A 4-H team from Wood County won the Wisconsin 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Contest and will represent the state at the national competition in Kentucky.

Over 200 4-H dairy youth took part in the state quiz bowl, which took place Feb. 4 at Portage High School.

The competition tested the quick wit and extensive knowledge of 4-H members in the dairy project. Contestants answered questions about dairy cattle genetics, health, nutrition and other topics. Four-person teams traveled from all corners of the state to represent their counties in three divisions.

“Dairy Bowl is a fun way to both learn and compete at the same time.” according to Ted Halbach, UW-Madison Extension dairy youth specialist. “Kids who participate pick up an amazing amount of dairy knowledge and also learn about science in a ways and with terminology they can relate to.”

The junior division, for members under 14 years of age, drew competition from 14 county teams. The Vernon County team was undefeated as they rose over second place Richland County. Members of the Vernon County team were Heidi Peterscheim, Arlisa Landis, Kathryn Swenson and Katie Wendorf.

“I was very impressed with the preparedness of the junior teams we faced,” Vernon County coach Kent Wendorf said. “Each round hinged on one or two pivotal questions – they were all exciting matches and entertaining for the spectators.”

Fourteen more counties vied for the winning title in the mixed division. These teams included members from both the junior and senior divisions. After a battle with runner-up Jefferson County, Green County’s team took home top honors. Coached by Richard Klossner, the team included Jerid Dickman, Lynn Dickman, John Klossner and Bryan Cramer.

Senior teams consist of members between ages 14 and 19.

Wood County 4-H members won the senior championship, earning them a chance to compete at the National 4-H Dairy Bowl Contest in Louisville, Ky. With eleven teams contending, the Wood team edged out Door County in a winner-take-all final round.

Second place Door and third place Richland Counties will represent Wisconsin at the World Dairy Expo 4-H Dairy Bowl Invitational for the second year in a row.

Members of the winning Wood County senior team were Paul Lippert, Jordan Wolf, Lee Slattery and Carl Lippert, all coached by Matt Lippert.

“In addition to showing, exhibiting, judging and caring for 4-H animal projects, there is also dairy bowl,” team member Paul Lippert said. “This is something for youth that do or don”t show dairy animals, those that excel at judging and speaking and those that are good students and know a lot of facts.”

The knowledge level and potential of dairy bowl participants continually impresses contest volunteers. Ric Grummer, who serves as a professor and chair of the Dairy Science Department at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, was one of many volunteers who helped out on contest day.

“These are the future leaders of the dairy industry and it was a privilege to be around them on quiz bowl day. I really enjoyed their enthusiasm,” Grummer said.

Extension staff, Badger Dairy Club members and UW dairy science alumni helped with moderating, judging and operating the contest.

The Wisconsin 4-H Dairy Endowment Fund, the UW-Madison Department of Dairy Science, Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese and the Badger Dairy Club co-sponsored the event.