NICC Dairy Judging Team Secures Top-Five National Finish at World Dairy Expo
Thursday, October 8, 2026
When the Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Dairy Judging Team stepped onto the floor at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, they weren't just testing their skills against the best in the nation—they were proving what hands-on learning and collaborative teamwork at the College can achieve.
Competing against top collegiate programs from states like California, New York, Ohio, Minnesota and Wisconsin, the NICC team delivered a standout performance, earning a 5th-place overall finish in the 2026 national dairy cattle judging contest.
Strong Showing Across Categories
The team’s fifth-place overall ranking was anchored by top performances across specific breed evaluations and oral reasons:
- 2nd Place in Ayrshires
- 3rd Place in Red and Whites
- 5th Place in Oral Reasons
- Individual High Scorer: Kalli Tveten tied for the highest individual score in the Ayrshire class.
Student Excellence at NICC
The success reflects the hard work and academic focus of the four student team members, who represent a range of degree paths within the College’s Agriculture Department:
- Leo Privett (Caledonia, Minn.) — Dairy Science and Agriculture Business double major
- Ariana Menne (Postville) — Dairy Science major
- Kalli Tveten (Winona, Minn.) — Beef Science and Agriculture Business double major
- Brittany House (Springdale, Wash.) — Dairy Science and Agriculture Business double major
Mentoring the team through the high-stakes environment in Madison was NICC alumnus Peyton Luehmann (Lewiston, Minn.), highlighting the strong network of support and mentorship that connects current students with NICC graduates.
Proud Ambassadors on a National Stage
Beyond the scores, the competition offered these students a platform to showcase the practical knowledge and confidence gained through their coursework at NICC.
“We are very proud to have these individuals as ambassadors for Northeast Iowa Community College on a national stage,” said Dave Lawstuen, NICC agriculture instructor.
For students like Tveten, representing NICC at this level reflects both College preparation and years of dedicated effort. “Evaluating cattle, going over terms, memorization and confidence in my oral reasons are all things that I have been working on,” Tveten shared, crediting her early foundation in 4-H alongside her continued growth at NICC.
Congratulations to Leo, Ariana, Kalli and Brittany on representing NICC with distinction!
Interested in starting your career in agriculture or animal science?
Discover NICC’s hands-on programs, expert faculty, and student opportunities at nicc.edu.