Orono, ON – Forty-three Dairy 4-H members from seven counties in East- Central Ontario participated in the 8th annual two-day Junior Show held at the Orono Fairgrounds on July 7 & 8, 2014. The focus of the event is a relaxed fun, educational, and friendly competition of showmanship and calf conformation.
At lunch time on July 7th trailer loads of calves and kids descended on the Orono Fairgrounds to take part in the two-day “camp”. Dairy 4-H members aged 9-14, washed their calves and prepared their bedding packs, before taking part in an educational afternoon, featuring tips on feeding your calf on show day and essential show box supplies and equipment, tips on making a good first impression in the show ring with your calf, knowing the parts of a dairy cow, and making a proper bedding pack.
Later that afternoon, the Durham East Senior 4-H Dairy Club facilitated ice breaker games, team building exercises and filled hundreds of water balloons. The 4-Her’s spent the afternoon getting to know each other and having fun. To top the day off all the kids led their calves in a showmanship clinic led by El Petherick, along with many competent senior 4-H members, for some one to one training,
The following day, 4-Her’s put their enhanced skills to the test in front of Judge Stephanie Warner- Murphy of Ronbeth Holsteins of Hastings, Ontario. First Place Junior and Grand Champion Showperson was awarded to Benjamin Sargent of Durham East earned Reserve Showmanship honors to Carissa Chrysler of Northumberland followed by HM winner Mattia Seemann of York.
Named Grand Calf for the day was the Senior Jersey Calf Enniskillen Sultan Suzy exhibited by Benjamin Sargent of Durham East. Reserve Champion calf honours went to the winning Junior calf Tomalynn Mascalese Primrose exhibited by Grace Hawman of Kawartha Lakes and HM to winning Intermediate calf Claircrest Aftershock Lonestar shown by Kaitlyn Hoogeveen also of Durham East. The second place entries in the three conformation classes were shown by Samara Aabo of York, Jordyn Winger of Kawartha Lakes and Noah Phillips of Durham West.
A couple special highlights of the show was a visit by local Durham Region Member of Parliament Erin O’Toole who took the time to encourage the youth, appreciate the support of the parents and leaders and the much valued contributions that six generations of area farmers have provided to the growth and development of the local economy and community.
Also in attendance was Brooke Thompson the East-Central 4-H Ambassador who not only is an early graduate of this event but also helped out at the education stations and showmanship training.
Each year, the highlight of the event comes at the end of the show when one lucky participant is presented with a show box painted with the 4-H logo. This year’s recipient was Emily Vickery of Durham East. All participants were awarded a prize following the show. A special thank you to parents, Durham East Senior 4-H members, chaperones, participants, sponsors and the organizing committee.