Prestigious honor celebrates Woodmansee’s lifetime dairy excellence
Clark Woodmansee III of Preston, Connecticut, received the 83rd Klussendorf Award — the highest honor for a dairy cattle showman in the United States — during the 58th World Dairy Expo. The award recognizes individuals who display exceptional character, sportsmanship, ability, and dedication to dairy cattle.
Presented by the Klussendorf Memorial Association in memory of Arthur B. Klussendorf, the award includes a silver trophy designed by Tiffany Jewelers of New York City. Each year, the Association honors a recipient who embodies Klussendorf’s legacy of excellence and integrity in dairy showmanship.
Woodmansee, a respected Holstein breeder for more than 50 years, has made a lasting mark on the dairy community. Under the Woodmansee prefix, he has bred nine Excellent 94-point cows and worked with over a dozen scored Excellent 95 or higher. His herd has consistently produced some of the finest show cows in the country.
His passion for showing began in the 1990s, with notable cows like Lo-Pine Jet Biana and Woodmansees BStar Jinx earning All-American honors. Among his standout achievements is Hazels Goldwyn Hatty, twice named Grand Champion at the Northeast Fall National Holstein Show and winner of the Best Bred and Owned Award at the 2019 World Dairy Expo.
Beyond his herd’s success, Woodmansee is recognized for his humility, mentorship, and integrity. His dedication has inspired countless breeders and youth across the dairy community. The Klussendorf Award celebrates not only his accomplishments but also his lifelong example of leadership and grace in the dairy industry.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ahavelaar