Clarissa Ulness has embraced her family’s dairy lineage and is carving her own path in the industry. Growing up on an 80-cow registered-Holstein Farm in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, she’s thrived in the Junior Holstein Association from a young age. As a 9-year-old she began traveling the country to compete in dairy-bowl and dairy-jeopardy contests.
As she grew older and more competitive, she took on leadership roles at the county and state levels. She served as a Wisconsin Junior Holstein Activities Committee member and was chairperson in her last year. And this past summer Ulness was elected as the at-large representative on the Junior Advisory Committee at the National Junior Holstein Convention.
“I had a big award interview, and this was a great refresher and practice to get me thinking about how I would answer questions,” she said. “And what I needed to work on for the other interview.”
“I’m proud of her and proud of how Manitowoc is represented by these great kids for the future,” she said. “There’s a bright future ahead for these young adults, because there are less farmers and we know they’ll be great advocates and great contributors.”
“I like sharing my story and learning about others,” she said. “I think a career in ag marketing, being able to help producers market their products and share their story, would be something I would enjoy.”
Visit www.holsteinusa.com/juniors for more information.