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Dutchess Domain - October 2010

Hello! My name is Katie Probst and I am your new Illinois Holstein Duchess this year! I am the 19-year-old daughter of Toby and Margie Probst of Jasper County, Illinois. I will be a junior at Illinois State University this August and graduated from Newton Community High School. I am a member of Effingham Holstein Club and the Illinois Junior Holstein Association.

This past year, I currently wrapped up my last year in 4-H as a completion member. The past few years I had shown my cattle at the 4-H show and Black and White Open show at the local county fair. During these years in 4-H, I have been an active leader twice as President, once as Secretary, and Reporter. Even though I have completed 4-H I plan to continue showing at the fair in later years.

The past year I attended and completed my first year at Illinois State University and I am majoring in psychology. I was involved in a number of clubs and organizations including Watterson Area Government, Student Psychology Association, Madison 1 Floor President, and a school psychology research team. I am currently getting back into the swing of things again this fall at Illinois State.

During high school I was involved in a number of fun activities. These include basketball, volleyball, student council, musicals, Star-Spangled Banner club, National Honors Society, church choir, and 4-H. I improved my leadership skills by being a captain in basketball and volleyball, being voted junior class President, President of Star-Spangled Banner club, and Vice-President of chorus.

My past jobs included babysitting, working at Arby’s restaurant in Effingham, detasseling during the summer for Monsanto, and of course helping milk and working on the farm, Probstland Dairy, where I own two registered Holsteins.

Coming in the future, I plan on attending the Illini Golden Opportunity Sale on October 23. I also hope to be able to attend the Senior Holstein Convention the weekend of December 9. Hope to see you all there!

Illinois Holstein Dutchess Contest 2010

Congratulations to Katie Probst, Wheerler, Ill., who was crowned as the 2010 Illinois Holstein Dutchess. You can read her story, as well as the other participant's story below. Check back often for updates from Katie and what events she will be attending!

Illinois Holstein Dutchess Contestants

Miranda Kollmann, Clinton County Holstein Club

Miranda Kollmann is the eighteen year old daughter of Steve and Marilyn Kollmann of New Baden, Illinois. Miranda graduated from Wesclin Senior High School and will be attending Kaskaskia College this fall. Miranda is a member of the Clinton County Holstein Club and the Illinois Junior Holstein Association.
In high school, Miranda was involved in Peers, Environmental Club, Lifesavers and Future Farmers of America. Miranda served as Vice President of the Wesclin FFA Chapter was a member of the FFA Dairy Judging Team and competed in the section and state judging contest. Miranda was also on the Wesclin High Dance Team.
Miranda currently serves as the treasurer of the Clinton Country Junior Holstein Club. She has assisted with fundraisers and has attended Spring Thing where she completed in dairy quiz bowl and dairy jeopardy. Miranda also attends the Junior Annual Meeting each November. She is a very active 4-H member and has judged at the state 4-H dairy judging contest in Springfield.
Miranda lives at Koll-Kreek Farm where she helps milk cows and assists with feeding both cows and heifers. Two of Miranda’s favorite things to do on the farm are: to drive her John Deere tractors in the field and to bottle feed the baby calves. Miranda also enjoys showing at many different fairs.
Katie Probst, Effingham Holstein Club

Katie Probst is the nineteen year old daughter of Toby and Margie Probst of Jasper County Illinois. Katie will be a junior at Illinois State University this August and graduated Newton Community High School. Katie is a member of Effingham District Holstein Club and Illinois Junior Holstein Association.
Katie is currently wrapping up her last year in 4-H as a completion member. The past few years she has shown her cattle at the 4-H show and Black and White Open show at the local county fair. During her years in 4-H, Katie has been an active leader twice as President, once as Secretary, and Reporter. Even though Katie has completed 4-H she plans to continue showing at the fair in later years. She has also attended the state picnic.
The past year Katie attended and completed her first year at Illinois State University with a grade point average of 3.97 on a 4.0 scale and is majoring in psychology. She was involved in a number of clubs and organizations including Watterson Area Government, Student Psychology Association, Madison 1 Floor President, and a school psychology research team. She will be returning to Illinois State this coming fall.
During high school Katie was involved in a number of fun activities. These include basketball, volleyball, student council, musicals, Star-Spangled Banner club, National Honors Society, church choir, and 4-H. She improved her leadership skills by being a captain in basketball and volleyball, being voted junior class President, President of Star-Spangled Banner club, and Vice-President of chorus.
Katie’s jobs include baby sitting, working at Arby’s restaurant in Effingham, detasseling during the summer for Monsanto, and of course helping milk and working on the farm, Probstland Dairy, where she owns two registered Holsteins.

Little Miss Holstein Contestants
Renee Catherine Probst, Effingham Holstein Club

Renee Probst is the eight year old daughter of Toby and Margie Probst of Wheeler, IL. Renee will be in third grade in the fall. She loves animals, being outside and tumbling. Renee loves to show. This year she couldn’t wait for the March calves to be born so that she could pick her calf to show in 4-H and at the district show. Renee is also very involved in tumbling and qualified for Nationals this year. She loves to spend time with her family, talk, swim, read and play with friends.

Emily Grace Sheehan, Tri-County Holstein Club

Emily Sheehan is the 9 year old daughter of John and Crystal Sheehan of Huntley, IL. Emily will be a 4th grader next year. She loves to lead cows and exhibit at fairs. Emily was the first place mini-showmanship winner at the Northwest District Holstein show earlier this summer and has won many show ribbons. She is a McHenry County 4-H member. Emily participates in Sunday School, Awanas and bell choir and she is a soccer player and enthusiast.