By Kendra Van Order
Every August, youth with dairy projects in the Upper Peninsula gather to exhibit their dairy cattle at the U.P. State Fair. At this year’s fair, a total of 37 youth, including 15 pee-wee showmen, exhibited cattle in four breed divisions: Holstein, Jersey, Brown Swiss and Any Other Breeds (AOB). Youth competed in showmanship and the dairy female show, and some competed in the costume contest, too!
In total, the dairy barn at the U.P. State Fair had a total of 86 head with 27 milking cows. Most of the exhibitors were dairy show returnees while others exhibited in the youth dairy show for the first time. Youth not only exhibit their dairy cattle during the week, but they also show the important connection between the youth dairy program and their futures in agriculture, with those connections felt both in and out of the barn.
A first-time dairy exhibitor, Colter E., really enjoyed her experience in the dairy barn.
“I decided to show dairy not only because I wanted to show something new, but also because I have friends that show dairy cattle at the U.P. State Fair and I wanted to join the fun,” said Colter. “At the start of the week, I was surprised at how welcoming the dairy barn was. Multiple families came up to introduce themselves throughout the week and offered help during the week if I needed it.”
Source : msu.edu