Randolph Center--The 2024 Central and Southeastern Regional 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl, held March 3 in Randolph Center, provided an opportunity for 4-H’ers to demonstrate their knowledge of everything dairy from breeds and feeds to animal nutrition and anatomy.

The Vermont State University, Randolph Campus, donated the use of their space at the Historic Red Schoolhouse in Randolph Center for the competition, which included a written test and buzzer rounds. The 17 participants represented several clubs including Clever Clovers, Tunbridge; Hartland Cattle Club, Hartland; Middle Branch 4-H Club, Randolph Center; and Rambling Rivers 4-H Club, Newbury.

Results were as follows:

  • Beginners (ages 8 to 10): Louise Anderson, Northfield (first); Remi Hawkins, Barre Town (second)
  • Novice (ages 9 to 13 and first-time participant): Ewan Nelson, Ryegate (first); Lori Graham, Randolph (second)
  • Junior (ages 11 to 13): Sophie Fors, Bethel (first); Thomas Williams, Randolph Center (second)
  • Rookie (ages 14 to 18 and first-time participant): Ashton Perkins, North Pomfret (first); Peter Morig, Norwich (second); Whitney McClain (third) and John McClain (fourth), both from Tunbridge
  • Seniors (ages 14 to 18): Bryn Nelson, Ryegate (first); Lizzie Vaughan, Newbury (second); Delia Morgan, Woodstock (third); Bee Wilbur, North Hartland (fourth); Sylvia Johnson, Tunbridge (fifth); Zoe Ramsey, Hartland (sixth); Elise Sanders, West Topsham (seventh)       

Participants also heard from Keenan Thygesen, Tunbridge (4-H alumnus), Amy Vaughan, Newbury (Rambling Rivers 4-H Club) and Elizabeth Waterman, Topsham (Middle Branch 4-H Club) about their experiences competing at the North American Invitational 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl. Keenan represented Vermont on the 2019 state team. Amy and Elizabeth competed in 2023 on the state team, which placed third. All three also assisted with the contest.

In addition, the Orange County 4-H Foundation provided a choice of prizes, including feed buckets, brushes, rope halters and 4-H- branded items, for every 4-H’er who competed in quiz bowl.

The annual event was organized by University of Vermont Extension 4-H Educators Molly McFaun and Amber Thibodeau. Jen Thygesen, Tunbridge, and Judy Vaughan, Newbury, volunteered to proofread questions and proctor both the oral and written tests.

To learn more about the 4-H dairy program in Orange and Washington Counties, contact McFaun at molly.mcfaun@uvm.edu or (802) 656-4828. For Windham and Windsor Counties, contact Thibodeau at amber.thibodeau@uvm.edu at (802) 656-7539.