Betsy Bullard speaks with Keenan Thygesen of Farmstead Genetics
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Keenan Thygesen, a 23-year-old recent graduate of the University of Minnesota and former Distinguished Junior Member of Holstein USA, shares how his deep roots in New England’s Holstein community—from early showmanship at age four to national judging competitions—shaped his career path. He reveals how a single cow, Howacre’s Jewel Alexis, sold in 1973 for $44,000, funded his grandfather’s barn pipeline and became a family legacy. Now driving the Springfield Showcase Sale as a key figure at Farmstead Genetics, Keenan blends his youth show experience with auctioneering training from the Western College of Auctioneering, where he won a rookie bid-calling contest. His journey—from bidding nervously at a 2013 sale to becoming a ringman for O’Sullivan Auctioneers in the Twin Cities—highlights how early industry connections and hands-on learning create long-term momentum. The episode underscores that success in dairy isn’t just about genetics or production—it’s about relationships, storytelling, and showing up consistently across generations.
A cow sold in 1973 for $44,000 funded a barn pipeline still in use today—proof that legacy decisions have lasting impact.
The Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) process builds real-world professional skills through resume writing and national networking.
Showing cattle from age four builds foundational skills in clipping, fitting, and showmanship that translate into lifelong industry credibility.
Auctioneering can be a career path for youth—Keenan trained at Western College of Auctioneering and won a national rookie contest.
Small teams of three can win national dairy judging contests—Minnesota’s team proved that with three seniors and one junior.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction to Keenan Thygesen and the Springfield Showcase Sale
Host Betsy Bullard introduces Keenan Thygesen, a former Distinguished Junior Member and key driver behind the Springfield Showcase Sale, which is sponsored by the Northeast Albee Spring Show.
Keenan’s Junior Holstein Journey and DJM Process
Keenan recounts his late start in Junior Holstein at age 16, his role as club secretary, national convention attendance, and the rigorous DJM application process involving binders, resumes, and interviews.
Early Showmanship and 4-H Roots
Keenan shares his lifelong involvement in 4-H and showmanship, including early shows at Tunbridge World’s Fair, clipping cattle with his dad, and mentorship from figures like Pat Lundy.
From Auctioneering Inspiration to Professional Training
Keenan traces his passion for auctioneering back to a 2013 sale, leading to a full scholarship to the Western College of Auctioneering and a win in the Iowa Rookie Bid Calling Contest.
The Springfield Showcase Sale and Its Significance
“We have some really cool embryo lots. We have some Rages out of Carvella. We have some Rays out of Welcome, which is a brown Swiss. We have some Magellans out of Beach Party.”
“She paid for the pipeline in the barn that's still in the barn today, which I thought is a pretty cool story.”
“We have some really cool embryo lots. We have some Rages out of Carvella. We have some Rays out of Welcome, which is a brown Swiss. We have some Magellans out of Beach Party.”
“I were all top six individuals, which was really neat, especially for a three -person”
Host
Guest
Keenan Thygesen
person
Howacre's Jewel Alexis
other
Betsy Bullard
person
Springfield Showcase Sale
other
Farmstead Genetics
organization
National Holstein Convention
other
Tunbridge World's Fair
other
Cowbuyer
other
University of Minnesota Dairy Cattle Judging Team
organization
O'Sullivan Auctioneers
organization
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