There was a bonanza of information for the 4-H'ers attending the aptly named Bovine Bonanza, Nov. 5 in South Burlington.

The well-attended event was open to youths, ages 8-18, enrolled in the 4-H beef, dairy and working steer projects. It was designed to share information on a number of bovine-related topics in a fun, non-competitive way.

Seventy-three 4-H'ers gathered at the Paul R. Miller Research and Educational Center at the University of Vermont (UVM) to learn about biosecurity and zoonotic diseases; bovine nutrition and fistulated cows; breeding, lineages and genetics; calving and calf care; and milking parlors. Participants were divided into age groups, and rotated through the five sessions, which were taught by students in the UVM Animal and Veterinary Sciences Department's Cooperative for Real Education in Agricultural Management (CREAM) program.

Attending the 2022 Bovine Bonanza were:

  • ADDISON: Gracelynn Barber, Shoreham; Hailee Allen, Lacey Barber and Brailey Livingston, all from New Haven; Tessa Buskey, North Ferrisburgh; Hailey and Mackenzie Chase, Monkton;  Sutton and Tenley Chittenden, Caroline Compagna, Samuel Luis and Morgan White, all from Whiting; Emma Deering, Middlebury; Brendan Gebo, Bella Roell and Sophia Roleau, all from Bristol; Torrey Hanna, Addison; Jasiu Murphy, Weybridge; Desiree, Michael and Renee Plouffe, Ella and Rowdy Pope, Sophia Stocker and Alexis, Erin, Katherine and Robert Whipple, all from Bridport; Jayden Ploof and Kylee and Sophee Shepard, Panton; Boston and Isabella Wilbur, Orwell
  • CALEDONIA: Ryan Holbrook, Hardwick
  • CHITTENDEN: Adi Bigenho, Essex Junction; Bristol, Colt and Remington Card, Williston; Arthur Magister, South Burlington; Noa Sauve, Colchester
  • FRANKLIN: Rudy Beal, Emily and Molly Palmer, Lillian Patterson and Gabrielle Senecal, all from Fairfax; Evan and Lane Fortune and Henry Lawrence, all from Georgia; Alexa Graham, Richford
  • LAMOILLE: Jack Austin, Jeffersonville; Hazel Kelley and Bayden and Ella McAllister, Morrisville; Grace Smithers, Cambridge
  • ORANGE: Chandler Cook, Randolph; Elizabeth Waterman, Topsham; Leah Rogers and Thomas Williams, Randolph Center
  • ORLEANS: Eva Bury, Derby; Reegan Kelley, Newport
  • RUTLAND: Faith and Gracie Bromley and Daniel and Patty Bruce, all from Wallingford; Natalia Tarbell, Middletown Springs
  • WASHINGTON: Emmeline, Jasper and Patrick Paquet, Maddie Perry and Katelyn Sibley, all from East Montpelier
  • WINDHAM: Whitney Dunklee, Vernon
  • WINDSOR: Dylan Slack and Austin Washburn, both from Bethel

The event was organized by Wendy Sorrell, UVM Extension 4-H livestock educator, with assistance from Dr. Stephen Wadsworth, a Franklin County dairy veterinary practitioner and CREAM advisor.

To learn about 4-H livestock programs in Vermont, contact Sorrell at (802) 651-8343, ext. 513, or wendy.sorrell@uvm.edu.