The Annual Allamakee County Dairy Banquet will be held on Saturday, March 25 at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds Pavilion in Waukon. Food service will start at 7 pm and the program will start at 8 pm. Production and recognition awards will be presented to local dairy producers and the coronation of the 2023 Allamakee County Dairy Princess. Banquet tickets will be available at the door. Here are the candidates for Dairy Princess:
Elizabeth Fossum: I am the 18 year old daughter of Kevin and Julie Fossum of Waterville, IA. I am a senior at Waukon High school and am involved in FFA, 4-H, National Honor Society and am a member of the Iowa Junior Holstein Association. I serve as the 4-H Toppers president, as one of the leaders I help the club with the annual Easter Egg Hunt for children in the community, worked at the bake sales to raise money so we can contribute to various organizations that are in need. I live on a dairy farm, we milk around 240 cows and farm around 800 acres. I enjoy working on the farm milking cows, we have three generations in the pit milking most nights. I started my love for the cows by feeding calves, I have added to my resume’ chisel plowing, hauling corn, wrapping round bales, keeping the records for herd health and whatever my dad has on the agenda for the day. I have two brothers one older and one younger, they have both assisted me with chores and taught me different aspects of field work. I show cattle at the county fair, state fair, open shows and District 1 Junior Holstein shows winning various trophies and ribbons. I have received academic awards every semester of my high school career. I am an active member of St. Ann’s – St. Joseph’s where I currently serve as a Eucharistic Minister I have also been a lector and served mass for my church community. In my free time (which is rare on the farm) I enjoy reading, running, and hanging out with my friends. I plan on attending UW-Platteville for Ag business. My sponsor is Select Sires.
Cassidy Gibbs is the 18-year-old daughter of Shawn and Danette Gibbs of Waterville. She is currently a senior at Waukon High School. Cassidy and her family live on a dairy farm outside of Waterville where they milk an average of 520 Holstein cows in a double 16 parallel parlor. Cassidy’s responsibilities on the farm include feeding calves, milking cows, field work, and recently began breeding cattle. Off the farm, she has been actively involved in volleyball, National Honor Society, 4-H, and FFA. She has held several officer positions including treasurer and vice-president for FFA and reporter and vice-president for 4-H. She participated in FFA contests including dairy cattle evaluation, farm business management, and biotechnology. Cassidy received 1st place at the state level for her SAE project in dairy proficiency that went on to place in the top 10 at the national level. She enjoys showing cattle at the county fair, kayaking, fishing, ATV rides, and spending time with friends and family. Cassidy’s future plans include attending Iowa State University this fall majoring in animal science with an emphasis on agribusiness. Her sponsor is Driven Embryo Services (Justin Helgerson, DVM).
Claire Opperman is 18 years old and the daughter of Amy Opperman. She is an active worker and showman for her family dairy herd. In school Claire is involved in volleyball, FFA, and national honor society. She has also been involved in FBLA, basketball, track, and softball. Some awards Claire has received are county senior dairy award, county livestock champion, Donald Kerndt Memorial Award, and the outstanding achievement award. She enjoys plaing with her dogs, working with her dairy cattle along with showing them. She also enjoys spending time with friends and family. Claire likes to be a role model and help the youger members when needed. After high school Claire plans to attend NICC for ag business and ag finance and continue working in the banking industry. She is sponsored by Kerndt Brothers Savings Bank.