By Sydney Peterson
Iowa 4-H members participated in the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, on Sept. 29. Winneshiek County represented Iowa 4-H in the dairy judging competitions. Team members were Hanna Vagts, Anders Lovstuen, Kelsey Timp and Mara Lovstuen. Brinlee Courtney attended as an alternate, and Blake Courtney and Garrett Lovstuen coached the team. This team placed first at the state competition in August, earning their spot to represent Iowa at the national contest.
In dairy judging, youth evaluate classes of dairy cows and heifers and then defend their placings through oral reasoning. Dairy judging allows members to learn the dairy cow unified scorecard and major breakdowns, the anatomy of a dairy cow, as well as dairy judging terminology.
Hanna Vagts said, “I like participating in the state and national dairy judging contests because they are a great way to connect with others that have the same passion as me … as well as all the hard work we put into our practices to improve our judging skills.”
“The delegates who represent Iowa at the World Dairy Expo have the opportunity to visit area dairy farms, experience hands-on demonstrations about dairy cow care and dairy careers and hear from industry leaders,” said Celine Beggs-Shoemaker, 4-H animal science education specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “It’s also a great chance for these members to meet other young people with some of the same interests.”
The trip to Madison started with a dairy judging practice in northeast Iowa and a tour of the National Dairy Shrine Museum in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. On judging day, the team evaluated five classes of heifers, five classes of cows and gave five sets of reasons.
The team finished 10th overall, received sixth place in oral reasons, and first place overall in the Jersey breed. Anders Lovstuen was recognized as the 12th place overall individual, received third place in the Jersey breed, and fifth place in the Holstein breed. With Anders placing in the top 25, he was recognized individually as an All-American. Kelsey Timp received first place overall in the Ayrshire breed.
“These accomplishments are a testament to the dedication of these young people, and I’m proud of how they represented Iowa 4-H on the national stage,” said Beggs-Shoemaker.
The World Dairy Expo is known for its showring, which each year features a bed of custom-dyed colored shavings.
Kelsey Timp reflected upon her experience at the World Dairy Expo, saying, “The feeling that I got from stepping on the colored shavings after working so hard for years is something that I would not trade for the world.”
Hanna Vagts added, “By far, my favorite part was standing on the colored shavings for the first time. I’ve been to the World Dairy Expo many times and have never been so involved. I’ve always come to watch. This [was] a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and standing in that show ring will forever hold memories in my heart.”
The team also engaged in discussions with collegiate and industry representatives from various agriculture-related vendors and colleges about their contributions to the dairy industry. Youth reported enjoying learning about different people’s perspectives on the industry.
“One event that I enjoyed very much was all the cattle we practiced on and all the farmers that welcomed us on their farms as their own,” Hanna said. “We were often met with milk, ice cream and cookies!”
“I enjoy participating in the dairy judging contest because I [have been able] to learn more about dairy cattle,” said Mara Lovstuen. “The most important thing that I learned at the [World Dairy Expo] was that it’s not always about winning; it’s about having the experience to be able to judge because you might never get that experience again. I most enjoyed being able to judge and just hang out with the team and get to know each other more.”
Serving as the meeting place of the global dairy industry, the World Dairy Expo brings together the latest in dairy innovation and the best cattle in North America. This premier leadership event for 4-H youth enrolled in the dairy cattle project was first initiated in 1955. It was specifically designed by extension staff, faculty and dairy industry professionals to encourage national networking and opportunities for 4-H dairy youth.
Funding support for 4-H youth participation in the World Dairy Expo trip is provided by the Iowa 4-H Dairy Endowment, held by the Iowa 4-H Foundation.
For more information on the Iowa 4-H Youth Development program, please contact your ISU Extension and Outreach county office or visit the Iowa 4-H website.
Source : iastate.edu