BURLINGTON – For 29 Vermont 4-H dairy members, the 2024 Eastern States Exposition 4-H dairy show provided an unparalleled opportunity to compete against top dairy competitors from the other New England states.
The Michaud family of East Hardwick at the Eastern States Exposition 4-H dairy show included Dawson (fourth from left) being named the Junior Fitting and Showing Champion and (from left) are his brother Lincoln, mom Leslie, brother and fellow competitor Morgan, his winning Holstein winter calf Clair-A-Den and dad Jeremy.
The regional dairy show, held September 14 and 15 at the fairgrounds in West Springfield, Mass., included both fitting and showing and conformation contests. Vermont’s exhibitors qualified based on their outstanding performance at the state 4-H dairy show in August.
Placements in the fitting and showing classes were determined by how well the 4-H’ers presented and handled their animals in the show ring. Several classes for juniors (ages 12 to 14) and seniors (ages 15 to 18) were held to accommodate the large number of exhibitors. The top two finishers in each class then competed for grand and reserve championships in their age group.
Isabella Wilbur, Orwell, was named Senior Champion and Dawson Michaud, East Hardwick, Junior Champion. Carys Wood, East Montpelier, finished as Reserve Junior Champion. Caroline Allen, Panton, was the Honorable Mention Junior Champion.
Local 4-Hers placed as follows in their respective fitting and showing classes: Seniors: Group A: Morgan Michaud, East Hardwick (third); Juniors: Group D: Dawson Michaud, East Hardwick (first); Talon Michaud, Greensboro Bend (third); Group G: Natalie Hill, Greensboro (sixth).
For the conformation classes, arranged by breed and age of the animal, the judges evaluated the appearance and body condition of the animals. The first- and second-place winners in each class competed for championships.
Local placements for Vermont 4-H’ers were as follows: Holstein: Winter calf: Dawson Michaud, East Hardwick (first); Talon Michaud, Greensboro Bend (third); Fall calf: Morgan Michaud, East Hardwick (seventh); Winter yearling: Natalie Hill, Greensboro (second).
