Area 4-Hers Show Dairy Animals in Barton
Hadley Michaud poses in the show ring at the Orleans and Essex County 4-H Dairy Show with her award-winning Jersey fall calf. The East Hardwick 4-H’er won both Junior Champion and Reserve Grand Champion for the Jersey breed at the July 21 show in Barton.
BARTON – The Orleans County Fairgrounds in Barton was abuzz with activity July 21 as 4-H dairy members prepared their animals for the show ring and participated in classes at the annual Orleans and Essex County 4-H Dairy Show.
Thirty-seven 4-H’ers competed both in fitting and showmanship and conformation classes, which were judged by Elizabeth Menard, Fairfield. In the former, the judge evaluates how well each exhibitor presents and handles his or her animal in the show ring. Classes are arranged according to the age of the individual. In conformation, arranged by age and breed of animal, the animals are judged on appearance, physical structure and overall condition.
Liviya Russo, Lunenburg, who competed in the Senior Division (ages 14 and older), was named the Senior Fitting and Showmanship Champion. Dawson Michaud, East Hardwick, won the Junior Fitting and Showmanship Champion for competitors ages 9 to 13.
The Michaud brothers from East Hardwick were among the 37 4-H’ers competing at the Orleans and Essex County 4-H Dairy Show, July 21. Dawson (left) shows off his Junior Fitting and Showmanship rotating trophy and winning Holstein spring calf as his brothers (left to right) Gabriel, Lincoln and Morgan look on.
Local breeders were:
HOLSTEIN: Honorable Mention: Natalie Michaud, Greensboro Bend, with her winter calf
JERSEY: Hadley Michaud, East Hardwick, with her fall calf; Reserve Junior Champion: Natalie Hill, Greensboro, with her spring yearling.
Show participants also were required to submit their dairy project record books for evaluation prior to the show and were interviewed about their project and dairy knowledge. Scores for each were combined and the individual with the highest score in each division in each county received a rosette ribbon.
Local winners were:
ORLEANS COUNTY: Senior: Morgan Michaud, East Hardwick.
A Pee Wee show was held for 4-H Cloverbuds, ages 5-7, who, working with a helper, had a chance to show a calf in the show ring. Although scores were not given, each participant received a grain scoop, sponsored by Philip and Jess Newland of Sutton. Locals participating in this class were Hutson Michaud, East Hardwick.
To learn more about the 4-H dairy program in Essex and Orleans Counties, contact Lindy Birch at (802) 334-7235, ext. 481, or melinda.birch@uvm.edu.
