The Ontario Dairy Youth Award selection committee is pleased to announce the winners of the Ontario Dairy Youth Award for 2016. Established in 1980, the competition recognizes young people aged 25-35 who are actively involved in the operation of a dairy farm, who have demonstrated leadership and taken an active role in their communities and within their breed has taken place.
These four lucky winners will receive all-expenses paid trip to World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin this fall. The Ontario Dairy Youth Award is funded through the Ontario Dairy Youth Trust Fund and Gay Lea Foods.

WESTERN – Derek Van Dieten (519-441-3286) • derekvandieten@hotmail.com
After graduating from university in 2007, Derek returned home to Huron County and within a year along with the help of his parents, transformed a bare-bones 150-acre farm into a fully functioning dairy. He is grateful for all the support received by family, friends and neighbours, and will never forget the day he milked his first cow in his new free-stall sand-bedded barn: September 8, 2008. Today he milks his 90-cow herd in a swing 8 parlour three times daily, with the help of three part-time milkers who handle the evening milkings. He began with just 26 kg of quota and cull cows from nine different herds, but today he fills 130 kg of quota with a BCA of 272-298-267. His herd is over 50 per cent Very Good or better and in 2011, he had his first homebred Excellent cow. Two years ago, Derek added 40 stalls and a straw pack to his barn. A second manure pit and plans for another barn for close-up cows are currently in the works. Derek is a past Director of the Huron County Holstein Club and served as President in 2013. He is currently in his third term as the 2nd Vice-Chair of the Huron County Dairy Producer Committee.

WEST-CENTRAL – Laura Schuurman (905-869-1015) • lw.schuurman@gmail.com Laura is a full-time employee at Summitholm Holsteins. The 400 milking cow operation consists of two free-stall barns for cows and heifers, an 80-calf pack barn for calves two to six months old and 40 hutches. Cows are milked three times a day in a double-12 parallel parlour and have continual access to high-quality, fresh TMR feed. Since becoming involved in the operation seven years ago, Laura has brought the calf mortality rate down from almost 10 per cent to less than one per cent and increased the average daily weight gain in pre-weaned calves from approximately 700 grams to almost 860 grams per day. Laura has helped create an Ovsynch program to increase pregnancy rates from 23 to 26 per cent and decrease average days open to 115 from 130. She’s also installed the HeatTime system in an effort to maintain an average first calving age of 22.4 months. Laura has recently restarted her own prefix within the herd and plans to increase the number and value of her cows. She is currently Vice-Chair of the Brant-Wentworth Holstein Club and serves as a Director for the Hamilton-Wentworth 4-H Board. Laura leads the 4-H calf club in Ancaster and enjoys supplying calves to local 4-H’ers.

EAST-CENTRAL – John Werry (289-830-2879) • loademede@gmail.com John milks 75 cows in Ontario County, in partnership with his wife, Heather, and parents, Dennis and Cindy. Their new compost bedded pack barn, designed by John and built last spring, features a GEA M1One robotic milking system, milk taxi pasteurizer and stress-free calving area. In addition to improving efficiencies, the new facility was designed for cows to “be comfortable, make milk and get in calf.” John spent a decade gaining expertise in both the genetic and nutritional fields of the dairy industry before returning to the home farm. All feed is grown on the farm and some rented acreage provides the opportunity to cash crop soybeans and corn. He uses proven sires on top-ranking cow families to maintain the herd’s focus on type. With 20 VG 2-year-olds last year and a BCA of 220-235-220, John and his family are excited about the herd’s progress to date. Going forward, he’d like to construct a new facility to house dry cows and bred heifers, expand to a third robotic milking stall and purchase nearby land as it becomes available. John also plans to continue to aggressively purchase quota (they’ve expanded from 74 kgs to 95 kgs since he became involved) to eventually fill the 200 kgs a third stall would allow for. John is an Official Judge with Holstein Canada, Past President of the Ontario County Holstein Club, a Director on the Durham Region Milk Producers Committee and a member of the East-Central Junior Show Committee.

EASTERN – Jason Gould (613-432-0478) • gouldhaven@hotmail.com Jason and his family milk 55 cows in a tail-to-tail tie-stall barn in Renfrew County. His mom, Vera, is in charge of the farm books and helps in the barn as needed, while Jason, his dad, Barry, and brother, Scott, focus on the cows and the family’s 24,000 boiler chicken operation. The herd, which achieved Master Breeder status in 2014, consists of 7 EX, 47 VG and 16 GP and over 90 per cent of cows have a Very Good or Excellent dam with stars. Cows at Gouldhaven are fed TMR four times daily, with one ration used for all milking cows. The family crops alfalfa hay, wheat, corn and soybeans in rotation and purchases some straw and dry hay each year. Several changes over the years have helped the herd improve. Raising the roof in their old barn by four feet and installing new lights and fans in 2005 helped boost milk production and reproduction. They increased the size of the the old stalls in 2011 and put on an addition with 12 more stalls, three box stalls, a feed storage area and a wash area. Going forward, Jason and his family plan to purchase more chicken and dairy quota. Their five-year plan is to build a heifer and calf barn and continue to buy big-framed animals from good cow families. Jason is currently 2nd Vice President of the Renfrew County Holstein Club. He is passionate about hockey and after playing six years of Junior hockey himself, became the head coach for his local Junior B hockey club. He has coached and mentored at the minor level and acts as a Scout for a number of organizations in Toronto.

Another successful Show Calf Summit is in the books.  A different date and location did not seem to deter youth from attending.  100 youth from around New England & New York, came to Rutland to take part in the Summit.  Interestingly, it was like a new generation of youth attended.  Of the 100 youth 68 were 12 years or under and with limited showing experience.  However that does not mean they were not sharp as a tack.  They peppered the presenters with questions from start to finish.  With this number of youth, it made for small groups and the chance for hands on experience.

How to make a bedded pack with Pat Lundy.

The presenters this year were Callum McKinven, Lookout Holsteins & Jerseys,  Quebec; Jenny Thomas, Triple T Farm, Ohio; Pat Lundy, Luncrest Farm, New York; Matt Senecal, Arethusa Farm, Connecticut; Elizabeth Olson, Vermont/Minnesota; Ariel Garland, Vermont; Kyle Thygesen, Vermont; Bonnie Burr, Connecticut and Martha Seifert, Vermont.  Subjects covered were Selection, Clipping, Public Relations, Show Savy, Showmanship, Nutrition, Washing and Making a Bedded Pack.  The Seward Family of East Wallingford, VT brought in 15 heifers for the groups to work on.  On Friday evening, Nicole Fletcher from Massachusetts who coaches the New England Quiz Bowl Team, worked with the group on Dairy Jeopardy and provide information about other programs that the youth could participate in.

Generous sponsors made this whole event possible.  Each participant received a tee shirt, nylon halter, pad board and pen.  There were numerous door prizes with the top three being two sets of clippers and a top line blower.  Sponsors included Ag Enhancement, Farm Credit; Yankee Farm Credit; Phoenix Feeds; Poulin Grain; Select Sires; New England States Holstein Assoc.; Bob White Dairy Equipment; Salem Farm Supply; Stoneyfield Yogurt; Green Mtn. Dairy Promotion; Agritech; Mycogen Seeds; Orleans County Farm Bureau; Shur-Gain/Nutreco; Cargill Feed & Nutrition; Prince Ag Products; Cattle Connection; Hi-Pro;Performance Products; NASCO and Valley Vet.

The Otter Creek 4-H Club provided lunch before everyone headed for home on Saturday.

At any given time, a livestock or horse show can be exciting, stressful, emotional and exhausting for competitors and their parents. With all of the buzzing around and competition, the environment is ripe with opportunity to behave in a very unsportsmanlike manner; parents, this is your opportunity to lead by example!

Michigan State University Extension recommends these four easy ways you can model good sportsmanship at shows:

1. Actively praise and congratulate others. Everyone likes to be congratulated for a job well done! For adults to genuinely and actively recognize other youth for their accomplishments, even if it is just “great job out there” or “I love watching you show,” it becomes a normal part of the show.
2. Show compassion. Even the most successful showman has disappointments and setbacks during their showing careers. All too often we gravitate towards the negative, but reality is that people who are successful have countless hours of hard work and a large emotional investment into their projects. Parents can model good sportsmanship by extending a kind word to others when they are struggling. This creates an environment where people feel cared for, supported and connected. When in doubt, always be kind.
3. Don’t criticize others. The old adage “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all” can go a long way. We all have opinions; however, it is up to us how to word those opinions so they don’t hurt or disparage anyone else. We may not agree with the judge’s placing that day or perhaps we would have managed the show differently, but we must show respect to those people because after all, they’re all people. The beauty of life is that we don’t all think and operate the same way. Finding the value in another person’s critique of our performance, learning about different ways to manage shows and observing others free from judgement allows us to learn a great deal.
4. Take care in being your child’s biggest fan and greatest analyzer. Finding balance between when to sing your child’s praises and when to give them advice on their performance is key. When parents continue singing their child’s praises, the child may feel an enormous amount of pressure to not let their parents down. On the flipside, when you constantly and ruthlessly analyze your child’s performance and point out what they could or should have done, the child may begin to feel inadequate and unworthy of praise. Striking the balance between the two is hard; a simple approach is to turn to your child. Ask them how they think they performed. If they were happy, encourage and enjoy that moment. If they felt they could have improved, offer support to help them meet their goal.

To learn more, visit the Michigan 4-H Animal Science website.

Holstein Association USA has announced the finalists in the 2016 Young Distinguished Junior Member (YDJM) competition. The YDJM award is the highest honor a Holstein Association Junior member between the ages of 9 and 16 can achieve.

The eight finalists in the 2016 YDJM competition are: Todd Allen, Jefferson, Md.; Jordyn Griffin, Union Bridge, Md.; Kaianne Hodorff, Eden, Wis.; Kalista Hodorff, Eden, Wis.; Johnathan King, Schuylerville, N.Y.; Hannah Nelson, Ellsworth, Wis.; Kylie Nickels, Watertown, Wis.; and Madison Weaver, Ephrata, Pa.

To qualify, a youth must compile a portfolio which demonstrates their involvement and leadership within the Holstein community, their school, and in other aspects of their life.

In his Story of Junior Holstein work, sixteen-year-old Todd Allen talked about his involvement in his community and breed association. “Being an active youth of Holstein Association USA has given me a life-changing impact over the past sixteen years. My knowledge and experiences of exhibiting cattle, and participating in dairy bowl and dairy judging, and on-the farm management tasks have given me not only many exciting opportunities, but also a passion for the industry,” he wrote.

“My farm responsibilities are many and varied which is helping me prepare for my future by increasing my knowledge and understanding of the farm’s operations and allowed me to experience the complete life cycle of our animals,” said sixteen-year-old Kalista Hodorff in her story of Junior Holstein work.

Finalists in the YDJM contest will be recognized at the National Holstein Convention, which will be held June 27- July 1 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. For more information about YDJM or other Holstein youth programs, visitwww.holsteinusa.com/juniors , or contact Kelli Dunklee at 800.952.5200, ext. 4124, or by email atkdunklee@holstein.com

Holstein Association USA has named six semifinalists for the 2016 Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) awards. The Distinguished Junior Member recognition is the highest honor given to members of the National Junior Association ages 17 to 21 who demonstrate a lifetime of commitment to the Holstein breed and involvement in a variety of activities.

This year’s semifinalists are: Matthew Kramer, St. Cloud, Wis.; Lucas Plamann, Hutchinson, Minn.; Nicole Pralle, Humbird, Wis.; Elizabeth Sarbacker, Verona, Wis.; Jordan Siemers, Newton, Wis.; and Kayla Windecker, Frankfort, N.Y.

Each of the semifinalists completed an entry book, detailing their Junior Holstein project work, involvement with their cattle, program participation, and school and community activities.

“I could never imagine my life without the dairy industry or Junior Holstein,” said Kayla Windecker of Frankfort, N.Y., in her Story of Junior Project Work. “The opportunities offered and the people I have met have become unforgettable. It is my dream to be able to give back to the industry that has helped shape and mold me into the person I am today and the person I hope to become in the future.”

“Through perseverance, hard work, and calculated decisions I’ve been able to achieve many goals as a member of the Junior Holstein Association,” Jordan Siemers, of Newton, Wis., wrote in his story. “As I transition to an adult member of Holstein Association USA, I will use the skills I learned as a Junior Holstein member for the good of our farm and for my involvement in the Association.”

The six semifinalists will interview at the National Holstein Convention, June 27- July 1 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., where the finalists will be selected. Finalists receive annual renewed memberships to Holstein Association USA. All Junior members of Holstein Association USA ages 17 to 21 are eligible to apply for the Distinguished Junior Member recognition.

For more information about DJM or other Holstein youth programs, visit www.holsteinusa.com/juniors , or contact Kelli Dunklee at 800.952.5200, ext. 4124 or by email at kdunklee@holstein.com.

Nearly 250 future leaders of the dairy industry gathered in Syracuse, New York, for the national Dairy Challenge held April 7-9, 2016. The event brought together 39 colleges from 29 states and three Canadian provinces to learn technical dairy skills, network with other students and explore industry careers and innovation.

“Dairy Challenge is a premier dairy event, providing education, communication and networking among students, producers, and agribusiness and university personnel,” explained Barry Putnam, Northeast Dairy Challenge committee chair.

The North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge^® (NAIDC) allows dairy students to work as a team and apply theory and learning on a real-world dairy farm. In Syracuse, two programs ran concurrently – the 15^th annual Dairy Challenge contest and the fourth annual Dairy Challenge Academy. The events were coordinated by the NAIDC Board of Directors and the Northeast Dairy Challenge committee.

The 2016 contest included 32 universities, each with four students on their team competing for awards. The Academy provided interactive training in dairy farm evaluation for 119 students in dairy programs at universities, community colleges or technical schools. Academy participants were divided into smaller groups, mixing students from various colleges, with agribusiness volunteers as Academy Advisors guiding their work.

Dairy Challenge Applies Learning to a Real-world Dairy

Over its 15-year history, Dairy Challenge has helped more than 5,000 students prepare for careers in the dairy industry, dairy production and veterinary medicine.

“Dairy Challenge provides an opportunity for our students to jump-start their careers by integrating what they learn in the classroom with real challenges facing the industry, all while networking with dairy leaders and improving their problem-solving skills,” said Owen Bewley, area sales manager for Phibro Animal Health Corporation and NAIDC board chairman.

The three-day event began with a tour at Hemdale Farms, Inc. in Seneca Castle, New York, where students, industry specialists and educators witnessed 19 robotic milking systems in action and worked together at learning stations on reproduction, feeding management, milking protocols and other key management areas. The day also included two panel discussions. A group of processors provided a perspective on their businesses and how they interact with producers. Processor panelists included Kevin Ellis of Cayuga Marketing and Cayuga Milk Ingredients, Tera Jackson of Chobani, Tom Murray of Muranda Cheese and Skyler Ryll of Dairy Farmers of America. Next, a panel of young producers shared insights on starting and entering a dairy operation. Producer panelists were Dan Durfee, Luke Getty, Dan Hartzell and Meghan Vaill. The day concluded with each group receiving data from a dairy to analyze and provide recommendations for improvement.

Day two included a thorough farm visit to the assigned dairy and a question-answer session with farm owners. All groups – in both contest and Academy – developed recommendations for nutrition, reproduction, milking procedures, animal health, cow comfort and financial management.

On day three, students presented their recommendations, visited with sponsor companies at the Career and Innovation Fair and learned through Corporate Technology Presentations from top-level NAIDC sponsors. These talks were presented by:

• Martha Baker, M.S., PAS – Purina Animal Nutrition
• Christopher Canale, Ph.D. – Cargill Animal Nutrition
• Kristi Fiedler – Genex/Cooperative Resources International
• John Lehr – Farm Credit East
• Dave Whitlock – Select Sire Power

In the contest, the college team presentations were evaluated by a panel of five judges, including dairy producers, veterinarians, farm finance specialists and agribusiness personnel. All students, coaches, volunteers and sponsors joined together to celebrate at Saturday evening’s banquet.

Eight College Teams Earn Top Awards

The following teams and students were awarded first place, with each student receiving a $200 scholarship.

• California Polytechnic State University: Justine DeVries, John Schoneveld, Toni Silva and Christine Sousa, coached by Dr. Stan Henderson and Dr. Julie Huzzey
• Cornell University: Josh Landis, Kelsey Neckers, Greg Van Ravenswaay and Colleen Smith, coached by Betsey Howland and Dr. Mike Van Amburgh
• University of Wisconsin-River Falls: Brian Fesenmaier, Meghan Connelly, Kyle Rentmeester and Dylan Nelson, coached by Dr. Sylvia Kehoe
• University of Wisconsin-Madison: Cody Getschel, Olivia Peter, Elizabeth Endres and Megan Opperman, coached by Theodore Halbach and Dr. David Combs

Teams and students earning second place and $100 student scholarships include:

• University of Alberta: Melanie Boros, Casey Morey, Kathleen Murphy and Sarah Pletts, coached by Dr. Masahito Oba
• University of Guelph: Shaelyn Prins, Victoria Seip, Sabrina Van Schyndel and Maggie Williamson, coached by Mark Carson, Dr. Trevor Devries and Dr. John Walton
• University of Idaho: Kimberly Davenport, Kayla Nelson, Zachary Reynolds and Thomas Vanberkum, coached by Dr. Amin Ahmadzadeh
• University of Minnesota: Eric Houdek, Mary Liebenstein, Bret Ott and Wyatt Smith, coached by Dr. Marcia Endres

Total Industry Effort

Six dairy farms opened up their farms for analysis, and in exchange they received a wealth of ideas from students and judges. Host farms for the 2016 Dairy Challenge were:

• Black Brook Farms, Shortsville, New York
• Fouts Farm LLC, Cortland, New York
• McMahon’s E-Z Acres, Homer, New York
• Tuscarora Dairy LLC, Chittenango, New York
• Beck Farms LLC, Freeville, New York
• Twin Birch Dairy LLC, Skaneateles, New York

“The success of the 2016 Dairy Challenge was possible through tremendous support of the participating dairy farm families in New York, the time and financial support from allied dairy businesses and dairy food donations by processors. Dairy professionals from across the U.S. assisted as contest judges and Academy advisors,” shared Putnam. “I know beyond a doubt that the industry will rally again to support the 2017 Dairy Challenge in Visalia, California, next year and make it an even greater success as we continue developing tomorrow’s dairy leaders.”

About Dairy Challenge

NAIDC is an innovative event for students in dairy programs at North American post-secondary institutions. Its mission is to develop tomorrow’s dairy leaders and enhance progress of the dairy industry, by providing education, communication and networking among students, producers, and agribusiness and university personnel. Over its 15-year national history, Dairy Challenge has helped prepare more than 5,000 students for careers as farm owners and managers, consultants, researchers, veterinarians or other dairy professionals. The next national event will be March 30–April 1, 2017 in Visalia, California. Four regional events are held in late fall and winter. Details are at www.dairychallenge.org.

As part of Holstein Canada’s initiative to invest in Young Leaders across the nation and create further opportunities for international travel, Holstein Canada is proud to announce that two delegates have been chosen to participate in the 14th World Holstein Conference being held March 28th to April 3rd, 2016 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Cindy Jaton (Compton, Que.) and Bridget Wilson (Whycocomagh, N.S.) will travel to Argentina to participate in the World Youth Meeting held in conjunction with the conference. There they will have the opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, have fun, learn, and build relationships with other global Holstein youth, uniting participants for life. In addition to two days of workshops and seminars, youth participants will take part in typical Argentinian leisure activities, including dancing the tango, visiting a traditional folk party, and learning to play the game of Pato.

The Holstein Canada Young Leader Advisory Committee was tasked with selecting the two winners from a large, very strong pool of candidates. As part of the application process, applicants were asked to create a short video on why they would make a great ambassador for Holstein Canada, the Canadian Holstein, and the Canadian dairy industry. Both Cindy’s and Bridget’s winning video essays can be viewed on the Holstein Canada YouTube channel at: Youtube.com/HolsteinCanadaVideo.

For more information on the Holstein Canada Young Leader Program and its various pillars and initiatives, contact the Holstein Canada Program Coordinator Kelly Velthuis at kvelthuis@holstein.ca.

The ATI Dairy Judging Team has swept the nation in three major competitions. At the recent North American International Livestock Competition in Louisville are, from the left, coach Don Hange and team members Hannah Dye, Kaleb Kliner, Tanner Topp and John Paulin. (photo: ATI)

There is a new undisputed national championship team at The Ohio State University. 

The Agricultural Technical Institute dairy cattle judging team swept the three major national competitions this year with its recent win at the North American International Livestock Competition in Louisville, Kentucky. 



Team members won by an impressive 67-point margin in Louisville, topping the 64-point margin by which they won the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, on Sept. 28. 

Hannah Dye, a dairy science major from Beloit, was first place overall with 710 points. Teammates Tanner Topp (dairy science, New Bremen) and Kaleb Kliner (agronomy, West Salem) were second and fourth, respectively.

Rounding out the four-person team was John Paulin, a hydraulics and power equipment major from Nova. 

The team’s first big win of the season was at the Pennsylvania-All American Contest in Harrisburg on Sept. 14. 

”I cannot remember any year where a team (at the two-year college level) participated in three judging contests and was first place in each contest and high in oral reasons,” said Royce Thornton, chair of the Agricultural and Engineering Technologies Division and coordinator of Ohio State ATI’s dairy programs.

In dairy cattle judging, team members evaluate and rank animals based on how close the animals are to ideal dairy conformation – a collection of traits associated with high milk production and healthy longevity. After ranking the animals, team members must give “oral reasons,” justifying their placing to contest judges. 

Like all Ohio State ATI dairy students, the judging team members take classes in genetics and get firsthand experience in evaluating animals for breeding. 

”We select mate all of our cows and are continually working to improve our herd,” said Ohio State ATI dairy herd manager Gary Crocker. “Students see how we pick bulls to try to get as sound an animal as possible. We teach them what we’re striving to achieve and how we get there.

Every dairy farmer wants to breed cows that will make the most money.” 

Down the road, that’s a skill students can put to use in their careers in the dairy industry, Crocker said. And, Thornton adds, it is part of the recipe for success for a championship dairy judging team. 

Ohio State ATI, located in Wooster, is an associate degree-granting program within the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at Ohio State. Ohio State ATI is ranked No. 1 in the nation in the granting of associate degrees in agriculture and related sciences.

The 2014 Michigan high placing 4-H Dairy Judging Team at World Dairy Expo. From left: Suzanna Hull, Kayla Holsten, Lucas Moser, Bryce Frahm, Coach Sarah Black, Coach Dr. Joe Domecq.

Youth involved in 4-H, the youth development branch of Michigan State University Extension, have the opportunity to try many new projects, improve important life skills and increase global and cultural competences through travel opportunities. One activity that is part of numerous animal science projects is judging, an event that engages youth in so much more than just learning about their specific animal project. Learning about animal judging for a project area takes a great deal of time and dedication from both youth and coaches, but the benefits gained will last a lifetime. The Michigan State University collegiate coaches of dairy cattle, horse, animal welfare and former livestock and meat science coaches in the Department of Animal Science agree that judging is about far more than evaluating classes.

Youth who have taken the time to learn the necessary judging skills may travel across the country or internationally to judge, but learn much more along the way. Earning opportunities to showcase evaluation, communication, decision making and numerous other skills takes years of practice. For youth involved in dairy judging, the 4-H contest held during World Dairy Expo at the end of September in Madison, Wisconsin, is the pinnacle of a young person’s judging career. Four youth represent this home state on a team on the national stage, competing for top honors and the invitation to judge on the international stage. In 2014, the Michigan 4-H team won this contest. Looking back a year later, Saginaw County youth Bryce Frahm reflects on this experience and the skills and benefits gained through dairy judging.

Frahm commented, “Traveling to Madison, Wisconsin, as a member of the Michigan 4-H Dairy Judging Team was an incredible experience. Not only did it allow me to broaden my experiences in the dairy industry, but it also allowed me to represent my state and hometown in a prestigious national competition. After hearing that Michigan was the winning team at the contest, once again I realized that if you put in an honest effort and work hard towards those goals, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish. We also had the opportunity, along with a few other top dairy teams, to travel through Scotland and Ireland for two weeks this past summer and complete in some of their judging contests while touring many different dairy and beef farms in the United Kingdom. Having earned the opportunity to judge at World Dairy Expo and in Europe is definitely something I will never forget and it will be something to talk about and reflect on for many years to come.”

In 2015, four new Michigan 4-H youth had their time on the colored shaving in Madison, Wisconsin. Each, through hard work and dedication, were already winners and well on their way to a bright future in the dairy industry.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://bit.ly/MSUENews. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

DATE: October 17th-18th, 2015
LOCATION: Malvern, Worcestershire, UK

Lancashire won Top Team Award.

The Showmanship Team Award was won by Shropshire.

Winning the Calf Team Award was Border and Lakeland.

Lancashire won the Overall Stand Award.

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Holstein Champion – Lynholme Glauco Pledge (Glauco), Lancashire
Reserve Champion – Blydale Quality Lynn (Atwood), Central Counties
Honourable Mention – Knowlesmere Windbrook Chancel (Windbrook), Shropshire

Red & White Champion  – Panda Rhubarb Gem (Barbwire Red), Devon
Reserve Champion – Aintree Chipper Daisychain Red (Chipper P Red) Western

Champion Jersey Calf – Mydrim Tequilas Sandy (Excitation), Mydrim Jerseys
Reserve Champion 0 Logan Tequila Glamour (Tequila), B Yates
Honourable Mention – Jovial Ryan Rosemary (Ryan), JR & SM Howie

Champion Ayrshire – East Church Prime Time Blissful (Prime), H M Sayer & Son
Reserve Champion – Hunnington Toni 3 (Admiral), N & C Lockyer
Honourable Mention – Sandyford Primed Clover (Prime), E T Tomlinson

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Champion Showperson – Rebecca Channing (Central Counties)
Reserve Champion – Will Horsley (Border & Lakeland)
Honourable Mention – James Docherty (Shropshire)

Ayrshire Champion Showman – Beth Mellish
Reserve Champion – Jake Sayer
Honourable Mention – Cameron Carson

Jersey Champion Showman – Izzy Wright
Reserve Champion – Zoe Clear
Honourable Mention – Claire Daws

Congratulations to this year’s Student Leader Scholars. Seven individuals have been recognized as Student Leader Scholars and will receive a $3,000 scholarship to support their 2015-2014 academic studies. Five of these scholarships are generously supported by the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, while the other two will be funded by the Center for Dairy Excellence Foundation of Pennsylvania.

The seven recipients include:

Danielle Delp, who is a sophomore studying biology and pre-veterinary medicine at Messiah College. Danielle is the daughter of Durrell and Dawn Delp from Williamsburg, Blair County. She assists on the family’s 150-cow dairy, Delside Farm, and wants to one day practice as a large animal veterinarian serving Pennsylvania dairy farms.

Amber Gabel, who is a junior studying animal science at the Pennsylvania State University. Amber is the daughter of Robert and Jennifer Gabel from Newport, Perry County, and has been very active in youth and college-level dairy activities. She hopes to pursue a career working in genetics before one day taking over and expanding the family’s dairy operation.

Simon Itle, who is a junior studying food science at the Pennsylvania State University. Simon is the son of Dan and Machelle Itle from Loretto in Cambria County. He is from a dairy farm and processing operation called Vale Wood farms. He works at the Penn State Dairy Barns and hopes to one day serve as the plant manager in his family’s dairy processing operation.

Rebecca Klopp, a senior studying animal science at the Pennsylvania State University and the daughter of Richard and Denise Klopp in Bethel, Berks County. Rebecca is very active in the Penn State Dairy Science Club and is interested in pursuing her master’s degree in animal science and dairy nutrition before working for a dairy nutrition company in Pennsylvania.

Kyle Sollenberger, who is a senior pursuing animal science at the Pennsylvania State University and the son of David and Holly Sollenberger in Spring City, Chester County. The Sollenbergers own a small dairy operation called French Creek Farm, and Kyle has been very active in both 4-H and the Penn State Dairy Science Club. After college, he hopes to work in either dairy genetics or nutrition.

Abby Sterner, who was this year’s Freshman Award winner. Abby is a freshman at Delaware Valley College and is the daughter of Karen and Jonathan Sterner. She is active in the Montgomery County 4-H Dairy Club and hopes to one day have her own dairy farm. She also would like to work in the dairy nutrition industry.

Collin Stoltzfus, a senior at the Pennsylvania State University studying BioRenewable Systems with an Agricultural Systems Management (ASM) option, who is the son of Donald and Joanne Stoltzfus from Berlin, Somerset County. Collin is the third generation at Pennwood Holsteins and owns 36 head of his own cattle. He wants to one day work for a large machinery company in mechanics and one day operating his own dairy and crop farm operation.

Congratulations to these seven individuals, who were selected from a pool of thirty-four very deserving candidates. Information on the 2016 Student Leader Scholarship will be available in March 2015.

Thirteen dairy youth competed in the World Dairy Expo Youth Fitting Contest on Sunday, September 27 in the Estrumate Sale Pavilion. Lee Morey of Rochester, Alta., took home top honors and received a clippers, sponsored by Aesculap AG Germany. Morey has placed in the top five of the contest every year since winning in 2011. Austin Nauman, Norwalk Wis., and Trevor Tuman, Arlington, Minn., took home second and third place respectively, and both received a clippers sponsored by Wahl Clipper & Lister Shearing. Serving as official judge for the contest was Kyle Henderson of Millbrook, Ont.

Top 10 winners of the 2015 World Dairy Expo Youth Fitting Contest

The placings for the Youth Fitting Contest are as follows:

1. Lee Morey, Rochester, Alta.
2. Austin Nauman, Norwalk, Wis.
3. Trevor Tuman, Arlington, Minn.
4. Jack Cliffe, Middletown, Del.
5. Nathan Arthur, Sumner, Iowa
6. Casey Morey, Rochester, AB
7. Evan Stanley, Norwood, Ont.
8. Hannah Nelson, Ellsworth, Wis.
9. Brock Liddle, Argyle, N.Y.
10. Elizabeth Acle, Guys Mills, Pa.

WDE, recognized as the meeting place for the global dairy industry, attracts more than 70,000 attendees from more than 90 countries each year. Visit worlddairyexpo.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@WDExpo or #WDE15) for more information.

The 22^nd  Annual Accelerated Genetics Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest was held September 20, 2015 in Viroqua, Wis., with the University of Wisconsin-Madison taking top honors in both reasons and overall. The University of Wisconsin-Madison team was coached by Chad Wethal and Brian Kelroy. Team members Kristen Broege, Abigail Martin, Megan Lauber and Sara Griswold took home the coveted Brown Swiss Canton III Traveling Trophy for winning the contest.

Placing second overall was the University of Wisconsin-River Falls coached by Steve Kelm and Mary Holle. Team members included: Charlie Moore, Tim Abrahamson, Trent Miller and Meghan Connelly.

The top overall individual award went to Kristen Broege from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The other top individuals included (listed in order from 2^nd-5^th): Logan Voigts, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Meghan Connelly, University of Wisconsin-River Falls; Jessica Pralle, University of Wisconsin-Madison; and Lars Sivesind, Iowa State University.

In the oral reasons individual competition, the top three receive a special scholarship from the James W. Crowley Fund. This years top three individuals were: Kristen Broege, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Meghan Connelly, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, and Abigail Martin, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

A total of 12 teams participated in this year’s contest representing the states of Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. They judged the following dairy breeds Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey and Milking Shorthorn with each participant placing 10 classes and giving five sets of oral reasons.

A key part of the judging contest are the youth that serve as leadspeople. Each year, Vernon County youth assist with the contest by leading the cattle – this year 25 youth participated. Showmanship awards are then given to the youth based on their skills exhibiting the cattle and sportsmanship.

In the Junior Showmanship Division Karly Anderson placed first, Grant Fremstad placed second and Gabe Engh placed third. Placing first in the Senior Showmanship Division was Krista Hall, second place Courtney Moser and third was David Petersheim. And the Overall Showmanship Winner was Leif Thompson, who received the David Larson Memorial Showmanship Award – a special award in memory of David Larson, who worked very closely with the Vernon County youth and the judging contest.

This contest would not be possible without the tremendous support of the numerous contest and award sponsors. They include: American Guernsey Association, American Jersey Cattle Association, American Milking Shorthorn Society, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Chart Industries, Inc., Church of Christ, Connie Schmelzer, Hampel Corporation, Holstein Associaiton USA, James W. Crowley Fund, Merial, Ltd., Milk Products, Inc., Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Sci-Tech Premixes, Inc., Supreme Awards, Swiss Valley Farms, Co., The Baraboo National Bank, The Bank of Viroqua, Vernon County Agricultural Society, Vernon County Junior and Open Show Exhibitors, Wisconsin Brown Swiss Canton III – Jane of Vernon, and Zoetis,.

Kimmi Devaney at home at Washington State University Photo by Kimmi Devaney

School started up again a few weeks ago for college students across the country. It’s now been nine years since I moved 300 miles across the state to begin my college career at Washington State University. I’d like to think I was fearless, but I was more than a little nervous. My best friend was my roommate, but what if I didn’t know anyone else? What if I didn’t like it? What if I wanted to move home?

That first semester was pretty tough since I didn’t have many friends there and I felt all alone most of the time. One of my dairy princess friends was in Dairy Club and said it would be a good way to meet people just like me. I joined and at the first meeting became an officer. As they were electing the historian, Megan said, “Pictures?! Kimmi loves pictures! She’s perfect for this!!” Hmm. I guess there’s no backing out now.

I didn’t know it at the time, but that put me on track for a remarkable college experience. Megan was right. I DID meet a lot of people through Dairy Club. New friends that let me tag along to help milk at the university dairy, introduced me to another dairy-related group on campus and opened a lot of doors to various experiences. Most were seniors at the time and they certainly didn’t have to do this for a little freshman they didn’t really know. But they did. And I’ve never forgotten it.

When I was a senior, Dairy Club elected me as their president and we had a lot of new, younger members. I did everything I could to make them feel like part of the group and get them involved. Pay it forward.

A lot of older students and alumni gave me advice during my four and a half years in Pullman and in the spirit of paying it forward, I hope it helps current students.

“Good things happen when people know who you are and what you can do.” 

An alumnus said this at an event and it stuck with me. He said to get involved in activities and groups I enjoyed and make as many connections as possible. You know what? He was right! Every job I’ve had since college has been because of someone I knew. Well, kind of. I had the right connections, which helped, but ultimately it was my experience and personality that got me the job. Professors, industry folks and classmates are all good contacts. Keep in touch with them!

Along those lines, collect business cards.

I write on the back where I met the person, the date and anything that stands out about our conversation. When you get a lot of cards in a box, you’ll be glad you have something to jog your memory.

You don’t  need to know everything…

No one is an expert. It’s okay. Be knowledgeable in your area and open to new ideas. Knowing where to go for information when you need it is a good skill to acquire. This goes back to keeping in touch with those contacts.

…But learn everything you can.

I didn’t know what I wanted to do. In high school, I wanted to be a journalist and write for a national dairy magazine. WSU had an exceptional communications college, so that’s what I did. After joining Dairy Club and meeting a lot of animal science students, I thought learning about what I loved (cows) sounded awesome. Later, I found that there is actually a major for people who like to write and love agriculture: agricultural communications! I took a lot of somewhat random classes and I’m glad I did. I tap into that knowledge from time to time and it’s nice to have some contacts that are better versed in those areas when I need it.

Don’t be afraid to move.

Internships are SO important! Do a lot of them. Don’t be afraid to move or try something that seems a little outside your comfort zone. It’s three months. If you don’t like the job and/or don’t like the location, you aren’t stuck. It’s much harder to change your mind once you are in a job after college. Now is the time to try things out. Take advantage of that because it’s MUCH more difficult to bounce around after college. For the record, moving was one of the best things I ever did.

In college, I wanted nothing more than to work in the Washington dairy industry and be close to family. You have to go where the opportunities are and unfortunately, at the time they were not in Washington. It’s scary at first. The first 6 months will suck. Things get so much better, just give it a chance.

You’ll be okay. I WISH someone had told me that when I was struggling after moving to Indiana after graduation. I didn’t know anyone and felt extremely alone. It was awful. I hated it. I didn’t know that what I was experiencing was normal and that it would get better.

Stay involved after graduation.

Get involved in activities outside of the classroom in college. Stay involved in the professional organizations you joined after graduation. The dynamic changes and you need to be ready for that. I wasn’t. It was a shock and I almost quit going, but I’m glad I gave it another chance. Five years later, I’m on national committees and can’t walk 2 feet at the conference without running into someone I know. Give it time. Learn everything you can. Meet people and network.

Network, network, network!!

This is one of the most important pieces of the puzzle. You need to have the knowledge to back up your credibility, but getting out and meeting people will make a big difference. Who doesn’t like having new friends?! It makes everything more enjoyable.

Don’t wish away anything.

I always couldn’t wait for this or that. Dad told me not to wish my life away. He’s right. You can wait. Enjoy what’s happening now because you’ll never get that time back. I was so over college my last semester. I wanted to be done. I didn’t want to be there. The real world would be so much better. As good as the real world can be, I wish I had savored that last semester more.

Pay it forward.

Get involved, network and learn as much as you can. When others take time to teach you things like those older students and alumni did for me, don’t forget to pay it forward. If we all help each other, the world will be a better place.

Read this article and more from the Kimmi’s Dairyland blog at: http://kimmisdairyland.blogspot.com/

The European Young Breeders School units passionate young breeders between 13-25 years from around the world.  After a successful 16 years, this year’s participants did not disappoint.

Winner 2015: Canadian Chris Steven, also best clipper. He beat the German Fieseler Margarethe of ZBH team (2 ^nd) and the Belgian Pieter Vandewalle of VABI team (3 ^rd).

Best Showman (presenter), Jacques Bernard from Luxembourgish. Also best judge, he is ahead by 2 Canadian participants Mauranne Steven and Chris Hebert.

A new award, one of the leaders for the most deserving young man was carried away by Agueda Capon Fernandez (Spain).

The team of trainers welcomed two new recruits: Jonas Melbaum (Germany) and Marcel Egli (Switzerland). Jonas Pussemier, they are well 3 to be passed by the benches of the EYBS 

Taking home the top team award was Switzerland

The judge, Daniel Brochu and his wife, the Milibro Farm in Quebec were impressed by the level of presentation, quality heifers, labor and energy made by all these young people and the organization in place.

All results online.

Alberta hosted the Western Canadian Classic Junior Dairy Show and, as usual, 
a whole batch of special memories was made

Jaclyn Hunter won the intermediate calf class with a heifer borrowed from Wendon Holsteins of Innisfail. Photo: Dianne Finstad

Getting experience in the dairy showing world at a young age can open all sorts of doors.

The 31st edition of the Western Canadian Classic (WCC) Junior Dairy Show brought 100 participants between the ages of 12 and 21 to Westerner Park in Red Deer for five days of activities.

Naturally, the event included showing calves, but also things like a dairy science quiz and a judging contest, not to mention a host of fun ‘get to know each other’ activities.

Jaclyn Hunter of Ferintosh came to this year’s event (held on Aug. 18-23) with mixed emotions. The 21-year-old was excited to be participating in her home province and seeing old friends again, but it was also her final year.

“It’s bittersweet knowing that this is my last year — growing up with all these kids and meeting the new ones,” she said before adding with a beaming smile, “Like this year we have eight new members, which is incredible for the team!”

The great thing about the program for Hunter was being involved even though her own family sold its dairy herd in 2007.

“I’m very fortunate. I’ve been borrowing heifers (to show). I’ve borrowed from Crestomere Holsteins, Mosnang Holsteins, and Wendon Holsteins — those are three of the farms I’ve also worked for lots at shows and sales, too. They’re an awesome group of people and really helpful.”

Hunter has seen her share of success at the youth event over the years, including winning the Grand Champion Showmanship prize in 2014. That led to her selection for Team Canada, and an international adventure in the dairy industry. As part of Holstein Canada’s Young Leaders initiative, a six-member team travelled to Battice, Belgium last September to take part in the European Young Breeders School.

“It was extremely neat to go over there. Team Canada is looked up to,” she said. “When we got there, we all were given a calf, donated from farms for the kids to use, which I thought was amazing. It was our duty to break them to lead, wash them all week, clip them up, feed, water and bed them, and take care of them. We went through some judging seminars, a clipping demonstration, and had some farm tours.

“I think the thing about it I enjoyed the most was how well the six of us (on Team Canada) got along. It was so amazing to go somewhere with people I’d never met before — I met them at an airport — and we’re all great friends now and keep in touch.”

In Belgium, Hunter was billeted with a host family, and immersed in the French language.

“That was a learning curve, since I know no French. I learned a little bit to get me by,” she said. “They were so nice, and drove us to and from the barns every day. It was just such an amazing atmosphere, and an amazing time.”

Alberta won the team award at this year’s Western Canadian Classic Junior Dairy Show.photo: Dianne Finstad

While Team Canada did participate in the competitions, earning individual points, its role was partly to teach and share with the European young people about the Canadian youth dairy showing initiatives.

“I say this to everybody who asks me — WCC is an amazing program. I couldn’t have asked for a better last 11 years. Competition-wise, I think WCC is head and foot above anything there. But experience-wise, and just learning new things and meeting new people, Belgium was the best time. Definitely a highlight of my years.”

Hunter will be completing her directed field studies for her bachelor of applied science in agribusiness at Olds College this fall, after harvesting with her family. She’s not sure what kind of job her training will lead to, but she’ll always have cows close to her heart.

“I love the dairy industry. I’m so passionate about it.”

Showing the Grand Champion heifer this year was Katelyn Crest of Athabasca, with her junior Holstein yearling Skycrest Peanut. It’s the fourth time she’s had the top animal.

“I won with her mother one year, so that’s kind of cool,” said the 20-year-old, who was also the reserve winner in showmanship.

Crest has been part of the WCC program for 10 years, and is also an enthusiastic supporter.

“Everyone gets along. It’s a competition, but we’re still hanging out with other teams and having a good time. It’s good competition, too.”

Alberta won the team award this year, but Crest says part of the responsibility of the senior members is to help the younger ones.

“We’ve got five or six leaving (our team) in the next two years, so it’s grooming time for these little guys to step up and learn the tricks of the trade.”

Next year’s Western Canadian Classic Junior Dairy Show will be in Brandon, Man

Source: Alberta Farmer Express

The Ontario Holstein Branch is pleased to announce the 2015 winners of the Ontario Dairy Youth Award. Established in 1980, the competition recognizes young people aged 25-35 who are actively involved in the operation of a dairy farm, who have demonstrated leadership and taken an active role in their communities.

This year’s winners are Adam Petherick (Almerson Farms Ltd.), Ted Clarke (Blayjoy Holstein Ltd.), Gary Markus (Markhill Holsteins) and Stefen Robinson (Glenn Acres Farm).  These talented winners will receive an all-expenses paid trip to World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin this fall. The Ontario Dairy Youth Award is funded through the Ontario Dairy Youth Trust Fund, the Ontario Holstein Branch and Gay Lea Foods as a supporting sponsor.

Below is information on each winner:

Ted Clarke – Blayjoy Holsteins

Ted milks 50-55 cows in Grey County, in partnership with his brother Allan and parents Blain and Joyce. The 450 acre tie-stall operation in Dundalk ON is home to a total of 135 head who are milked in a double 4 Herringbone Parlour. The farm has a current classification of 5 ME, 3 EX, 42 VG and 15 GP Holsteins. Blayjoy has bred two All Canadian/All American nominations, Blayjoy Jasper Mallory and Blayjoy Pundit Patrice. Since taking over the breeding program in the fall of 2000, the herd classification average to 85.5 points, they have increased quota holders from 23 to 73 kilograms, dropped age at first calving to 24-25 months, bought two neighbouring farms, added a bigger bulk tank, built a second tower silo and has built an addition on the barn bank with 23 tie-stalls for a total of 50 stalls on farm.

Adam Petherick – Almerson Farms Ltd.

Adam and his wife, Amy, in partnership with his parents, Evan and Marilyn, milk 54 cows in a head to head bank barn in Campbellford Ontario. The 350 acre, 2-time Master Breeder operation in Northumberland County is home to 41 Holsteins and 12 Jerseys, with a current classification of 8 EX, 34 VG, and 18 GP, with a current herd BCA of 253-263-257. The herd averages eight generations of VG or EX dams, with some animals as high as twelve generations. Since returning from university, with the support of his parents, Adam has initiated and overseen many changes to the farm, such as the dairy barn renovation completed in 2009 which saw a 50 X 120 foot tarp barn and an open front heifer barn built. He has also increased the farm’s quota holdings by 50%, adopted herd management software on the farm, switched the herd to a TMR based ration, and has invested in more labour saving automation like an automatic calf feeder.

Gary Markus – Markhill Holsteins

Gary and his wife Hilary moved to their current operation three years ago, and milk 60 Holsteins in a 2-row tunnel ventilated free-stall barn in Oxford County. The 60 head herd are milked in a Double 8 Swing-Over Parlour. Their Management Score is 35th out of 230 producers in Oxford County, and their current classification is 5 ME, 2 EX, 19 VG, 16 GP, 2 G and 5 not classified with a herd composite BCA of 261.7. Markhill Holsteins has been rewarded with 15 Superior Production Awards, and has had the privilege of breeding an All-Ontario Milking Yearling in 2010 (Markridge Goldwyn Emilyne, EX-92-2E), breeding a 2013 member of the Royal Walk of Fame (Markhill Fever Tessie, VG-89-3YR), and has bred 4 Excellents and 15 Very Good two-year-olds in six breeding years. Gary and brother Darryl purchased 30 kilograms of quota off the monthly exchange, starting with 25 cows from 15 different farms and sales as the starting base of the herd seven and a half years ago. The brothers rented a 40 cow tie-stall barn for 5 years and continued buying quota monthly to slowly grow their holdings until they filled the rented facility. In summer 2014, the brothers as intended, were able to sever their partnership and each operate their own farm with their families.

Stefen Robinson – Glenn Acres Farm

Glenn Acres Farm is a 460 acre family run operation, with almost entirely all the work done by the family. Stefen milks 65 cows in a tiestall facility with his parents and two brothers in Renfew County. The 150 head in the herd are 100 per cent Holstein and consist of 2 ME, 1 EX, 25 VG, 32 GP, 2 G, and 4 not classified. They are milked in the 73 stall tie-stall barn in Beachburg Ont. built in 1967 with two major additions built in 1997 and 2007. Since becoming involved in the farm, Stefen has increased quota holdings by 25 per cent, began feeding a customized protein pellet and premix mineral along with BMR corn, which has increased the annual milk kilograms by over 900 per cow, and annual milk value increased by almost $1,200 per cow. The farm has recently expanded the barn to 73 tie-stalls and a new bulk tank has been installed.

Source: Ontario Holstein

The bond between 4-H’er and calf is one that often grows strong,- bringing much joy. This was never more evident than during the partnership between Stormont’s Aimee Van Loon and her jersey calf, Payneside Mac N Cheese.

Loaned to Aimee for her 4-H project in 2013 by club leader Jill Robinson and her husband Doug from their family farm, the two quickly became inseparable. Aimee worked on training, clipping, feeding and showing the calf in many competitive and open 4-H shows across the province.

“Every time I went to walk her, she would come running to see me. When I put her back in the pasture she would turn around, stay at the gate and watch me leave,” says Aimee.

Jill says watching the pair together was simply amazing.

“Aimee is very dedicated to training animals and has patience and the ability to remain calm and focused even when her calf has a stubborn day,” she says. “They connected right from day one.”

“It means a lot to me because Doug and Jill saved Mac N Cheese for me to show when they could have easily sold her to some of the many people wanting to buy her,” says Aimee. “It was great that they gave me the opportunity to show Mac N Cheese at numerous shows that season.”

Despite coming from a holstein farm, Aimee has always held affection for jerseys, saying she loves their unique personality, which can make them more challenging.

And Aimee was more than up to the challenge, entering Mac N Cheese into numerous competitions and having huge success. Overall, they attended nine 4-H events that summer and fall. At their first show, which was the Eastern Ontario Junior Show, Mac N Cheese won Grand Champion, despite Aimee being in new territory, having never been in the champion class before.

As a typically quiet member who got involved with 4-H because her family was involved—and because she enjoyed showing cattle—Aimee found this experience helped her develop many new skills.

Being in 4-H has allowed her to become more confident in public speaking, leadership and working with others, as well as teaching her new skills like cooking, sewing, plowing and showing beef cattle. Watching senior classes gave her a chance to learn new tips for showmanship, fitting and clipping skills.

“During this time we could see Aimee gaining more confidence in her own abilities,” says Jill. “Her showmanship skills got better and better due to the time spent working with Mac N Cheese… Aimee was thrilled when we put a
set of clippers in her hands and said ‘Mac N Cheese is your project.’”

Aimee’s hard work culminated 18 months later into a world record when Payneside Mac N Cheese sold at an auction in the United States for $267,000 on April 2.

Jill says she and Doug are thrilled and that they knew there was something special about Mac N Cheese from Day 1 as a young calf, but never imagined this.

“As a 4-H member Doug always dreamed of having the perfect calf, and although he was not on the halter of Mac N Cheese he still got to see his dream come true through Aimee.”

Aimee looks back fondly on her time with Mac N Cheese.

“It feels incredible. It’s awesome how much I hear people talking about Mac N Cheese and I’m so proud of her,” she says. “It feels like a dream come true. I always knew that someday Mac N Cheese was going to be famous.”

Now 14 years old, Aimee plans on completing her years in 4-H, while continuing to show jerseys and hopefully achieving her goal of once again competing in the Royal Agriculture Winter Fair. Also on the horizon is joining new clubs and camps, becoming a Youth Leader, and becoming a volunteer leader once her years of membership in 4-H are complete.

By: Ryan Métivier 4-H Ontario

The  annual Youth Classic Dairy Show is set to go on September 13th at the Fayette County Fairgrounds in West Union, Iowa.

• Open to any youth who was 9 years old and no more than 21 years old on January 1, 2015.
• No geographic limitations for exhibitors.
• Ownership of animals is required prior to May 15, 2015. Registration must be at least partially in the junior’s name or a family farm name, or animal must be a bonafide 4-H or FFA project. Exhibitor must bring some form of identification such as registration papers, DHIA or grade ID.
• Registered and identified female animals are eligible. Grades with proper 4-H and FFA identification form are welcome to show.
• NICC Dairy Science Club members are allowed to show as long as they meet the age requirements, and have written proof from Dave Lawsteun, that they have worked with the animal project.
• There is no entry fee. If you would like to donate or sponsor an award please contact Katie Steinlage.
• A Supreme Jr. Champion and a Supreme Grand Champion will be chosen.
• Trans Ova has been named as one of the Elite Sponsors of the show. Trans Ova is providing a certificate for an IVF cycle with conventional or pre-sexed semen to both the Supreme Grand Champion and Supreme Junior Champion of the show. Each certificate will have a value of $750. The exhibitors who receive these certificates may choose to upgrade the service that they use to include reverse-sorted semen by making up the difference in price.
• Prizes include cash, chutes, show halters, clippers and other show supplies. Each exhibitor will receive a prize.
• Entries must be postmarked on or before August 29, 2015. Entry blanks are available by mail or Call Katie Steinlage at (563)422-0190. Late entries may be denied. Email entries to katie.steinlage@transova.com. Entry Blanks may be copied and shared with new exhibitors.
• Cattle may begin arriving at noon on Friday, September 11, 2015 and must be in place by 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 12th. If there is a time conflict, please notify Katie right away so accommodations can be made. Any early set up of bedding is determined by the Fayette County Fairgrounds, not the Youth Classic.
• Check-In will begin at noon on Saturday.
• Cattle will be released immediately following the completion of the show on Sunday.
• Exhibitors must furnish all their own hay and bedding. Straw or shavings are acceptable.
• Milking parlor facilities will be available.
• Substitute animals are eligible for this show as long as they meet all of the above criteria.

Fitting Contest

• Open to all youth ages 9-21 on the day of the contest.
• Pre-registration Required (No Entry Fee)
• Youth who have won previous Youth Classic Fitting Contests are ineligible to compete.
• Contestants must provide an animal to fit. Contestants need not own the animal they fit. Contestants are responsible for obtaining permission from the owner, if the animal is not his/her own. The animal must be entered in the Youth Classic Dairy Show.
• Only the head and legs of the heifer may be clipped before the contest.
• Contestants must provide their own fitting equipment.
• Contestants will have 60 minutes to fit their animal to show ready.
• Awards will be presented during the Youth Classic Dairy Show on Sunday.

The following scorecard will be used:

• Ease of handling equipment 20 points
• Proper clipping technique on body 20 points
• Proper topline grooming 30 points (Including blowing and clipping)
• Hair is blended properly 10 points
• Proper use of sprays and adhesives 10 points
• Preparation completely finished 10 points

The 2015 edition of the Dairy Jeopardy competition at the US Holstein Association Convention in Illinois saw contestants across the US answer knowledge testing questions to test their dairy insight.  Pennsylvania was well represented with 2 of the 3 division winners, and a impressive 3rd place finish in the senior division as well.

Dairy Jeopardy winners:

• Junior Division:
  • 1st- Caroline Arrowsmith, Pennsylvania
  • 2nd- Sianna Barrett, California
  • 3rd- Blake Wright, Missouri
• Intermediate Division:
  • 1st- Nathan Arthur, Iowa
  • 2nd- Logan Potts, Virginia
  • 3rd- Alex Gambonini, California

Senior Division:

• 1st- Travis Holtzinger, Pennsylvania
• 2nd- Elizabeth Endres, Wisconsin
• 3rd- Amber Gabel, Pennsylvania

A new report show tremendous demand for recent college graduates with a degree in agricultural programs, with an estimated 57,900 high-skilled job openings annually in the food, agriculture, renewable natural resources, and environment fields in the United States. According to an employment outlook report released  by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and Purdue University, there is an average of 35,400 new U.S. graduates with a bachelor’s degree or higher in agriculture related fields, 22,500 short of the jobs available annually.

“There is incredible opportunity for highly-skilled jobs in agriculture,” said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Those receiving degrees in agricultural fields can expect to have ample career opportunities. Not only will those who study agriculture be likely to get well-paying jobs upon graduation, they will also have the satisfaction of working in a field that addresses some of the world’s most pressing challenges. These jobs will only become more important as we continue to develop solutions to feed more than 9 billion people by 2050.”

The report projects almost half of the job opportunities will be in management and business. Another 27% will be in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) areas. Jobs in food and biomaterials production will make up 15%, and 12% of the openings will be in education, communication, and governmental services. The report also shows that women make up more than half of the food, agriculture, renewable natural resources, and environment higher education graduates in the United States.

Other highlights of the report include:

• While most employers prefer to hire graduates of food, agriculture, renewable natural resources, and environment programs, graduates from these programs only fill about 60 percent of the expected annual openings. Even as enrollments in these programs increase and the job market becomes somewhat more competitive, good employment opportunities for the next five years are expected.

• Growth in job opportunities will be uneven. Employers in some areas will struggle to find enough graduates to fill jobs. In a few areas, employers will find an oversupply of job seekers.

• Expect to see a strong employment market for e-commerce managers and marketing agents, ecosystem managers, agricultural science and business educators, crop advisors, and pest control specialists.

• Job opportunities in STEM areas are expected to grow. Expect the strongest job market for plant scientists, food scientists, sustainable biomaterials specialists, water resources scientists and engineers, precision agriculture specialists, and veterinarians.

The report, Employment Opportunities for College Graduates in Food, Agriculture, Renewable Natural Resources, and the Environment, United States, 2015–2020, is the eighth in a series of five-year projections initiated by USDA in 1980. The report was produced by Purdue University with grant support from NIFA.

Source:  USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Penn State’s Dairy Challenge team earned a second place award at the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge® (NAIDC) held April 9-11 in Syracuse, NY. The event was funded through the generous support of 120 agribusinesses and dairy farms. Dairy Challenge was started 14 years ago through cooperation between universities, dairy producers and agribusinesses. The event expanded in 2013 with the Dairy Challenge Academy, providing hands-on learning where teams of students evaluate a dairy operation with the help of dairy industry professionals serving as Academy Advisors.

This year 128 students competed as part of 32 teams in the national contest, and 150 students participated in the Academy. The event is hosted by the Northeast Dairy Challenge committee, a group of agribusiness professionals and university personnel. The national event will be hosted in 2015 and 2016 in Liverpool, NY, giving the Northeast an opportunity to showcase New York’s thriving dairy industry.

Team members representing the Department of Animal Science included Gearet Fitzpatrick, Kensington, MD; Isaac Haagen, Howard, PA; Amy Kraus, Aliquippa, PA; and Evan Snyder, Elizabethtown, PA. They evaluated Fesko Farms in Skaneateles, NY, placing second among the eight teams which evaluated the same operating dairy. Team coaches were Gabriella Varga, Ph.D., Emeritus University Distinguished Professor of Animal Science, Virginia Ishler, Extension Associate, and Lisa Holden, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Dairy Science. Each student on the team was awarded a $100 scholarship for their placing.

Dairy Challenge® is an innovative two-day academic competition for students representing dairy science programs at North American universities. It enables students to apply theory and learning to a real-world dairy, while working as part of a four-person team. The competition incorporates all facets of a working dairy business in a forum that’s interactive, educational and fun.

In the contest, each four-person team received information about a working dairy farm, including production and farm management data. The teams then evaluated the dairy through observation and interviews with the herd owner and/or manager, working together to analyze the farm-specific data and develop management recommendations for nutrition, reproduction, milking procedures, animal health, housing and financial management.
The event culminated with team members presenting recommendations and then fielding questions from a panel of judges. These official judges included dairy producers and industry experts in dairy finances, reproduction, nutrition and animal health. Presentations were evaluated for accuracy of analysis and recommendations, with awards presented at a final banquet.

Four Penn State students participated in the Dairy Challenge Academy, developed in 2013 to expand this educational and networking event to more college students. Academy student-participants also analyzed and developed recommendations for operating dairies; however, the Academy was organized in mixed-university team format with two Advisors to help coach these younger students. Participants were Jaylene Lesher, Bernville, PA; Denille Pingrey, Strykersville, NY; Caitlyn Pool, Robesonia, PA and Greyson Smith, Palmyra, PA.

The North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge was established as a management contest to incorporate all phases of a specific dairy business. It strives to incorporate a higher-learning atmosphere with practical application to help prepare students for careers in the dairy industry. Supported financially through generous donations by agribusinesses and coordinated by a volunteer board of directors, the first NAIDC was held in April 2002. In its 14-year history, Dairy Challenge has helped train over 4500 students through the national contest, Dairy Challenge Academy and four regional contests conducted annually.
Penn State’s team was supported, in part, by a Dairy Challenge endowment established by Department of Animal Science alumnus Clifton Marshall and by contributions from the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, and the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association.

During the event, students visit with NAIDC sponsors for educational and recruitment opportunities. Sponsors include companies, organizations and dairy producers who are committed to cultivating tomorrow’s dairy leaders. Their support encourages enhanced training and motivation of dairy students to be better prepared for the dairy industry’s future, while allowing dairy science and business management academic programs to measure themselves against North America’s best. Industry professionals presented cutting-edge research, new programs and career opportunities to students.

The mission of the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge is to facilitate education, communication and an exchange of ideas among students, agribusiness, dairy producers and universities that enhances the development of the dairy industry and its leaders.

For more information about participating teams and their placement at NAIDC or to become a sponsor of the program, visit www.dairychallenge.org or www.facebook.com/DairyChallenge.

There’s got to be a scientific reason as to why livestock kids are such incredible kids. As a whole, they possess such admirable traits at such a young age — polite, compassionate, confident, hard working, and driven. As livestock-minded people, we might immediately attribute this to genetics, and while that may be true to a degree, child psychology shows that it is the parental involvement and the environment in which livestock families raise their children. Here are six reasons psychologists believe the #stockshowlife benefits child development.

EFFECTS OF STRONG PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

1. Emotional Health. Compared with peers whose parents are often absent throughout the day, teens whose parents are present when they go to bed, wake up, and come home from school are less likely to experience emotional distress.¹ Because stock have to be fed morning and night, and raising livestock is not a one-man project due to its labor intensive nature. Livestock families, more often than not, wake together, work together when the kids come home from school and are together prior to going to bed.
2. Self-Esteem. Youth whose parents exhibit love, responsiveness, and involvement tend to have higher levels of self-esteem and internal self-control. Parental love, responsiveness, involvement and non-coercive, democratic discipline had a strong association with adolescent psychosocial development as measured in global self-esteem, feelings of internal control and ability, and susceptibility to negative peer pressure.² The support and love needed to successfully engage in livestock projects are huge. So much of the time parents and children learn together and work together in hopes to achieve goals. This builds dependency and trust between one another and confidence in one’s self.
3. Educational Attainment and Academic Achievement. Students whose parents are more involved with their schooling tend to complete higher levels of education and are more likely to graduate from high school than peers whose parents are not so involved. On average, youths whose parents engage in leisure and educational activities with them achieve better grades than peers whose parents spend less time with them. Students whose teachers reported higher levels of parental involvement were more likely to graduate high school than peers whose parents were not so involved.³ Pre-teens whose parents engaged in activities in the home and outdoors, spent leisure time away from the home with them, shared meals with them, helped with homework or reading, and engaged in other home activities with them earned better grades in school, on average, than peers whose parents spent less time with them.⁸ Parents of livestock kids have made a decision to embark on activity they know must be tended to multiple times per day rather than during school or a couple of days per week after school. They have a great deal of time, money and sweat invested in their projects and the idea of not being able to participate at a show due to poor grades encourages both student and parental expectation.
4. Behavior. On average, adolescents whose parents are more involved in their lives and discuss important decisions with them exhibit lower levels of aggression and antisocial behavior than peers who experience less parental involvement. The greater the parents’ involvement, the lower the level of adolescents’ behavioral problems, both in terms of aggression and antisocial behavior and negative feelings such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. ⁴ When engaging in livestock projects, decisions must be made each day as to how to react and adapt to ever-changing scenarios. These decisions often must be made from relying on and soliciting advice from others. In return, children learn how to interact with peers and adults and create solutions to challenges each and every day.
5. Delinquency (Boys). Adolescents who experience supportive and affectionate relationships with their fathers are less likely to engage in delinquent behavior than peers who do not experience such a relationship. Paternal supervision, as well as supportive and affectionate father-son relationships, discourage juvenile delinquency, regardless of a youth’s delinquent friends, perception of trouble in the neighborhood, and/or positive attitudes about breaking the law.⁵ We love our stock show dads and positive male role models who adorn this industry. The pride that radiates through the agricultural industry when someone of the next generation carries the torch is unexplainable. To encourage young people to do so when there are so many alternatives and options in today’s society takes encouragement and support.
6. Tobacco Use and Substance Abuse. On average, adolescents who are strongly connected to their parents and other family members are less likely to smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, or use marijuana. Youth surveyed (grades 7-12) were less likely to smoke cigarettes if they had high levels of connectedness to parents and other family members. Those in grades 9-12 were also less likely to smoke, drink alcohol or use marijuana if their parents were present in the home more often, if they engaged more often in activities with their parents, and if they perceived that their parents had high expectations for their educational attainment.^6/7 The amount of time required to effectively raise livestock projects is significant in relation to most extracurricular activities. Due to this and simply the amount of time spent under supervision of adults, youth do not have time to come up with negative activities to occupy their time.

In addition to parental involvement, the environment in which livestock kids are raised greatly contributes to their success as young members of society: constant exposure to outdoor activities, experiencing different cultures and lifestyles through travel, having to care for animals who depend on them for health and wellbeing, the understanding of nutritional needs, financial considerations, etc. All of these would not be possible, however, without parents who have created this environment for their children.

Thank you stock show moms, dads, teachers and mentors who create this environment, who put in the time and who choose to guide our next generation to greatness!

Source: Surcamp

Eighty-three students from ten western US and one Canadian universities and colleges traveled to Tulare, California for the 10th annual Western Regional Dairy Challenge on February 26 – 28, 2015. Headquarters for the contest was the College of the Sequoias (COS) Tulare campus.

The Western Regional Dairy Challenge is a three-day educational competition designed to prepare students for dairy careers. Working in mixed-university teams of five or six students, participants assessed all aspects of a working dairy farm, including facilities, nutrition, financials, reproduction, and animal health. Students collaborated on a 20-minute team presentation that detailed their observations and suggestions to a panel of judges. Teams were ranked based on how well their evaluations matched the judges’ evaluations of the dairy operation.

On Thursday students listened to a cow comfort seminar given by Megan Mouw of Novus International and participated in a team building activity led by Dairy Challenge alumni. As part of the team-building, students assembled and raced tricycles, which were later donated to the Visalia Rescue Mission, Lighthouse Rescue Mission of Tulare and the Tulare Co. Sheriff’s – Police Activity League.

Jay teVelde and Tyler Van Grouw welcomed the teams to their farm on Friday and participated in a question and answer session with students. Dr. Larry Dutto, Provost at COS welcomed the group and coordinated facility use. There were also several sponsors attending the event who were able to network with the students throughout the weekend. Students made observations and presented them to a panel of judges made up of a nutritionist, a veterinarian, a financer, and a dairy producer who ranked them on their conclusions and performance.

Platinum teams:

Team 1 Wildcats: Anthony Alamo, Cal Poly – SLO; Stephanie Webb, Washington State University; Nathanael Caires, University of Idaho; Lacey Papageorge, Utah State University; Clinton Lundell, Merced Community College

Team 4 Black Aces: Kelly Hipwell, Utah State University; Elizabeth Swan Gist, Cal Poly – SLO; John Schoneveld, Cal Poly –SLO; Elizabeth Lockyer, University of Idaho; Brandon Nickels, Washington State University

Team 7 Diamondbacks: Victoria Perira, California State University- Fresno; Chance Boyer, Utah State University; Emilie Baerends, University of Alberta; Wyatt Sherron, Merced Community College; Amy McBirney, Cal Poly – SLO

Team 10 Kestrels: Blythe Shill, Texas A & M University; Emily Beebe, Washington State University; Russell Pate, Cal Poly – SLO; Rebecca Thomas, Oregon State University; Sarah Herrmann, University of Idaho

Gold teams:

Team 2 Tophatters: Alexandria Brown, University of Idaho; Preston Fernandes, Cal Poly – SLO; Teanna Beckstead, Utah State University; Marcelo Martinez, Washington State University; Toni Silva, Cal Poly – SLO

Team 5 Sidewinders: Anton Fernandes, Merced Community College; Megan Machado, Cal PolySLO; Jacob Macedo, California State University – Fresno; Sarah Beukema, University of Alberta; Dylan Burrows, University of Idaho

Team 14 Dambusters: Quincy Sadowski, Utah State University; Alison Sherman, Cal Poly-SLO; Danny Moretti, Oregon State University; Kelsey Bitter, Texas A & M University; Stacy Williams, University of California – Davis

Team 15 Argonauts: Michael Azevedo, California State University – Fresno; Jennifer Callahan, Washington State University; Tyson Grisenti, Utah State University; Lauren Fontenot, Texas A & M University; Dominic Balistreri, Cal Poly – SLO

A committee of dairy industry representatives organized the Challenge. A long list of volunteers was important to the competition’s success. To volunteer or become a sponsor for the 2015 contest, contact Shawna Martinho at shawna.martinho@churchdwight.com. All contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Contributing sponsor listings are available on the website. The Western Regional Dairy Challenge is under the guidance and support of the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge (NAIDC), which was established in April 2002 as a management contest to incorporate evaluation of all aspects of a specific dairy business. For more information, visit www.dairychallenge.org. The regional event leads to the national contest of the same format, held April 9 – 11 2015, in Syracuse, NY.

Considering the average age of a Wisconsin farmer is over 56 years old and the state has been losing around 500 dairy farms per year in recent years, experts say it’s important to prepare young people to step into farm roles to help keep the state’s $88 billion agricultural economy strong into the future.

But making the transition into dairy farming is complicated, and aspiring farmers often don’t have the capital — or the experience — to take over an established operation.

The Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA) program is working to address the issue by providing support for young people interested in becoming dairy farmers. Started in 2010, the first-of-its-kind program is administered by the Wisconsin-based nonprofit GrassWorks, Inc., with the University of Wisconsin-Madison as a key partner.

In February, DGA received $750,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. The funding will enable organizers to improve and expand the program in Wisconsin, as well as explore the possibility of rolling it out to other dairy states.

“It’s a meat-and-potatoes program that really takes people up to the level where they can own and operate their own dairy,” says DGA director Joe Tomandl. “It’s the MBA of dairy.”

DGA participants complete 4,000 hours of paid training over two years, most of it alongside experienced dairy farmers, and work their way up from apprentices to Journey Dairy Graziers and Master Dairy Graziers. While the majority of hours are spent in on-the-job training, there’s also a significant requirement for related instruction. That’s where UW-Madison comes in.

As part of the program, apprentices attend a seminar about pasture-based dairy and livestock through the UW-Madison School for Beginning Dairy and Livestock Farmers (WSBDF), which is co-sponsored by the university’s Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems and the Farm and Industry Short Course. The seminar involves a 32-hour commitment, which is generally fulfilled in a distance education setting.

“We believe in the Wisconsin Idea and want to make sure our classes are accessible to people who want more education, but preferably close to where they live and work,” says Nadia Alber, an outreach coordinator for WSBDF, who helps organize the seminar and also serves on the DGA board.

In 2009, GrassWorks, Inc. turned to WSBDF director Dick Cates for guidance and access to well-respected educational curriculum to help get the DGA up and running, and the WSBDF team has been involved ever since.

“We were just this little nonprofit with this very small budget trying to compete for a big federal grant,” says Tomandl. “For us, it was important to have UW as a strategic partner.”

As part of the most recent round of funding, DGA’s UW-Madison partners will lead an effort to quantify the broader impacts of the program.

“They have already proven that participants are moving along to their own farms after the apprenticeship, so they have an established track record that way,” says Alber. “This new study will look at some of the program’s other impacts, including economic, environmental and social.”

The DGA program is a formal apprenticeship program approved by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development — Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards.

For more information about the program, visit: http://www.dairygrazingapprenticeship.org/.

Holstein Canada’s commitment to young dairy leaders across the country remains evident in the Education awards given annually. The $1,000-Education Awards fall under pillar three of ‘Awards and Recognition’ in the Association’s Young Leader program, and are awarded to up to six exemplary Young Leaders from across the country each year.

The Young Leader Committee consisting of Kenton Lindenbach (Western Canada); Stephanie Murphy (Ontario); Melissa Marcoux (Québec); and Nick Brown (Eastern Canada) helped in selecting four worthy recipients from a fantastic crop of 2014 applicants. Candidates were evaluated on their farm and work involvement; youth program involvement; career choice; and scholastic achievements.

Congratulations to the following four individuals chosen as the 2014 Education Award winners:

• Deanna Ringelberg, Troy, Ontario
• Dennis Catt, St. Thomas, Ontario
• Laurence Boulet, St. Francois, Québec
• Maggy Desrochers, Victoriaville, Québec

The goal of the Education awards is to select and award well-rounded individuals in the Canadian dairy industry that have made a commitment to their industry, career, community and school. Winners selected to receive the awards excel in all of these areas, and every year are exceptional candidates amongst strong groups of applicants.

The North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge^® (NAIDC) board of directors recently conducted a strategic planning session, resulting in a revised mission and organizational goals.

The revised mission statement now reads, “Develop tomorrow’s dairy leaders and enhance progress of the dairy industry, by providing education, communication and networking among students, producers, and agribusiness and university personnel.”

“The new mission and goals reflect our vision for the future and the role that our organization has in developing leaders for our industry,” explained Devin Albrecht, chair of the NAIDC board of directors. “In its 13-year history, Dairy Challenge has reached over 4,000 students. We look forward to the future impact that we can have on students by providing them with top-notch educational, communication and networking opportunities.”

During the strategic planning process, the board also determined five core areas of focus with associated goals over the next three years. A few highlights include:

• Student experience – Remain as a premier experience for college dairy students while continually improving the opportunities provided to students.
• Dairy Challenge Academy – Grow and enhance the Dairy Challenge Academy to increase the number of student participants.
• Sponsors and funding – Seek out new sponsorship and funding opportunities while maintaining strong relationships with existing sponsors.
• Alumni – Engage Dairy Challenge alumni in more leadership and supportive roles at regional and national levels.
• Board and administrative structure – Assess the structure of the organization and adjust appropriately for future needs.

A key part of Dairy Challenge remains the collaboration among producers and agribusiness and university personnel. This cross-industry involvement creates an optimal learning environment for students, while also supporting career development opportunities and skills.

The NAIDC board created the Dairy Challenge Academy so more dairy students could benefit through a national event. The Academy is held in conjunction with the national contest and allows more students and more dairy programs to participate. In addition to the traditional contest of 128 collegiates, 95 students participated in the inaugural Academy in 2013. The second Academy engaged 138 students, and the 2015 goal is 200 Academy participants. Academy students benefit from more direct mentoring and interaction with sponsors and industry professionals while conducting the farm analysis.

About Dairy Challenge

NAIDC is an innovative event for students in dairy programs at North American post-secondary institutions. Over its 13-year national history, Dairy Challenge has helped prepare more than 4,000 students for careers as farm owners and managers, consultants, researchers, veterinarians or other dairy professionals.

The 2015 national competition and Dairy Challenge Academy will be April 9-11 in Syracuse, NY. Four regional contests are held in late fall and winter; details are at Dairy Challenge website.

November 9 & 10, 2014
At Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto, Ont.

Showmanship Judge: Jeff West, Beeton, Ont.
Conformation Judge: Chris Lahmers, Marysville, Ohio

Showmanship Results:

Junior Showmanship (107 entries)
1. Tyler Canning, Wellington County
2. Brent Sayles, Brant County

Intermediate Showmanship (116 entries)
1. Alana McKinven, Quebec South West
2. Connor Mann, Prince Edward Island

Senior Showmanship (134 entries)
1. Kenny McRae, Prescott County
2. Cameron Stockdale, Peterborough County

Champion Showman
Kenny McRae, Prescott County

Reserve Champion Showman
Cameron Stockdale, Peterborough County

Honourable Mention Champion Showman
Alana McKinven, Quebec South West

Holstein Conformation Results:

Junior Heifer Calf (25 entries)
1. Cally Finley, Durham West, on Farrow S Victorias Secret (by Ourown Goldwyn Sylvestor)
2. Cassie Carr, Northumberland County, on Seavalley Atwood Yantzys Pride (by Maple-Downs-I G W Atwood)

Intermediate Heifer Calf (87 entries)
1. Alex Chabot, Russell County, on Belfast Doorman Lovestruck (by Val-Bisson Doorman)
2. Gabriel Lemire, Quebec Center, on Micheret Lorcy Mascalese (by Zani Bolton Mascalese-ET)

Senior Heifer Calf (95 entries)
1. Jessica Sills, Hastings County, on Kingsway Goldwyn Lipsmack (by Braedale Goldwyn)
2. Matthew Forestell, Northumberland County, on Kingsway Goldwyn Elsie (by Braedale Goldwyn)

Summer Yearling Heifer ( entries)
1. Jessica Brown, Frontenac County, on Calbrett McCutchen Lila (by De-Su BKM McCutchen 1174-ET)
2. Maxime Montplaisir, Quebec Center, on Milibro Aftershock Roseluka (by Ms Atlees Sht Aftershock-ET)

Junior Yearling Heifer ( entries)
1. Ryan Crowley, Peterborough County, on Crovalley Atwood Patricia (by Maple-Downs-I G W Atwood)
2. Emily Strenzke, Waterloo County, on Heather Holme Sid Debora (by Pine-Tree Sid-ET)

Champion Calf
Alex Chabot, Russell County, on Belfast Doorman Lovestruck (by Val-Bisson Doorman)

Reserve Champion Calf
Jessica Brown, Frontenac County, on Calbrett McCutchen Lila (by De-Su BKM McCutchen 1174-ET)

Honourable Mention Champion Calf
Maxime Montplaisir, Quebec Center, on Milibro Aftershock Roseluka (by Ms Atlees Sht Aftershock-ET)

This is the 25th Team that has been coached/chaperoned by Mr Bertram Stewart. Bert and his wife Hazel originally started with the first team way back when and went every year to Madison up until 3 years ago. Hazel unfortunately passed away just a week before Madison. That’s when I was asked to be part of the coaching team and the team official driver (since I do all the driving and finances)

Over the course of these 25 teams, there has only been 2 other “All Girl’s Teams” up until this year.

Well, our team did not disappoint us as they were the highest placing team ever in the 25 years of competing in the National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Competition. The Best Team Ever!
Each county or district in Ontario has a county Judging Competition as part of their 4-H program. Some 25 years ago a group of youth supporters got together to organize the Ontario Provincial 4-H Judging Competiton. Each county can send “teams” of 2 people to this competion. Some send 2 or 3 teams. Anyway, the competiton is divided into Junior & Senior divisions with a plethera of prizes for the winners just like the Madison awards. The competition moves around the province year to year to accomodate travel, volunteers etc. Ontario is divided into 4 districts via Holstein Ontario field personel so it only hits the same district every 4th year. Contestants write a quiz and then judge 10 classes before lunch. Seniors give reasons, in the afternoon, on 6 classes and Juniors on 3 classes

In the Senior division, the ultimate award for the top 4 overall standings is an all expenses paid trip to WDE to compete in the National Competition. Ontario is not eligible for any of the awards BUT, we’re just happy to compete. Our results are not published to anyone other than us so, very few other teams know how well we have done. Once a team member takes advantage of the Madison trip, they can never ever win again. It’s a once in a lifetime trip.

In the Showmanship Competition ate WDE Jenn was reserve Champion Courtney placed 8th and Ava was 9th. Chantal was just a month too old to compete

In the National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Competition Ontario did very well with 23 teams competing in this year’s competition.

3rd Overall Team Score
2nd in Placings
8th in Reasons

And, we were in the “Top 10″ in every breed class
Ayrshire 4th
Brown Swiss 9th
Guernsey 4th
Jersey 3rd
Holstein 8th

Individually the girls also did well
Chantal
High Holstein Reasons….49
3rd Total Reasons
8th Overall
High reasons for Ontario

Courtney
Top 10 for Ayrshire

Ava
Top 10 for Brown Swiss

Jenn
Top 10 for Jersey & Brown Swiss

Thanks to Murray Reissner for the press release

The University of Minnesota, Morrisville Junior College, Ohio 4-H and Virginia FFA were top teams in their divisions at the 46th annual Invitational Youth Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, held Monday Sept. 15, during the 2014 All-American Dairy Show at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center, Harrisburg

The contest included dairy cattle evaluation and the delivery of oral reasons in defense of those evaluations. Awards were given to individuals and teams in each division for oral reasons, breed-specific results and overall results.

Results:

Collegiate Division
The University of Minnesota team of Mary Liebenstein, Michael Schmitt, Andrew Hetke and Nicholas Reps, coached by Leslie Hansen, topped the collegiate division. Megan Vaill of Cornell University was the high placing individual in the collegiate division. The Cornell team placed fifth in oral reasons.

Other collegiate teams in the top five:
2nd – University of Wisconsin Madison
3rd – Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
4th – Cornell University
5th – Pennsylvania State University

Collegiate individuals in the top five:
1st – Megan Vaill, Cornell University
2nd – Mary Lievenstein, University of Minnesota
3rd – Cassie Endres, University of Wisconsin Madison
4th – Laura Finley, University of Wisconsin Madison
5th – Jenna Hardy, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Junior Collegiate Division

Morrisville State College of New York won the contest’s Junior College Division.

Top five junior colleges:
2nd – SUNY Cobleskill
3rd – Modesto Junior College
4th – Kaskaskia College
5th – Alfred State

Top Junior College individuals:
1st – Andrew Vaz, Modesto Junior College
2nd – Drew Hill, Morrisville State College
3rd – Evan Castrogiovanni, Morrisville State College
4th – Logan Martin, Morrisville State
5th – Tyler Hymers, SUNY Cobleskill

4-H Division
Ohio 4-H team members Tanner Topp, Ella Jackson, Hannah Dye and Kaleb Kliner each contributed to an overall high team score in the 4-H division.

Top five teams in the division:
2nd – Kentucky 4-H
3rd – Minnesota 4-H
4th – New York 4-H
5th – Pennsylvania 4-H

Top 5 4-H Individuals:
1st – Hannah Dye, Ohio
2nd – Ella Jackson, Ohio
3rd – Caleb Vinkemeier, Minn.
4th – Tanner Topp, Ohio
5th – Daniel Cooper, Kentucky

FFA Division
The Virginia FFA team took top honors in the contest’s FFA division. Member Cole Leonard also individually placed in the top five.

Top five individuals:
1st – Jake Whitely, Kentucky FFA
2nd – Cole Leonard, Virginia FFA
3rd – Madison Cook, Delaware FFA
4th – Chloey Eames, Indiana FFA
5th – Clayton Himmelberger, Pennsylvania FFA

Other top five FFA teams:
2nd – Kentucky FFA
3rd – Pennsylvania FFA
4th – Indiana FFA
5th – Delaware FFA

The awards banquet was sponsored by the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, with contests and awards sponsored by All American Dairy Show Foundation and Genex Cooperative, Inc.

The 2014 All-American Dairy Show features 22 shows in six days in addition to the nation’s only all-dairy antiques show. Last year’s event featured nearly 2,800 animals and more than 1,300 exhibitors from across the nation. The week caps off with the 58th Pennsylvania Dairy Princess Pageant on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Radisson Hotel Camp Hill. For more information, visit www.allamerican.state.pa.us.

Top of the class: Leitchville’s Brady Hore won the Royal Melbourne Dairy Show Youth Classic. Picture: Zoe Phillips

Brady Hore has achieved his goal of winning the Royal Melbourne Dairy Show Youth Classic.

The 15-year-old from the Elmar Holstein stud at Leitchville won by exhibiting a jersey heifer from the Philmar Dairy Company, Miami Grayson Melba.

The heifer was just over 12 months old and her dam was Miami Djmay Melba.

Brady said his family’s stud and Philmar often worked ­together at shows, which allowed him to maximise his development levels.

“The heifer was no stranger to the show ring, having won the junior reserve champion at the recent Finley Show,” he said. “From here she’ll be most likely be shown at International Dairy Week.”

Brady said the best part about being involved in the Classic was having the opportunity to meet other kids.

“We don’t have a huge agriculture focus at my school, so going to shows and meeting like-minded kids is really ­beneficial.”

Source: Weekly Times

The 14th Annual West-Central Junior Show was held at the Grand River Raceway in Elora on August 21 and 22, 2014.

Beautiful weather encompassed this two-day event where 90 participants from across West-Central took part which certainly made the barn a buzz of excitement.

The show is supported by many companies and individuals with special mention to Dumfries Mutual Insurance and long-time supporter Bruce Witmer. Once the counties settled into their place in the barn and calves were washed, the education aspect of the show began. Junior members took part in three educational stations that included showmanship, washing and clipping while the senior members enjoyed a fun game of “Family Feud Dairy Style” that challenged their knowledge of the dairy industry and showing cattle. The popular scavenger hunt and water balloon fight ended the evening’s activities before heading to their camp sites for the night.

Senior Showmanship 1st Tyler Canning of Wellington 2nd Micaela Hill of Grey.

The show the following day was judged by Stephanie Murphy of Hastings, Ontario and she began by sorting through three heats of Senior Showmanship before her final placing in the finals. Coming to the top of the class was TylerCanning of Wellington followed by Micaela Hill of Grey. The Junior Showmanship increased to four heats for Judge Murphy to analyze with Charlotte Todd of Wellington placing first overall. Her fellow county member Kelly Vandenbraak of Wellington placed second. Peewee Showmanship offers young people between the ages of 6 and 8 years old to take part in the show and they must independently lead their calf. Two well deserving winners were Kelly Stere of Waterloo in first and Cailyn Charlton of Brant in second. The Champion Showperson of the day was Tyler Canning with the second place senior Micaela Hill taking the Reserve honors. The winning Junior, Charlotte Todd was Honourable Mention. At noon, the Floradale Feeds staff led by John Drummond organized a BBQ for lunch with the donation bucket being filled with gracious donations. Walkerbrae Farms were recognized by the Ontario Dairy Youth Trust Fund for their accumulated donations to the Trust Fund that has been directed for support to the West Central Ontario Junior Show.

Judge Murphy placed thirty-five Junior Calves with a pair of sisters taking the top two placings. Chelsea Stephens of Wentworth led the Brown Swiss calf, Glen Islay Fantasy to first place while her sister McKenna Stephens placed second with Comestar Aliky Goldwyn. In the Intermediate calf class, first place went to Alanah DeBoer of Niagara North with Silverholme Jett Air F Brenda and second to Tyler Canning with Fraeland Fever Bella. Philip Bos of Waterloo placed first in the Senior Calf class with Bosdale Goldwyn Elie Gayand second went to Maggi Murphy of Dufferin with Geordawn Iatola Taco. Holzer Minnow Shadow was the winning Yearling Calf for Justin Walker of Wellington while Calmac General Solar placed second for Katelyn Fisher of Haldimand.

The Grand Champion class was an impressive group with many calves placing well at othershows this summer. Judge Murphy’s choice for Grand Champion Calf went to Silverholme Jett Air F Brenda for Alanah DeBoer and her classmate Fraeland Fever Bella receiving Reserve Champion for Tyler Canning. The Honourable Mention calf went to Bosdale Goldwyn Elie Gay for Philip Bos of Waterloo County.

The winner of this year’s painted show box was Austin Needham from Wellington County and it was painted by Leanne O’Donnell of Waterloo. The organizing committee would like to thank all the volunteers, families and sponsors for their continuous support of this show.

Provided by Ontario Holstein