Johnson—The 2023 Lamoille County Field Days offered fairgoers a wide range of attractions and activities, but for 16 4-H’ers, a highlight of the three-day fair was the opportunity to participate in the 4-H Youth Dairy Show. Up for grabs were championships in fitting and showing and the conformation classes.
The show, hosted by University of Vermont Extension 4-H and the Green Mountain Moovers 4-H Club, took place on July 22 at the fairgrounds in Johnson. Andrew Levesque of Rupert served as the official judge.
Although only exhibitors, ages 8 to 18, were eligible to compete for rosette ribbons and championships, 4-H Cloverbuds, ages 5 to 7, could enter the Peewee Division to gain experience in the show ring. They were not ranked although did receive feedback from the judge, just like the older 4-H’ers.
The dairy show’s first event was the fitting and showing classes where the competitors were evaluated on their presentation and handling of their animal.
Haley Michaud, East Hardwick, won the Senior Fitting and Showing Championship. The Junior Fitting and Showing Championship went to Bayden McAllister, Morrisville, while Ryan Holbrook, Hardwick, was named the Novice Fitting and Showing Champion.
In the conformation classes, arranged by age and breed, the focus was on the animal, with the judge looking at its physical structure, condition and appearance when deciding on placements.
Earning breed championships were:
- AYRSHIRE: Junior Champion and Grand Champion: Ryder Curavoo, Berlin; Reserve Junior Champion: Lori Graham, Braintree
- BROWN SWISS: Junior Champion and Grand Champion: Hazel Kelley, Morrisville; Reserve Junior Champion: Brody McAllister, Morrisville
- HOLSTEIN: Junior Champion and Grand Champion: Haley Michaud, East Hardwick
- JERSEY: Junior Champion and Grand Champion: Thomas Williams, Randolph Center; Reserve Junior Champion: Ryan Holbrook, Hardwick
Thomas Williams won Supreme Champion with his Jersey fall calf, White Rock Salsa Chip. In addition, for winning the Jersey breed championship, he received a $50 gift certificate to Tractor Supply from the Vermont Jersey Breeders Association.
Other dairy show participants were Harper Cole and Cameron Rhodes, both from St. Albans; Sadie Ellner, Morristown; and Hadley Michaud, East Hardwick. Taking part in the Peewee Division were Lanie Howrigan, Sheldon; Emmy McAllister, Morrisville; Hutson Michaud, East Hardwick; and Adrian Holbrook, Hardwick.
Several clubs were represented at the show including the Franklin County 4-Leaf Clovers, Fairfield; GreenMountain Moovers, Morrisville; Kingdom Country Farmers 4-H Club, East Hardwick; and Middle Branch 4-H Club, Randolph Center.
The day included a free cookout for all exhibitors, prepared by Jason Kelley of Morrisville. The food was donated by Hannaford Supermarkets and Price Chopper in Morrisville and Shaws in Stowe with milk provided by Lamoille County Milk Promotion.
Other show sponsors were Adele Biasini, Morrisville; the Lamoille County 4-H Foundation; Morrison's Custom Feeds; Guys Farm and Yard and Mount Mansfield Creamery. 4-H alum Palmer Hunt of Jeffersonville and Hunt’s Farm Supply LLC inspected the animals as well as donated prizes and funds.