2021 Bruce Cottington Award

The Minnesota Milk Producers Association named Ruth Klossner the 2021
recipient of the Bruce Cottington Friend of Dairy award. Klossner was surprised
during the Minnesota State Fair 4-H Dairy show this past August and was
formally recognized during Minnesota Milk’s Annual Meeting on December 8th.

Klossner is best known for her love of dairy and sharing her enthusiasm with
youth active in the dairy industry. She’s the familiar face behind the camera
during the Minnesota State Fair, where’ she’s provided nearly 40 years of
capturing the photos of 4-H participants. Her zest for giving back to dairy youth
stems from her own experience participating in 4-H in Nicollet County.

Ruth has worked as a county extension agent, and editor for Ledger Publishing,
and currently a writer for River Valley Women magazine and Dairy Star. Besides
4-H, Ruth provides leadership to a number of organizations including: Nicollet
County Holstein Association, Nicolette County Fair Board, Nicollet Public
School, Lion’s Club, New Ulm Farm-City Hub Club, Connecting with Nicollet
County, Nicollet American Legion Auxiliary and her church. She often shares
her skills of writing and photography within those organizations. Furthermore,
Klossner hosts the world’s largest cow-collection in her home’s “moo-seum”.

The Bruce Cottington Friend of Dairy award recognizes individuals who foster
the ideals and goals of Minnesota Milk through their own personal efforts.
These leaders display leadership and community involvement throughout
Minnesota’s dairy industry.