• The University of Minnesota took top honors in both reasons and overall at the 19th Annual Accelerated Genetics Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest. Placing second overall was the University of Wisconsin – Platteville. Each of the top three individuals for oral reasons received a special scholarship from the James W. Crowley Fund. They were Cassie Endres, University of Wisconsin – Madison, and Tyler Otte and Jon Schmitt from the University of Minnesota. • The Ruegemer family of Villard, Minnesota, received the 2012 Horizon Organic Producer Education (HOPE) Award. The Galens of Clifton Springs, New York, received Horizon’s 2012 National Quality Award.

• At World Dairy Expo, Secretary Ben Brancel – on behalf of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture , Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) – accepted a special presentation from Madison-based BouMatic Inc . The presentation was in recognition of DATCP’s commitment to improving Wisconsin’s dairy industry.

• National Dairy Shrine chose Richard Denier of Carmel, California, as the ninth winner of its 4-E Award, bestowed on volunteers who have made special contributions to National Dairy Shrine and exemplify “extra energy, effort, enthusiasm and exuberant” leadership for the organization.

• Genex Cooperative, Inc. presented Bob Saar of Perry, New York, with the Kevin Boyle Outstanding National Account Specialist Award, an honor established in memory of dedicated Genex employee Kevin Boyle, who passed away unexpectedly in February 2011. PD

—From Accelerated Genetics, Horizon Organic, DATCP, National Dairy Shrine and Genex news releases