By Holly Ferris
Youth attending the Lamoille County Field Days for the annual 2026 Lamoille County 4-H Dairy Show represened Caledonia, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange, and Orleans Counties and competed in fitting and showmanship contests and dairy cattle conformation classes, showcasing the skills they have developed through their 4-H dairy projects. The show was judged by accomplished Vermont dairy farmer Renee Baker.
The day highlighted the many life skills that Vermont 4-H dairy members develop through their projects, including responsibility, animal husbandry, leadership, communication, and sportsmanship. Throughout the competition, exhibitors demonstrated not only their ability to present quality dairy cattle and answer questions but also the camaraderie and encouragement that make the 4-H program unique.
Top honors in fitting and showmanship recognized exhibitors for their ability to prepare and present their animals in the show ring. Amy Vaughan of the Rambling Rivers 4-H Club (Orange County) earned the title Senior Fitting and Showmanship Champion. Kobe Rooney of the Northern Explorers 4-H Club (Franklin County) was named Junior Fitting and Showmanship Champion, while Lanie Howrigen of the Franklin County 4-Leaf Clovers claimed the Novice Fitting and Showmanship Championship.
Breed championships showcased dairy cattle exhibited by Vermont's young dairymen and dairywomen. Hazel Kelley, representing the Green Mountain Moovers 4-H Club in Lamoille County, captured Grand Champion Brown Swiss honors with her winter calf, Silver Top Nashville Truce. Mya Marquis of the Border Livestock 4-H Club in Orleans County enjoyed an exceptional day in the show ring, earning Grand Champion Holstein with her yearling Lady and Grand Champion Jersey with her two-year-old cow, Lone Jet. Marquis's Jersey, Lone Jet, was ultimately selected as the Grand Champion of All Breeds.
The Lamoille County 4-H Dairy Show is made possible through the dedication of volunteers who work behind the scenes to organize the event, prepare the show ring and ensure a positive experience for every participant. Special recognition goes to Shelby Biasini and Deborah Wickart, leaders of the Green Mountain Moovers 4-H Club, whose leadership, enthusiasm, and many hours of planning were instrumental in the success of this year's show.
Source : uvm.edu