U.P. State Fair dairy show highlights youth, dairy cattle and community
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EmailThe dairy barn at the U.P. State Fair showcases the knowledge, talent and importance of the dairy industry during fair week.
Every August, youth with dairy projects in the Upper Peninsula gather to exhibit their dairy cattle at the U.P. State Fair. At this year’s fair, a total of 37 youth, including 15 pee-wee showmen, exhibited cattle in four breed divisions: Holstein, Jersey, Brown Swiss and Any Other Breeds (AOB). Youth competed in showmanship and the dairy female show, and some competed in the costume contest, too!
In total, the dairy barn at the U.P. State Fair had a total of 86 head with 27 milking cows. Most of the exhibitors were dairy show returnees while others exhibited in the youth dairy show for the first time. Youth not only exhibit their dairy cattle during the week, but they also show the important connection between the youth dairy program and their futures in agriculture, with those connections felt both in and out of the barn.
A first-time dairy exhibitor, Colter E., really enjoyed her experience in the dairy barn.
“I decided to show dairy not only because I wanted to show something new, but also because I have friends that show dairy cattle at the U.P. State Fair and I wanted to join the fun,” said Colter. “At the start of the week, I was surprised at how welcoming the dairy barn was. Multiple families came up to introduce themselves throughout the week and offered help during the week if I needed it.”
In the youth show, the exhibitors brought their best in each division. The Supreme Champion Female in the youth show went to Nash D. with a Red and White Holstein named Wil-San Warrior Rosie. The Reserve Supreme Champion Female went to Evelynn H. with a Red and White Holstein named Frolic. The Supreme Champion Showman was Evelynn H. and the Reserve Supreme Showman was Cora B.
Evelynn H. reflected on the ways that participating in the dairy project has helped prepare her for her future and the importance of being involved in the dairy industry.
“Exhibiting dairy cattle has taught me responsibility, and a lot of things about dairy cattle, like where our milk products come from and what actually goes into it,” said Evelynn. “Just being in the dairy barn and talking to the farmers is super enjoyable.”
Reflecting on a successful week in the dairy department, the U.P. State Fair Dairy Superintendent Melissa Gatien said that seeing the youth being involved in the dairy barn and the show is something that she is very proud of.
“As the dairy superintendent for almost 30 years, watching the kids show their projects, watching the older youth help the younger youth learn skills and lessons, and watching the kids grow up but still remain involved in the dairy program is a pleasure,” said Melissa. “The U.P. State Fair to many families in our dairy barn is tradition and have been showing for many years. To watch a few generations showing at once is exciting and extraordinary.”
Milkhouse Superintendent and State Senator Ed McBroom enjoys seeing the families and farms come together each year.
“The U.P. State Fair continues to have a great dairy show with nearly 100 cows showing and over 30 youth exhibitors,” said State Senator McBroom. “Despite the difficult time for dairy farms, the fair remains a place where farm families still get together to enjoy fellowship while training the next generation to show and love the life farming provides.”
Fairs across Michigan highlight an important component of connecting the public to agriculture while showing the hard work and dedication put forth by the youth in order to be successful both in the ring and out. Positive experiences that young people have in the dairy barn at the U.P. State Fair highlight why these experiences are so beneficial to young people, farms and communities.
If you are interested in learning more about the 4-H dairy program, visit the Michigan State University Extension website.
