Local 4-Hers Selected for State Dairy Team

BURLINGTON – Four Vermont teens have earned a spot on the 2023 State 4-H Dairy Judging Team for their high overall placements at this year’s State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest, held June 30, at Blue Spruce Farm in Bridport.

Local 4-Hers selected were Natalie Michaud, Greensboro Bend and Gabriel Michaud, East Hardwick, who placed in the top-four in the senior division (ages 14-18). They will compete this fall at Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Mass., and in national competition in either Harrisburg, Pa., or Madison, Wis.

Seniors capturing the next four places will comprise the B Team, which will compete at Eastern States Expo this year including Morgan Michaud, East Hardwick (fifth).

The state contest was open to 4-H dairy members, ages 8-18, who were split into groups, according to age. All participants judged five classes of cattle: Ayrshire winter calves, Ayrshire fall calves, Ayrshire two-year-olds, Holstein two-year-olds and Holstein four-year-olds, providing rankings for each class. The seniors also were required to provide oral reasons.

Local placement for the Juniors (ages 8-13) were: Juniors (12-13), Talon Michaud, Hardwick (eighth).

Marcy Guillette, Newport, was the official judge for the event, which was organized by Wendy Sorrell, University of Vermont Extension 4-H livestock educator. To learn more about the 4-H dairy program, contact her at (802) 656-7641.