New Haven--On July 9, 4-H'ers from Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, Rutland and Windsor Counties showed the dairy cows and calves they raised through their 4-H projects this year at the Multi-County 4-H Dairy Show.

The Addison County 4-H program hosted the show, which was sponsored by the Addison County 4-H Foundation and judged by Seth Johnson of Tunbridge. Venues for this show rotate among counties, with the Addison County Fair and Field Days site in New Haven selected for the 2022 event.

Forty 4-H'ers took part, competing both in fitting and showmanship and conformation classes. Fitting and showmanship classes are arranged according to the age of the individual. Exhibitors are evaluated on their poise and presentation and handling of their animal in the show ring. In conformation, arranged by breed and age of animal, the animals are judged on appearance, physical structure and overall condition.

Karissa Livingston of New Haven was named the Senior Fitting and Showmanship Champion. Reserve Senior Champion was won by Lorryn Trujillo, North Clarendon.

The Intermediate Fitting and Showmanship Championship went to Bella Roell, Bristol, and the Reserve Championship for this 12-13 year-old age group to Jayden Ploof, Panton. Rounding out the winners' circle were Caroline Allen, Ferrisburgh, and Caroline Compagna, Whiting, as champion and reserve champion, respectively for the 8-11 year olds.

Taking top honors in conformation was Austin Washburn, Bethel, whose Jersey winter yearling White Rock Doorman Lexi was named Grand Supreme Champion (all breeds). Reserve Supreme Champion went to Caroline Allen, Ferrisburgh, who showed her Milking Shorthorn summer yearling Classy Creek Dsny Snoop Dogg P.

Breed championships were awarded as follows:

  • AYRSHIRE: Junior Grand Champion — Isabella Wilbur, Orwell, with her winter calf; Junior Champion — Bella Roell, Bristol, with her fall calf; Honorable Mention — Ava Wood, Shoreham, with her spring calf
  • BROWN SWISS: Junior Grand Champion — Emma Edenfield, Colchester, with her fall calf; Junior Champion — Rowdy Pope, Bridport, with his spring calf
  • GUERNSEY: Junior Champion and Grand Champion — Colt Card, Williston, with his winter calf
  • HOLSTEIN: Junior Grand Champion — Karissa Livingston, New Haven, with her winter yearling; Junior Champion — Erica Goodhue, Fairfield, with her winter calf; Honorable Mention — Mason Livingston, New Haven, with his spring yearling
  • JERSEY: Senior Champion and Grand Champion — Austin Washburn, Bethel, with his two-year-old cow; Junior Champion and Reserve Grand Champion — Kylee Shepard, Panton, with her winter calf; Reserve Junior Champion — Isabella Wilbur, Orwell, with her spring yearling; Honorable Mention — Emma Deering, Middlebury, with her summer yearling.
  • MILKING SHORTHORN: Junior and Grand Champion — Caroline Allen, Ferrisburgh, with her summer yearling; Reserve Junior Champion--Bristol Card, Williston, with her winter calf.

To learn more about the Vermont 4-H dairy program, contact Wendy Sorrell, UVM Extension 4-H livestock educator, at (802) 651-8343, ext. 513, or (800) 571-0668.