On to the world stage! SUNY Morrisville’s Dairy Judging team sets sights on Scotland after standout season

Before they even stepped into the national spotlight, SUNY Morrisville's Dairy Judging Team had already set an ambitious goal: make it to Scotland to compete at one of the world's premier agricultural shows.
Following a standout season competing against the best collegiate teams in the country, their goal is now firmly in sight.
The team has earned an invitation to compete internationally at the Royal Highland Show in Scotland and the Charleville Show in the Republic of Ireland in June 2026. The milestone reflects months of preparation, national success and the continued strength of SUNY Morrisville's dairy program.

During the trip, they'll join top youth and collegiate dairy judging teams from around the world and tour working dairy farms and livestock operations as part of the broader educational experience, gaining insight beyond the competition.

Led by coach Jessica Kennedy, a 2016 SUNY Morrisville dairy graduate who competed on the college's dairy judging team as a student, the group built its momentum during the fall semester. They competed at three of the most prestigious dairy judging events in the country: the All-American Dairy Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin; and the North American International Livestock Exhibition (NAILE) in Louisville, Kentucky. At the World Dairy Expo, the team earned a third-place team finish, along with multiple individual honors, which earned them the invitation to Scotland.

That early success helped solidify their international ambitions.

"When we placed at our first show, we said, 'let's just go all of the way,'" the team shared.

As the team prepares for their trip, fundraising efforts are underway to help offset travel, lodging and competition costs. Donations can be made at: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/DJ26.

For team members, the achievement represents more than ribbons and rankings. It's the culmination of months of travel, intensive hands-on training - evaluating cattle, defending decisions and sharpening skills that translate directly to careers in the dairy industry.

"It got us out of our comfort zone," said team member Reese DeVito, as the experience pushed students to think critically, communicate clearly and make confident decisions in high-pressure competition environments.

Elanna Gelser was encouraged to join the team by her sister, a dairy program alumna, and hasn't looked back.

"What you get out of this experience is more than you ever thought going into it," she said.

Team chemistry has played a key role in their success. Living together in the same residence hall and working closely throughout the season, the group developed routines to stay focused before competitions, from listening to music to a simple signal: "ears up" sign with two fingers, their go-to phrase to get energized and competition-ready.

Kennedy said the invitation reflects the team's experience and talent, also noting their commitment to growth throughout the season while competing against some of the top collegiate programs in the country.

"They are the leaders of the Annual Cattle Sale and Dairy Club and work so well together," Kennedy said. "They all have leadership skills and the drive to succeed."

For team member Megan Klossner, the international trip offers a chance to expand her perspective.

"Being able to see other lifestyles in the industry and how they run their farms - they also judge differently," she said. "It's exciting to learn new things and to even have this opportunity is amazing."

None of the team members have traveled out of the country before, adding another layer of excitement to the experience.

The hands-on education at SUNY Morrisville has helped pave the way for dairy students. From time spent in the barns to real-world decision-making, students said the experience sets them apart.

"I like being known by my name, the small class sizes and the experiences Kelly Niefergold, said. "We're out in the barn making decisions about future projects and making real-life decisions."

That applied learning is shaping their futures. Klossner plans to return to her family farm and focus on genetics, while DeVito is interested in dairy nutrition, and artificial insemination and breeding work.

Gelser plans to become a herd manager on a large dairy farm, and Niefergold is interested in becoming a herd or calf manager on a dairy farm.
For all, choosing SUNY Morrisville was an easy decision.

"It was more hands-on and has a highly regarded reputation in the industry, Niefergold said. ""I always had my heart set on Morrisville. It was Morrisville or nothing."

Kennedy sees the team's success as part of a larger impact.

"This team has really helped elevate SUNY Morrisville's reputation in the industry," she said, noting her long-standing connection to the college. "I always felt I would come back here."

That passion carries over to her students.

"She brings energy and knowledge," Gelser said about their coach.

"She is the type of person who will push you harder because she knows what you are worth," Niefergold said. "She made dairy judging fun and I am glad I got to be a part of the team."

Team members are:
Jessica Kennedy, coach, of Tully
Kelly Niefergold, of Lawtons
Reese DeVito, of Avon
Megan Klossner, of Turin
Elanna Gelser, of Dalton

Niefergold and Gelser are graduating this year with an associate degree in animal science - dairy and plan to continue in the college's agribusiness management bachelor's degree program.

Klossner and DeVito are enrolled in the agricultural science bachelor's degree program, specializing in dairy management.