News Release
Friday, October 7, 2016
Wisconsin Jersey Breeder Wins 2016 Klussendorf Award
MADISON, WIS. – Roger Riebe of Cumberland, Wis. was named the 75th winner of the Klussendorf Award, the highest recognition given to a dairy cattle showman in the United States.
The award is given in memory of Arthur B. Klussendorf, considered an outstanding showman of his time and a model for all those who have followed him. This year’s selection was made by members of the Klussendorf Memorial Association, formed in 1937, at its annual meeting held earlier this week in Madison, Wis. Riebe received the silver trophy designed by Tiffany Jewelers of New York City.
Riebe has had tremendous success at World Dairy Expo®, winning the Premier Breeder banner four times at the International Jersey Show. In both 2014 and in 2016, Riebe won both Premier Breeder and Exhibitor banners. At this year’s 50th World Dairy Expo, the 75th Klussendorf winner also had a homebred heifer named Junior Champion Female. His success has been evident at the Minnesota State Fair as well, where Meadow Ridge has earned the Premier Breeder title 12 of the last 13 years.
At last year’s All-American Jersey Show in Louisville, Ky., Riebe doubled the amount of blue ribbons of the next closest exhibitor and his Senior Two-Year-Old was the talk of the barn, winning her class and being named Reserve Intermediate Champion and Champion Bred and Owned Cow. The farm went on to win both Junior and Senior Best Three Females and was named Reserve Premier Breeder of the Show.
Keeping with Klussendorf selection criteria of character, sportsmanship, ability, and endeavor – no outside help is used in preparing the Meadow Ridge farm’s cattle. All hoof trimming, clipping, fitting, and showing is done by the family. Roger Riebe would certainly give credit to his entire family for today’s honor. That includes his wife, Darice; Roger’s brother, Doug; sons, Mike and Mark and their spouses; and daughter, Tamala.
Recognized as the meeting place for the global dairy industry, World Dairy Expo attracts more than 70,000 attendees from over 90 countries to Madison, Wis. each year. The annual event will take place October 4–8, 2016, with the theme of “Celebrate 50!” to commemorate its golden anniversary. Visit worlddairyexpo.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@WDExpo or #Celebrate50) for more information.
###
