photo by Dawn Livingston
Natalie Michaud, Greensboro Bend (left), was named Reserve Senior Champion and Reserve Overall Champion at the Eastern States Exposition 4-H dairy show while Brailey Livingston, New Haven, captured both Senior Champion and Overall Champion. Presenting them with their awards was the show judge, Sherri Lloyd of Middleburgh, N.Y.
BURLINGTON – Vermont 4-H’ers proved that they are the champions when it comes to showing dairy animals, capturing five of the six fitting and showing championship titles and all but three of the 17 breed championships at the highly competitive 4-H dairy show at Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts.
4-H dairy members from all six New England states competed in the regional dairy show, held September 16 and 17 in the Mallary Arena. Competitors included 25 from Vermont, who were selected to participate in this show based on their performance at the State 4-H Dairy Show in August.
For the fitting and showing classes, rankings were determined by how well the 4-H’ers presented and handled their animals in the show ring. Due to the large number of exhibitors, several classes were held for juniors (ages 12 to 14) and seniors (ages 15 to 18). The top two finishers in each class then competed for grand and reserve championships in their age group.
Natalie Michaud, Greensboro Bend, won Reserve Senior Champion and Reserve Overall Champion.
Local 4-Hers placed as follows in their respective fitting and showing classes:
Seniors: Group A: Natalie Michaud, Greensboro Bend (first); Morgan Michaud, East Hardwick (sixth); Group C: Gabriel Michaud, East Hardwick (first).
Juniors: Group A: Dawson Michaud, East Hardwick (second); Talon Michaud, Greensboro Bend (seventh); Group B: Natalie Hill, Greensboro Bend (tenth). Group C: Steven Werner, East Hardwick (fifth).
In the conformation classes, the focus is on the appearance and body condition of the animal. These classes are arranged according to the breed and age of the animal. The first and second-place winners in each class competed for championships.
Local Vermont 4-Hers placed as follows:
Holstein: Honorable Mention Junior Champion: Talon Michaud, Greensboro Bend; Spring calf: Talon Michaud, Greensboro Bend (first); Winter calf: Natalie Hill, Greensboro (first); Fall calf: Dawson Michaud, East Hardwick (fifth); Morgan Michaud, East Hardwick (seventh); Winter yearling heifer: Gabriel Michaud (first) and Steven Werner (second), both from East Hardwick; Fall yearling heifer: Natalie Michaud, Greensboro Bend (first).
