This summer, the UW–Madison Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences brought on Danielle Brown as a new coach for the Dairy Cattle Judging Team. Brown, who brings extensive industry experience and a strong background in dairy cattle evaluation, will work closely with current coaches Brian Kelroy and Trent Olson throughout the 2026–27 academic year. This arrangement is designed to provide continuity during a transition period, as Olson is reducing his coaching responsibilities for the academic year, ahead of stepping away from the position.
Brown has served as a dairy judge and judging contest official throughout the United States since 2012, has officiated numerous 4-H, FFA, intercollegiate and national contests, and was herself an accomplished dairy judging competitor, earning recognition as High Individual at the All-American Intercollegiate Dairy Judging contest while at UW–Madison. The UW–Madison Dairy Cattle Judging Team is an official university student organization, housed in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, where students learn how to evaluate the physical traits of dairy cows. It is a competitive group that travels to major national contests and boasts numerous national championship awards – the most recent in 2014. Team members strengthen their evaluation, decision-making and communication skills while building valuable connections within the dairy industry.