The Dairy Calf & Heifer Association Higher Education Scholarship has been awarded to Mitchell J. Kappelman, a freshman dairy science major from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Mitchell is a DCHA member and will receive a $500 scholarship to be applied to his dairy science education.
Originally from a family dairy farm in Wisconsin, Mitchell got his start in the industry at an early age. He began showing dairy cattle in 1996 at the Kiddie Showmanship contest at the county fair. Several years ago he purchased his own heifers. He is optimistic about his future, as these animals have freshened and given him seven more animals. He takes great pride and ownership in his herd; he only shows the dairy cattle that he owns. Mitchell has held a wide variety of responsibilities on the family farm and he says his goals are to "graduate from UW – Madison with high honors, maintain a herd that excels in production, breed an All-American and have a profound impact on the dairy industry by staying active on all levels."
Even at a young age, Mitchell understands the importance of DCHA's role in the industry. He values the strong network the association provides as well as the ethical and business standards DCHA has helped set. "In the future, I plan to be very involved with dairy organizations on the local, state and national platforms," Mitchell says. DCHA's Higher Education Scholarship helps solidify the association's commitment to supporting the future of the dairy industry.
About DCHA
The Dairy Calf & Heifer Association is an organization of calf and heifer growers partnered with allied industry and academia who are dedicated to growing high-quality dairy calves and replacement heifers. DCHA's objectives include: providing educational programs and professional development opportunities for producers and allied industry; developing a communication network for dairy calf and heifer growers, dairy producers and allied industry; establishing business and ethical standards for the industry; and enhancing the profitability of member growers and the dairy industry they serve.