Congratulations to Matt Henkes, Luana, Iowa, for being named the 2011 Overall Judi Collinsworth Outstanding Junior Exhibitor Memorial Award recipient! The award is presented annually by Holstein Association USA. As the overall winner, Henkes, the eighth youth to be presented with this honor, will receive a $500 scholarship.
“Receiving this award was truly a great honor because I have always looked up to the past winners and appreciate the impact they have had on the dairy industry,” said Henkes. “I also always look forward to the quiz bowl question of the Overall winner and am very excited to be the answer!”
He added, “Showing Registered Holsteins has taught me many life lessons, from preparing animals for shows to daily farm chores. I would like to thank my family for all the help and guidance they have given me as I would not be where I am today without them.”
Henkes received the Collinsworth Award at the 2011 International Junior Holstein Show in Madison, Wis. The son of Trent and Leslie Henkes, Matt is very involved on his family’s Registered Holstein farm, Henkeseen Holsteins, taking part in all phases of their 65-cow operation. He especially enjoys working with their breeding, showing and merchandising activities.
Matt is a long time member of the Iowa and National Junior Holstein Associations, participating in a variety of activities. He has held leadership positions with the Iowa Junior Holstein Association, including president in 2011. He was named a National Young Distinguished Junior Member finalist in 2008, the highest honor given by Holstein Association USA to a Junior member ages 9 to 16. Henkes is a student at Iowa State University, majoring in dairy science, with a minor in agricultural education. On campus he is very active with the Dairy Science Club, currently serving as vice president, and received the Outstanding Sophomore award in 2011..
The Judi Collinsworth Award is presented annually in honor of former Holstein Executive Director of Member and Industry Services, Judi Collinsworth. The award recognizes youth for their work and involvement with Holstein cattle and dairy activities. Recipients are selected based on sportsmanship, herdsmanship, and level of participation in Holstein activities. Other winners from the 2011 National Junior Holstein Shows include Taylor German, Cushing, Okla., Southern Spring National Junior Holstein Show; Taylor Leach, Linwood, Kan., Grand National Junior Holstein Show; and Lauren Nell, Gettysburg, Pa., Premier National Junior Holstein Show.
Source: Holstein Association USA, Inc.