Johnson—The 2024 Lamoille County 4-H Youth Dairy Show was held July 20 in conjunction with Lamoille County Field Days in Johnson. Nineteen 4-H’ers, ages 6 to 18, from three counties participated.
Elizabeth Menard of Fairfield judged the show, which was sponsored by University of Vermont Extension 4-H and the Green Mountain Moovers 4-H Club in Morrisville. Other clubs that were represented included the Cow Tails 4-H Club, Sutton; Franklin County 4-Leaf Clovers, Fairfield; and Kingdom Country Farmers 4-H Club, East Hardwick.
The 4-H’ers competed in two events at the dairy show. The first was fitting and showing, based on the competitor’s age, where participants were judged on how well they presented and handled their animal in the show ring.
Ella McAllister, Morrisville (Green Mountain Moovers) was named Fitting and Showing Champion with Cameron Rhodes, Swanton (Franklin County 4-Leaf Clovers) earning Reserve Champion in the Senior Division (ages 14 to 18). In the Novice Division for first-time dairy show participants, ages 14 to 18, Natalie Seguin, Lyndonville (Cow Tails), was the Champion. Reserve Champion went to Ava Biltmore, Sutton (Cow Tails).
The top two winners in each of the three Junior Division contests competed for the Junior Fitting and Showing Championships. Dawson Michaud, East Hardwick (Kingdom Country Farmers 4-H Club), was named the Junior Fitting and Showmanship Champion. Reserve Junior Champion was Kinnley Riendeau, Lyndonville (Cow Tails). McKenzie Carpenter, Sutton (Cow Tails), received an Honorable Mention award.
Other placements in the Junior Fitting and Showing contests were:
- Juniors (12 to 13): Bayden McAllister, Morrisville (Green Mountain Moovers), second; Hadley Michaud, East Hardwick (Kingdom Country Farmers 4-H Club), third
- Juniors (10 to 11): Ryan Holbrook, Hardwick (Independent 4-H member), second; Brody McAllister, Morrisville (Green Mountain Moovers), third; Harper Cole, Swanton (Franklin County 4-Leaf Clovers), honorable mention
- Juniors (8 to 9): Ellie Riendeau, Lyndonville (Cow Tails), second; Hazel Kelley, Morrisville (Green Mountain Moovers), third
Following the fitting and showing classes, the 4-H'ers competed in conformation classes, arranged by breed and age of the animal. The animals were judged on physical structure, condition and overall appearance.
Winning championships were:
- BROWN SWISS: Junior Champion and Grand Champion: Kinnley Riendeau, Lyndonville, with her spring yearling; Reserve Junior Champion: Ella McAllister, Morrisville, with her winter yearling
- HOLSTEIN: Junior Champion and Grand Champion: Dawson Michaud, East Hardwick, with his fall calf; Reserve Junior Champion: McKenzie Carpenter, Sutton, with her winter calf
- JERSEY: Senior Champion and Grand Champion: Hadley Michaud, East Hardwick, with her two-year-old cow; Junior Champion: Hadley Michaud, East Hardwick, with her winter calf; Reserve Junior Champion: Ryan Holbrook, Hardwick, with his fall calf
Hadley Michaud was named Grand Champion of All Breeds with her two-year-old cow, Dreamroad BSD Victorious CC.
Several 4-H Cloverbuds, ages 6 and 7, also took part in the show’s Peewee Division. Although not ranked, they gained experience showing cattle and received valuable feedback from the judge. Receiving participation ribbons were Briar Carpenter, Sutton (Cow Tails); Lanie Howrigan, Sheldon (Franklin County 4-Leaf Clovers); Adrian Holbrook, Hardwick (independent 4-H member); Emmy McAllister, Morrisville (Green Mountain Moovers) and Hudson Michaud, East Hardwick (Kingdom Country Farmers 4-H Club).
The participants and their families enjoyed a potluck lunch and cookout with hot dogs and hamburgers donated by Hannaford Supermarkets and Price Chopper in Morrisville and Shaws in Stowe. Milk was provided by Lamoille County Milk Promotion and ice cream by Kingdom Creamery.
The Lamoille County 4-H Foundation purchased wristbands for rides for all 4-H dairy show participants. Other sponsors were Guy’s Farm and Yard; Palmer Hunt of Franklin-Lamoille IBA; Morrison's Custom Feeds; Morrisville Trophy and Engraving; and the Tractor Supply Company, Morrisville.