Winneshiek County Dairy Promoters Seek Nominations

Your contribution today guarantees Decorah News is asking the questions tomorrow. Act now. The Winneshiek County Dairy Promoters are seeking nominations for awards and royalty ahead of the 63rd annual Winneshiek County Dairy Banquet. The banquet will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Festina Parish Center in Festina. The meal will begin at 7 p.m., followed by the presentation of awards and the crowning of the 2026 Little Miss Squirt, Little Mr. Herdsman and Winneshiek County Dairy Princess. Tickets are available at the Winneshiek County Extension Office, from members of the Winneshiek County Dairy Promoters Board, or at the door the evening of the event. The board is seeking nominations to recognize the hard work and accomplishments of county dairy producers and youth. Nominations are needed for the following awards: Outstanding Young Dairy Producer: Honors dairy farmers age 40 and younger who have excelled in management, production and leadership within the dairy community. Distinguished Service: Recognizes an individual who has made a meaningful impact or contribution to the dairy industry in Winneshiek County. Distinguished Dairy Family: A family award recognizing involvement in a dairy operation, participation in local youth programs and strong support of the dairy industry. Pioneer Dairy Producer: Honors a producer who has made a significant contribution to the dairy industry and is no longer actively producing milk. Dairy Promoter of the Year: Awarded to a business or individual who strongly supports real dairy products in the community or through their business. Outstanding Dairy Employee: Recognizes a dairy farm employee who has gone above and beyond in contributing to the success of the operation. Scholarships: College scholarships will be awarded to eligible students pursuing agriculture-related careers. In addition, the Dairy Promoters are seeking candidates for Little Miss Squirt, Little Mr. Herdsman and Winneshiek County Dairy Princess. The application deadline is March 1, 2026. Little Miss Squirt and Little Mr. Herdsman candidates must live in Winneshiek County or have a family employed in the county. Candidates must be ages 9–11 on or before March 31, 2026, and be active in the dairy industry. Dairy Princess candidates must live in Winneshiek County or have a family employed in the county. Candidates must be ages 16–21 on or before March 31, 2026, and be active in the dairy industry. For scholarship applications, award nomination forms, royalty applications or additional information, contact Jay Elsbernd at 563-419-7363 or winncodp@gmail.com, or contact the Winneshiek County ISU Extension Office at 563-382-2949. All nomination forms must be returned to the Extension Office or a member of the Winneshiek County Dairy Promoters Board by March 1, 2026. Your inbox, upgraded! Subscribe for free and enjoy handpicked stories, helpful advice, and local insights delivered weekly.