PLATTEVILLE — For the next year, Kami Schuler of Platteville, a junior animal science major at UW–Platteville, will be serving as the National Guernsey Queen.

Schuler earned the title during the American Guernsey Association’s annual National Guernsey Convention in Portland, Ore., June 19–24.

Schuler competed against four other finalists for the national honor. The competition included a speaking contest, interview, impromptu question-and-answer session and spending time with the judges throughout the week.

The contestants toured several sites during the week, including many farms and Guernsey operations. The announcement of the winner was made during the banquet and awards ceremony.

“She is going to be an excellent ambassador for the American Guernsey Association and for UW–Platteville,” said Alicia Prill-Adams, assistant farm director at UW–Platteville’s Pioneer Farm.

In 2011, Schuler earned the title of Guernsey Princess from the Wisconsin Guernsey Breeders Association. That honor made her eligible for the national competition.

As National Guernsey Queen, Schuler’s responsibilities will include attending all national shows, the first being a Guernsey sale in Ohio last weekend.

“I am excited,” said Schuler. “It is a great opportunity to travel and network with people in the Guernsey industry.”
The 2013 national convention will be held in Oklahoma.

Schuler is working at the Pioneer Farm Swine Center during the summer. “She has been out here since late May and is catching on quick,” said Prill-Adams. “She is very motivated and gets along well with others and is always eager and willing to learn new things.”

Schuler graduated from Platteville High School in 2010. She earned an associate degree from the UW–Richland before transferring to UW–Platteville. She hopes to earn her bachelor’s degree in two years.