The State 4-H Dairy Show was held at the Caledonia Fairgrounds in Lyndonville, Vermont, on August 10 and 11th.

The University of Vermont Extension 4-H-sponsored event attracted over fifty youth competitors, who vied for championships in fitting and showing, and conformation. Judges for the show were Cody Mills of Windsor, Maine and William Kelly III  of Winchester, New Hampshire. To be eligible for the state show, the 4-Hers needed to be at least 11 years old, and to have participated in a local 4-H dairy show. Eligibility was also based on their 4-H dairy project record books and an in-person interview. 

The fitting and showing classes are arranged according to the exhibitor's age as of January 1st. 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. Sylvia Johnson of Orange was chosen as the Sr. Fitting & Show Champion, with Taryn Burns of Addison as the SR. Reserve Champion. Katelyn Sibley of Orleans was awarded the Jr. Fitting & Show Champion, with Tenley Chittenden of Addison as the Jr. Reserve Champion. 

Conformation classes are based on the age and breed of the animal. The judging focused on the overall appearance, physical structure, and condition of the animal. Championships were awarded for each breed. Taking home honors in conformation for each breed were:

AYRSHIRE – Madison Fuller of Essex - Grand Champion and Junior Champion for her Fall Calf; Paige Chamberlin of Addison, Reserve Grand Champion and Junior Reserve Grand Champion for her Winter Calf; Honorable Mention, Evangelynd (Evi) Ahlmann of Essex for her Winter Calf.

BROWN SWISS – Taryn Burns of Addison – Grand Champion and Junior Grand Champion for her Fall Calf; Amy Vaughn of Orange – Reserve Grand Champion and Junior Grand Champion for her Fall Yearling; Tenley Chittenden -Honorable Mention for her Winter Calf.

GUERNSEY– Thomas Allen of Addison – Grand Champion for his Spring Calf; Brailey Livingston of Addison – Reserve Grand Champion for her Spring Yearling; Sylvia Johnson – Honorable Mention for her Fall Calf. 

Boy with Calf and Grand Champion ribbon
Thomas Allen of Addison won Grand Champion for his Guernsey Spring Calf named "Red Carpet Drone Kimchi-ETV"

HOLSTEIN – Reegan Kelley of Orleans -- Grand Champion and Senior Champion for her 2-year-old; Madalyn “Maddie” Perry of Orleans – Reserve Grand Champion and Junior Champion for her Fall Calf; Collin Chamberlin of Addison – Reserve Junior Champion and Honorable Mention for his Fall Yearling; and Carys Wood – Honorable Mention for her Fall Calf.

JERSEY – Hailey Chase of Addison - Grand Champion and Senior Champion for her 3-year-old; Sutton Chittenden of Addison – Reserve Grand Champion and Junior Champion for his Winter Calf; Lola Rollins of Addison, Honorable Mention for her Summer Yearling; Caroline Allen of Addison – Honorable Mention for her Winter Yearling.

MILKING SHORTHORN  -- Ava Wood of Addison – Grand Champion and Junior Champion for her Winter Calf.

The John Knapp Award was presented to Taryn Burns. This honor goes to the 4-H'er with the highest overall individual score in the annual Vermont 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Contest. The late John Knapp was a staunch supporter of 4-H dairy events and coached the state dairy quiz bowl team for many years.

In addition, 32 of the show's best exhibitors, ages 12 to 18, will be invited to represent Vermont at the New England Regional 4-H Dairy Show at Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts, in September.

Sponsors included: Farm Credit East, Poulin Grain, Caledonia County Fair Board, Farrell Distributors, Bates Farm, and Home and Family. Many local volunteers donated their time.

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.