15/05/2026
WISCONSIN STATE FAIR DAIRY PROMOTION BOARD ANNOUNCES 2026 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
The Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotion Board is pleased to announce Isaac DeYoung, Summer Hammann, Sam Mell, Brianna Meyer, and Megan Winkelman as recipients of their 2026 $1,000 dairy youth scholarships. These scholarships will be awarded during the Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Products Auction on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
Isaac DeYoung of Cambria, Wis. attends the University of Wisconsin-River Falls majoring in Animal Science with plans to attend veterinary school after he graduates in May 2028. DeYoung has been involved with the Professional Dairy Producers Mentorship Program and was recently an intern at Hilltop Dairy in Markesan, Wis. He is the son of Joe and Diane DeYoung. At UW-River Falls, he is involved with the Dairy Club, Chemistry Club, Pre-Veterinary Club and is a member of Alpha Gamma Rho. DeYoung is on the UW-RF Dean’s List and shares, “This past fall, I got accepted into the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Veterinary School through the Food Animal Veterinary Medicine Scholars (FAVeMedS) program to become a large animal veterinarian. My plans are to be a large animal veterinarian and focus mainly on dairy, as that is what I have a passion for.”
Summer Hammann of Barron, Wis. plans to graduate in December 2027 with a degree in Dairy Science with certificates in Science Communication and Agricultural Business Management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Hammann is involved with the Association of Women in Agriculture, Badger Dairy Club, Saddle & Sirloin, and Collegiate Farm Bureau. She received a James. W. Crowley Dairy Leadership Award at the Wisconsin State Fair in 2024 and participated in the USA Team Young Breeders School. Hammann is currently a Business Conference Intern for Professional Dairy Producers and serves as an ambassador for UW-Madison’s Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences. She is the daughter of Scot and Becky Hammann and continues to help out on her family’s dairy farm, Triple H Farms.. Her future career plans include working in the dairy industry as a herdsman. “I hope to manage the ins and outs of a farm, including employees, dairy cattle, and the farm’s breeding decisions,” shares Hammann.
Sam Mell of Waunakee, Wis. is pursuing a degree in Agronomy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with plans to graduate in May 2028. He is currently serving as a Wisconsin State FFA Officer and has led milking demonstrations at the Wisconsin State Fair and volunteered in Dairy Lane. He is the son of Steve Mell and Kathryn Nelson. Mell has served on the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection Youth Council, and is involved with Alpha Gamma Rho, Badger Dairy Club, Badger Crops Club & Crops Team, and Collegiate Farm Bureau. He works on his family’s farm, Mell-Wood Dairy and has interned with SeedLink. His future career plans include returning to his family’s dairy farm, while working part-time with a job that focuses more on the agricultural crop side of farming. Mell shares that, “through advocacy and action, I have a passion for ensuring the continued success of Wisconsin’s dairy industry.”
Brianna Meyer of Chilton, Wis. attends the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is majoring in Dairy Science. She plans to graduate in May 2027 with her undergraduate degree and continue her education at UW-Madison’s School of Veterinary Medicine to become a large animal veterinarian. Meyer was selected for the Food Animal Veterinary Medical Scholars (FAVeMedS) program that secures her admission into vet school once she completes her undergraduate studies. She is the daughter of Larry and Jennifer Meyer. She is currently studying abroad at the University of Bologna in Italy. At UW-Madison, she is involved with the Badger Cru Christian Community, Association of Women in Agriculture, Badger Dairy Club, Collegiate Farm Bureau, Saddle & Sirloin, and the Dairy Judging Team. Meyer shares, “As I continue my journey, I remain committed to advocating for agriculture and mentoring youth. I know my roles will evolve as I enter different phases of life, but I am excited for the opportunities and challenges ahead. I look forward to making a positive impact on an industry that has given me so much.”
Megan Winkelman of Iron Ridge, Wis. is the daughter of Tammy Winkelman. She attends the University of Wisconsin-River Falls pursuing a degree in Dairy Science/Pre-Veterinary Medicine with plans to graduate in May 2027. She provided goats for the Dazzling Dairy Goats station at Wisconsin State Fair’s Ag Discovery Day and owns Our Leisure Acres. The past two years, she has participated in the Professional Dairy Producers Mentorship Program and UW-RF Dairy Club Farm Tours. She is also involved with the Dairy Club, Animal Welfare Judging Team, Ducks Unlimited, and Collegiate Farm Bureau at UW-River Falls. Winkelman is currently a dairy data intern for Connecterra, a program technician for the Humane Handling Institute, and works at Krescent Valley Dairy in Richfield. She was accepted into UW-Madison’s Food Animal Veterinary Medical Scholars (FAVeMedS) program to become a veterinarian with plans to focus on large and food animal medicine. “By continuing to work alongside dairy producers, I hope to make a lasting contribution to the strength and sustainability of Wisconsin’s dairy industry,” shares Winkelman.
“Our organization is grateful to have the ability to award this year’s recipients with scholarships. Each of these students have already proven to be a tremendous asset to the dairy industry and we cannot wait to see where their futures take them. Our board is grateful to be able to invest funds earned from various events and activities at the Wisconsin State Fair, not only in our exhibits and dairy education at the fair, but in supporting youth, the future of Wisconsin dairy. Congratulations to this year’s exceptional group of recipients!” shares Nicole Barlass, President of the Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotion Board.
The Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotion Board is made up of individuals passionate about promoting Wisconsin’s $52.8 billion dairy industry during the Wisconsin State Fair. Providing educational opportunities for attendees with its new Cow to Cream Puff exhibit, interactive Dairy Lane exhibit and cow and goat milking demonstrations while managing the Real Wisconsin Cheese Grill, Dairyland Shake Shop, and Blue Ribbon Dairy Products Auction. The board helps fund scholarships for students pursuing careers in the dairy industry, supports Dairy Lane Ambassadors, and offers volunteer opportunities for dairy youth to get involved. For more information, visit wistatefair.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram.
