photo by Holly Ferris
Adrian (left) and Ryan Holbrook,
of
Hardwick, relax on the sidelines as they take in the action at the 4-H Youth Dairy Show, July 22 in Johnson.
JOHNSON – The 2023 Lamoille County Field Days offered fairgoers a wide range of attractions and activities, but for 16 4-Hers, a highlight of the three-day fair was the opportunity to participate in the 4-H Youth Dairy Show. Up for grabs were championships in fitting and showing and the conformation classes.
The show, hosted by University of Vermont Extension 4-H and the Green Mountain Moovers 4-H Club, took place on July 22, at the fairgrounds in Johnson. Andrew Levesque of Rupert served as the official judge.
Although only exhibitors, ages 8 to 18, were eligible to compete for rosette ribbons and championships, 4-H Cloverbuds, ages 5 to 7, could enter the Peewee Division to gain experience in the show ring. They were not ranked although did receive feedback from the judge, just like the older 4-Hers.
The dairy show’s first event was the fitting and showing classes where the competitors were evaluated on their presentation and handling of their animal.
Local competitors included Haley Michaud, East Hardwick, who won the Senior Fitting and Showing Championship and Ryan Holbrook, Hardwick, was named the Novice Fitting and Showing Champion.
In the conformation classes, arranged by age and breed, the focus was on the animal, with the judge looking at its physical structure, condition and appearance when deciding on placements.
Local competitors earning breed championships were: Holstein, Junior Champion and Grand Champion, Haley Michaud, East Hardwick; Jersey, Reserve Junior Champion, Ryan Holbrook, Hardwick.
Other dairy show local participants were Hadley Michaud, East Hardwick. Taking part in the Peewee Division were Hutson Michaud, East Hardwick and Adrian Holbrook, Hardwick.
Several clubs represented at the show included Kingdom Country Farmers 4-H Club, East Hardwick.
