Posted: 10.20.2011

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Foundation has established the UW-Platteville dairy cattle team endowment.

The dairy cattle judging team may use the endowment to help cover the costs of travel, lodging and/or student meal expenses when participating in a nationally recognized dairy cattle judging contest. The coach may also request for funding to help cover his or her cost associated with accompanying the group to national contests.

Prior to the endowment, the dairy cattle judging team was funded by the Segregated University Fees Allocation Committee. Over the years, as more organizations have been added to campus, the funds of SUFAC had to be stretched. After travel expenses were paid, there was little budget left for lodging and student meal expense. SUFAC also did not cover coach’s expenses.

“Dr. Michael Mee approached me about establishing the Pioneer Dairy Cattle Judging Team Endowment Fund prior to his retirement in June,” said Jackie Bevan, development officer, UW-Platteville Foundation. “He talked about all the great experiences that he has had and all the great opportunities for the students through the dairy cattle judging team. He wanted to ensure the future of the group.”

The UW-Platteville dairy cattle judging team has a history of success since it began in the late 1960s. It has placed first in the nation at the National Dairy Cattle Judging Contest associated with World Dairy Expo in Madison; placed first twice at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky.; a first place finish at the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture; and has had a first place finish at the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show in Fort Worth, Texas.

The group has also produced over 20 “All-American” dairy cattle judges.

For more information about the endowment or to make a gift, contact Bevan at zimmermanj@uwplatt.edu or visit www.uwplatt.edu/foundation. For more information about the team, contact Cory Weigel at (608) 342- 1328 or weigelco@uwplatt.edu.

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