Connecticut dairyman wins the 2025 Klussendorf Award

Clark Woodmansee III of Preston, Conn., was presented the 83rd Klussendorf Award, the highest recognition given to a dairy cattle showman in the United States during the 58th World Dairy Expo. Cull certainly has all the attributes of previous Klussendorf winners with the qualities of character, sportsmanship, ability, and endeavor.

The award is given in memory of Arthur B. Klussendorf, considered an outstanding showman of his time and a model for all those who have followed him. This year’s selection was made by members of the Klussendorf Memorial Association, formed in 1937, at its annual meeting held earlier this week in Madison, Wis. Woodmansee received the silver trophy designed by Tiffany Jewelers of New York City.

This year the Klussendorf Association recognized one of the most influential Holstein breeders in the U.S. From the point of him buying his farm over 50 years ago to his recent promotional sale this June, this New England dairyman has been involved with some of the greatest Holstein cows of the breed. Under their own Woodmansee prefix, they have bred nine Excellent 94-point cows and been involved with a dozen cows that were scored Excellent 95 or higher.

In the early 1990s, this year’s Klussendorf winner caught the show bug with Lo-Pine Jet Biana earning Reserve All-American honors. In the ensuing years, Woodmansees BStar Jinx, Woodmansees Inspired Bette, and Lew-Lin Highlight Hotstuff were all nominated All-American.

Another colored shaving’s favorite is none other than Hazels Goldwyn Hatty who was twice named Grand Champion at the Northeast Fall National Holstein Show and won the coveted Best Bred and Owned Award at the 2019 World Dairy Expo … one of the greatest achievements for a dairy cattle breeder.

Never fearful to add world-class genetics to his herd, this year’s 83^rd Klussendorf partnered with others to purchase Quality-Ridge Stomi Hazel who is Hatty’s dam. Hazel became one of the world’s favorite show cows being nominated for All American each of seven years in milking form. She has multiple Ex-95 daughters and granddaughters and has had the biggest impact on the Woodmansee herd of any animal.

Woodmansee also partnered on acquiring Dubeau Dundee Hezbollah (EX-92) and had considerable success developing her daughters. Hez currently has over 40 Excellent daughters, many bred by Woodmansee. Additionally, Clark owned and helped develop the 2017 World Dairy Expo Grand Champion and Supreme Champion, Rosiers Blexy Goldwyn-ET.

While his accomplishments with cattle are numerous, Woodmansee may be best known as one of the true “gentlemen” of our business. He is a mentor, friend and steward of both cattle and land.  Woodmansee has impacted many young people and breeders over the past 50 years. He is a fierce competitor and more importantly a great sport win or lose.  He is quiet and humble and is a model we should all try to emulate in our business.

The Klussendorf Award was developed to recognize those who exemplify a person with great character, sportsmanship, and dedication to dairy cattle shows. Clark Woodmansee III certainly has all these attributes and that is why he was selected as the 83^rd Klussendorf winner.