New Haven—Vermont 4-H’ers and their heifers took center stage at the 2024 State 4-H Dairy Show, August 11 and 12 at the Addison County Fair and Field Days site in New Haven.

The University of Vermont Extension 4-H-sponsored event attracted 51 competitors, who vied for championships in fitting and showing and conformation. Judging the contests were Greg Norris, Westhampton, Massachusetts, and Christine Sheesley Rozler, Canton, New York. Dr. Becky Allen DVM conducted health check-ins for all the animals prior to the show.

To be eligible for the state show, 4-H’ers had to be at least 11-years-old, have participated in a local 4-H dairy show and completed community service. Eligibility also was based on their 4-H dairy project record books and an in-person interview.

In the fitting and showing classes, which are arranged according to the exhibitor's age, the 4-H'ers were evaluated on their poise and how well they presented and handled their animal. The first- and second-place winners in each age group competed for the championship titles.

Tunbridge 4-H’er Zachary Johnson was named the Senior Fitting and Showing Champion. The Reserve Senior Fitting and Showing Championship went to Brailey Livingston, New Haven. Dawson Michaud, East Hardwick, earned the Junior Fitting and Showing Championship award. Reserve went to Emmeline Paquet, East Montpelier, with Honorable Mention to Tenley Chittenden, Whiting.

Conformation classes, arranged by breed and age of the animal, focused on the overall appearance, physical structure and condition of the animal. Championships were awarded for each breed.

Taking home honors in conformation at this year's show were:

  • AYRSHIRE-- Junior Champion and Grand Champion: Emma Deering, Middlebury, with her fall calf; Reserve Junior Champion and Reserve Grand Champion: Bella Roell, New Haven, with her winter yearling; Honorable Mention and Grand Honorable Mention: Collin Chamberlain, Addison, with his summer yearling.
  • BROWN SWISS--Junior Champion and Grand Champion: Tenley Chittenden, Whiting, with her spring yearling; Reserve Junior Champion and Reserve Grand Champion: Taryn Burns, Whiting, with her spring yearling; Honorable Mention and Grand Honorable Mention: Noa Suave, Colchester, with his winter calf.
  • GUERNSEY--Junior Champion and Grand Champion: Zachary Johnson, Tunbridge, with his spring yearling; Reserve Junior Champion and Reserve Grand Champion: Sylvia Johnson, Tunbridge, with her spring yearling.
  • HOLSTEIN-- Junior Champion and Grand Champion: Hailee Allen, New Haven, with her spring calf; Reserve Junior Champion and Reserve Grand Champion: Emmeline Paquet, East Montpelier, with her fall calf; Honorable Mention and Grand Honorable Mention: Emma Deering, Middlebury, with her winter yearling.
  • JERSEY-- Junior Champion and Reserve Grand Champion: Isabella Wilbur, Orwell, with her summer yearling; Reserve Junior Champion and Reserve Grand Champion: Kylee Shepard, Panton, with her fall calf; Honorable Mention and Grand Honorable Mention: Lola Rollins, North Ferrisburgh, with her fall calf.
  • MILKING SHORTHORN:  Junior Champion and Grand Champion: Brailey Livingston, New Haven, with her fall calf.

Several special awards were presented at the dairy show. For being named Jersey Grand Champion, Isabella Wilbur received a gift card, championship ribbon and a certificate from the Vermont Jersey Breeders Association.

Elise Sanders, West Topsham, received the John Knapp Award. This honor goes to the 4-H'er with the highest overall individual score in the annual Vermont 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Contest, which was held this past March. The late John Knapp was a staunch supporter of 4-H dairy events and coach of the state dairy quiz bowl team for many years.

The Ed Gould Award recognizes adult volunteers for their long-time support and outstanding leadership for the Vermont 4-H dairy program. The 2024 recipient is Deb Wickhart, Morrisville, who has been a 4-H club leader for 24 years in Lamoille County, including several years as leader of the Green Mountain Moovers 4-H Club. She also has assisted at state dairy quiz bowl contests and fundraisers to support the dairy program.

The State 4-H Dairy Judging Team, which will compete at Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts, in September, also was recognized at the show. Members are Mackenzie Chase, Bristol; Zachary Johnson, Tunbridge; Brailey Livingston, New Haven; and Morgan Michaud, East Hardwick.

In addition, 30 of the show's best exhibitors, ages 12 to 18, will be invited to compete at the New England regional 4-H dairy show at Eastern States.

Addison County 4-H hosted a chicken barbecue for the 4-H’ers. Show sponsors included the Addison County Fair and Field Days, Bourdeau Brothers and area businesses.

To learn more about the UVM Extension 4-H dairy program, contact Wendy Sorrell, UVM Extension 4-H livestock educator, at wendy.sorrell@uvm.edu.