photo by Karissa Livingston
Natalie Michaud, Greensboro Bend, was among the 52 exhibitors, ages 11 to 18, who competed at the 2023 State 4-H Dairy Show on August 14. She placed first in fitting and show in the 15-year-olds class.
LYNDONVILLE – Months of practicing with their dairy animals to show in competitions paid off for several Vermont 4-H’ers who won championships at the 2023 State 4-H Dairy Show, August 14.
The show, which attracted 52 exhibitors, ages 11 to 18, was held at the Caledonia County Fairgrounds in Lyndonville. University of Vermont (UVM) Extension 4-H sponsored the event, which was judged by Steve Glaude, Compton, Quebec, and Kelly Reynolds, Reyncrest Farm in Corfu, N.Y.
The first event was the fitting and showing classes, where the 4-H’ers were ranked according to how well they presented and handled their animals. In addition to winning ribbons for placements in their age division, the first- and second-place winner in each of the age groups then competed for the Senior (14-18) and Junior (11-13) champion showperson award.
Erica Goodhue, Fairfield (age 17), was named the Senior Fitting and Showing Champion. Local exhibitors in the running for this championship were Gabriel Michaud, East Hardwick (age 16); Morgan Michaud, East Hardwick (age 15); and Natalie Michaud, Greensboro Bend (age 15).
Competing for the Junior Fitting and Showing Championship was Natalie Hill, Greensboro (age 13).
Following the fitting and showing competitions, the exhibitors took part in conformation classes, which were arranged by breed and age of the animal. Scoring was based on the physical structure, condition and appearance of the animal.
Local winners of the breed championships were: Holstein – Senior Champion: Haley Michaud, East Hardwick, with her two-year-old cow. Reserve Senior Champion: Natalie Hill, Greensboro, with her two-year-old cow; honorable Mention: Haley Michaud, East Hardwick, with her two-year-old cow.
Show sponsors included the Caledonia Fair Association, the Caledonia 4-H Foundation, the State 4-H Dairy Committee, Farm Credit East and several Caledonia and Orleans County businesses.
