Juniors

Junior Society

To unite Junior Milking Shorthorn Breeders in their endeavors to improve the breed. Check out our Junior Facebook page for Junior activities and news.

Officer Team | Membership | Show Ring | National Awards & Scholarships

The American Milking Shorthorn Junior Society offers a wide variety of ways to get involved.

Officer Team

President

My name is Matthew Winch, and I am from Fennimore, Wisconsin. I reside on my family’s 240 robotic dairy farm and play a vital role in it as well. From cow and calf care to robotic maintenance, and breeding care – I handle it all. My future goals include attending UW-Madison for dairy and food animal management to become a large animal veterinarian in the future. I enjoy clipping and showing at shows all over the nation as well.

Vice President

My name is Charlie Weiss, and I am from Arcanum, Ohio. I am the 4-H club president and Arcanum MVCTC FFA Vice President. I play Varsity Basketball and Track. I also Exhibit Milking Shorthorns around the country at national junior shows. I recently was the1st place individual at the Ohio FFA Dairy Judging Contest.

Secretary

My name is Owen Halpin, and I am from Buckingham, Illinois. I reside on my family’s row crop farm where we also raise show heifers. I graduated from Milford high school in 2023, and I now play a vital role on the family farm with my brother, grandpa, and great uncle. My great grandparents were gifted Milking Shorthorn cows as a wedding gift and we have been showing and raising them ever since.

Treasurer

My name is Robert Langill, and I am from Seneca, Kansas. I have grown up across the Midwest immersed in dairy and agriculture. My love for Milking Shorthorns has been spurred by my family’s involvement in dairy and history of breeding the reds, whites, and roans.

Reporter

My name is Suton Paulson, and I am from Rockford, IL. I am currently a senior in high school and will graduate in May of 2025. I grew up on my family’s farm in Juneau, WI where I started showing cows at my county and state fair as soon as I could walk. In 2024 I exhibited the Milking Shorthorn futurity winner at World Dairy Expo. Along with my winnings in the ring, I was also third at WDE in the fitting contest in 2023.

Adult Advisor

Libby Hasheider

I am a recent graduate of UW- River Falls with a degree in agricultural education, and dairy science. This year, I will be starting my career as a middle school agriscience teacher and FFA advisor in Green Bay, WI. I’ve grown up immersed in the dairy industry, and developed a love for Milking Shorthorns early on while working on my family’s farm, and raising show heifers. I’m excited to begin working with the juniors in a new capacity, and carry on the traditions of the Milking Shorthorn breed!

Adult Advisor

Randy Winch

I just graduated from South Dakota State Engineering with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. Upon graduation, I started full-time with MSA Professional Services, as a graduate engineer on the Agricultural Services team, working out of our Appleton, WI office. With my job, I am able to remain active in the dairy industry, providing engineering consulting and services to dairies and farms of all sizes. Growing up on my family’s robotic dairy, I have always had a love for the Milking Shorthorn, especially after purchasing my first calf in 2013. Since then, I have grown my Milking Shorthorn herd with my brother. Being a past member of the AMSJS Officer Team, I am looking forward to giving back to the association and working with the future of the industry. I am hoping to guide the juniors of the breed and help them remain active and run strong.

Membership

The junior organization offers activities at junior national shows, special junior recognition, and junior awards at national convention. Junior memberships are a one-time fee of $25 and is open to anyone under 21 years of age.

Membership Links

Show Ring

Show Ring Links

National Junior Awards

The AMSS National Junior Awards are awarded at the AMSS National Convention. Deadline for submission is May 15. All applications are available on the AMSS website (below) or by contacting the National Office. Candidates must be a paid junior member of the American Milking Shorthorn Junior Society and their state junior association, when available.

Multiple contest and awards require a professional resume. As a reference please view this sample.

Submit all materials by May 15, via email to: registrations@milkingshorthorn.com or by mail to:

American Milking Shorthorn Society
PO Box 21
Beloit, WI 53511

Michael Halpin Junior Outstanding Progressive Breeder

Awarded to two deserving youth between the ages of 9 and 21, as of January 1. Must have carried a Milking Shorthorn project for at least one year. Candidates must demonstrate involvement in Junior Milking Shorthorn activities, farm and/or care of own cattle, as well as other agriculture, youth, community and school activities.

Rachel Surridge National Youth Contest

This National youth scholarship is in honor and memory of a past national office manager, Rachel Surridge. She worked at the national office many years when it was in Springfield, Missouri. Rachel treated the American Milking Shorthorn Society as family.

Application

Cindy Climer & Jim King Memorial Scholarships

Given in memory of Cindy Climer and Jim King, 2012 AMSS Co-Citizens of the Year, who both gave much of their time and energy to the service of AMSS and AMSJS memberships. Several Scholarships will be awarded to eligible applicants. Does not require a live interview.

Application

Queen Contest

The Queen will have the opportunity to represent the breed during at least three National Shows and National Convention the following year. She should represent her title at every Milking Shorthorn event she attends through the year.

Application

Ambassador Contest

Any AMSJS member aged 16 to 21 has the opportunity to apply for the AMSJS Ambassador Contest and represent the breed.

Duties include assisting in award presentations at Milking Shorthorn shows and national convention, contributing to the AMSJS Facebook page, giving a presentation that explains and promotes our junior awards and scholarships and presenting it at the national banquet. Duties also include creating a poster display of our junior awards for all to view at the national convention.

Application

Junior Australian Exchange Program

This is a program that connects AMSJS Members with our sister breed, the Australian Illawarra. One AMSJS member is sent to Australia for approximately one month. While on this trip the selected applicant will stay on several different family farms and perform various duties.