Wisconsin is famous for making delicious dairy products, but it takes hard work and superior care to produce high-quality milk. The Miss Q Contest, which is sponsored by AgSource Cooperative Services, rewards junior dairy exhibitors for excellent dairy practices. Four youth were recognized Friday, July 22, at the Dane County Fair. Kimberly Keller, Mount Horeb; Lindsey Sarbacker, Edgerton; Whitney Brown, Belleville; and Connor Schleicher, Columbus, Wis., were each awarded the Miss Q title and given the opportunity to sell one, half-gallon of milk at the AgSource Miss Q Auction, held during the fair.

Cows on a processed DHI testing program that have completed a first, second, third or fourth-or-higher lactation were eligible for the award. The cow in each lactation class with the highest milk quality, determined by the lowest average linear score (somatic cell count), was declared the winner. Proceeds from the auction were awarded to the winning youth exhibitors to assist with further development of their dairy project or finance their post secondary education.

Kimberly Keller earned the first lactation AgSource Miss Q Award. KCF Syndicate, in care of Dr. Robert Rowe, purchased the first place half-gallon of milk for $1,500.00. Landmark Services Cooperative, Cottage Grove, Wis., was a contending bidder. Kim is the daughter of Tim and Sandy Keller and is a member of the Mound View Mountainer 4-H Club.

Lindsey Sarbacker, a member of the Triangle Trooper's and daughter of David and Candi Sarbacker, captured the second lactation award. Her quality milk pitcher was purchased for $350.00. Tony and Jackie Schlimgen was the successful bidder, with contending bidding by Landmark Services Cooperative.

The AgSource Miss Q third lactation winner was Whitney Brown, daughter of Brian and Yogi Brown. Scott Vosters of The Bank of New Glarus purchased Whitney's half-gallon of quality milk for $400.00. Jeff Geier, Landmark Services Cooperative, was a contending bidder. Whitney is a member of the Belleville Busy Beavers 4-H Club.

Connor Schleicher earned the fourth lactation AgSource Miss Q Award. Steve and Lisa Schleicher purchased the fourth place half-gallon of milk for $300.00. Landmark Services Cooperative was a contending bidder. Connor is the son of Steve and Lisa Schleicher and is a member of the DeForest Handy Helpers.

A special thank you goes out to each of the buyers and to Jeff Geier with Landmark Services Cooperative in Cottage Grove, Wis., who provided a $150 cash donation to each Miss Q exhibitor.

Ray Kuehl, from Ray Kuehl Auction Services of Waunakee, served as auctioneer for the event.

AgSource, a member-owned cooperative headquartered in Verona, WI, is a leader in agricultural and environmental laboratory analysis and information management services. A subsidiary of Cooperative Resources International, AgSource provides services to clients in the United States and across the globe. Learn more at http://www.agsource.com.