigel. This fall she will be attending Wisconsin Western Technical College to study radiography. She aspires to become a radiologic technologist and provide care in rural underserved communities.

 

Receiving the $1,000 John Klossner Memorial Scholarship is Natalie Roe of Monticello. The John Klossner Memorial Scholarship is given in memory of John - a young man who touched many lives during his short Junior Holstein career, and who tragically passed away in an accident while exhibiting at one of his favorite events - the Wisconsin Junior State Fair. John was active in the Green County Junior Holstein Association and served on the Wisconsin Junior Holstein Junior Activities Committee. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and was an active member of the Badger Dairy Club and AGR. He was also an accomplished cattle showman and had won many awards. This scholarship was established by John’s parents, Richard and Roxanne Klossner, and given to a student who is considered a role model to other junior members. Natalie is a sophomore at UW-Madison studying dairy science and life sciences communication. Following graduation, she hopes to work in consulting or in the marketing communications side of the dairy industry.

 

Chalee Line of Fennimore, will be receiving the $1,000 Gordon Berg Memorial Scholarship. Gordon was a long-time Wisconsin Holstein member and breeder from Brownsville, Wisconsin. Gordon’s sister, Vivian Minor, started the Gordon Berg Scholarship. She made up the “VI” in the famed VIGO herd prefix with her brother, Gordon, making up the “GO.” Gordon was a well-respected breeder who bred outstanding Registered Holsteins in the Dodge County area his entire life. Chalee is majoring in animal science and agribusiness management at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College with plans to work in the agriculture industry.

 

Chloe LaCrosse of Forestville will be receiving the inaugural Annette Ostrom Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship celebrates the life and legacy of a friend, a philanthropist, a coach and a leader within the Holstein Association. Annette Ostrom of De Pere, Wis., was the picture of grace and beauty as she paraded Holsteins across the shavings with her Milk Source family. Yet, her greatest impacts were in the way she connected with each individual who crossed her path. As an advisor and dairy quiz bowl coach in Brown County, Annette was a cheerleader for youth, going out of her way to give back and with a warm smile and an ear ready to listen to young members talk about the cows they too loved. With her husband, Jim Ostrom, the couple co-founded Dairy Cares, a non-profit organization that has raised more than $2 million for Children’s Wisconsin over the past decade. She also was well loved by the dairy community she served through her career as an animal health professional. However, awards and recognition were not Annette’s ambition. Her greatest commitment was to her family and her children: Carlie, Mac, Shelby and Tristen. Chloe is freshman at UW-Madison studying dairy science and agronomy.  She plans to use her education to become the fifth generation to own and operate her family’s dairy, Uecker-LaCrosse Farms.

 

Seven other outstanding youth will be receiving scholarships from Wisconsin Holstein Foundation. Recipients include Evan Hathaway of Barneveld, Marissa Vosberg of Monroe, Kylie Konyn of Madison, Julia Searls of Cobb, Kelsey Hardy of Dodgeville, Regina Frisle of Prairie Farm, and Abby Giddings of Hatley.

 

The Wisconsin Holstein Foundation is proud of these deserving youth. All Wisconsin Holstein Association members that are attending a two or four-year university for an undergraduate degree are encouraged to apply for scholarships, with applications due March 1 each year.