Egolf Selected to Attend Young Breeders School
Published: Friday, May 29, 2026
Who would have figured that an Indiana youth's knack for showing and judging dairy cattle would result in her winning a trip to Europe? Well, that's what Caroline Egolf of Churubusco has earned after being selected as one of six young adults to represent team USA at the Young Breeders School in Belgium.
According to Egolf, selection is based on each candidate's involvement and leadership in the dairy industry.
"They base it off the shows you've been to and how you performed at those shows," she said. "I'm the president of the Indiana Junior Holstein Assn., so they take that into account as well."
Described by one publication as a boot camp for future dairy leaders, Young Breeders School brings together teams from over 30 countries who share a passion for the dairy industry. During one week in September, Egolf and her teammates—two from Wisconsin, two from New York and one from Connecticut —will compete in multiple events including a fitting contest, showmanship contest and conformation competition. Three days are set aside for training followed by two days of competition.
Contestants will be evaluated not only on how well they prepare and present their animals, but also on their teamwork, knowledge, professionalism and attention to detail. Teams are also judged on their country displays, which showcase their culture, dairy industry and creativity.
According to a press release, the program creates an environment where young breeders can learn from one another, build international connections and gain experiences that help them grow both inside and outside of the show ring.
Egolf just finished her junior year at Purdue University. She is majoring in animal science with a concentration in animal agribusiness. She is a member of the agricultural sorority, Sigma Alpha, and also serves as an animal science ambassador.
In addition, the 21-year-old is a member of the Purdue Dairy Club and competes on the Purdue dairy judging team. This fall, she plans to judge at World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wis. and at the North American International Livestock Exhibition (NAILE) in Louisville, Ky.
This summer, Egolf will be interning for Zoetis with their retail sales team.
In the show arena, Egolf exhibited the junior champion of the junior show at World Dairy Expo and showed the grand champion at the Indiana Junior Holstein Show, with both wins coming just last year. Two years ago, she was named supreme dairy showman at the Indiana State Fair.
She has exhibited six junior All America nominations and showed the supreme junior champion at NAILE in 2021.
Egolf was a 10-year 4-H'er in Noble County.
"When we go to Belgium, they will have six animals for us," she said. "All the animals are randomized. Basically, you have to get them ready to show in five days. You wash them, you have to clip them, and all of this you are being graded on."
The judging will encompass team activities as well as individual performance.
"I'm definitely a little bit nervous," she said. "I feel like I'm pretty well prepared. The team from last year has helped us out a lot and given us some pointers on what to expect."
Last year's team placed third. She hopes this year's team can match that success or do better.
Egolf said she is ready for the international competition, adding that teams from Canada, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Germany and even China will be there. She is looking forward to meeting people from other countries who are passionate about dairy cattle.
As the team prepares for the big event in September, Egolf and her peers are communicating by phone and Zoom calls. Each one is committed to making improvements this summer.
"I think this can definitely open my eyes to the way that other breeders across the country are doing things. When you're working with six people you haven't seen a lot in your life and then you go to a show like this, it's a really unique opportunity to display the leadership that we each have."
Egolf credited her family for helping her to achieve this high level of success. Her parents are Chad and Jamie Egolf. She also mentioned her grandfather, Mel Egolf, who has been a big encouragement to her.
"I definitely want to give a shout out to my family," she said. "They definitely made this all possible. My dad and my grandpa supported me all the way through showing, since I was younger. I went to my first show when I was 4. Still doing it today is definitely a full-circle moment, getting to go to Belgium and supporting my small town. I definitely thank them because they're a huge part of my success."
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