Premier National Junior Events to Highlight Dairy Youth Exhibitors - Cowsmo

Premier National Junior Events to Highlight Dairy Youth Exhibitors

The Premier National Junior Events, part of the 53rd All-American Dairy Show, is set for September 17-22, at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg.



“The youth are the future of our dairy industry and it’s critical that we help provide them the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell C. Redding. “Not only do our junior exhibitors get to compete with their animals, but they’re able to learn about dairy genetics, nutrition and cattle preparation. Additionally, they have the chance to interact with industry experts and build relationships.”

Themed “Stars in the Spotlight,” activities kick off Saturday, September 17, with the Pennsylvania Junior Dairy Show. 

The “Stars in the Spotlight Youth Excellence Event,” on Saturday, includes refreshments, networking opportunities, an industry speaker and a scavenger hunt. Also that evening is the new “All-American’s Got Talent” contest, for two age divisions of juniors participating in the 2016 Premier National Junior Events. Categories for talent include singing, dance and musical instrument, and must incorporate a patriotic theme. The overall contest winner will perform at the Supreme Champion pageant. 

The Youth Showmanship Contest that draws nearly 400 participants from more than 10 states is slated as the main event on Sunday, September 18.

The nation’s largest youth dairy show featuring seven breeds, the Premier National Junior Show will take place on Monday, September 19. The Supreme Champion pageant caps the day with the selection of the show’s best cow and heifer from among all seven breed winners. 

Youth have two opportunities to hone their analytical skills with the Invitational Youth Judging Contest on Monday, and the 4-H and FFA Dairy Judging Forum on Tuesday, September 20.

Also on Tuesday, the Junior Dairy Management Contest provides 4-H and FFA members the chance to compete in six classes: dairy cattle selection; dairy cattle linear type; benchmarks in dairy management; hands-on tools to dairy management; feed and nutrient management and evaluation; and dairy farm management.

Throughout the events, youth are encouraged to stop in the Ag Academy Theater in the Northeast Hall to watch the video from the “Growing Through Showing” workshop held this spring at the Oakfield Corners Dairy in Oakfield, N.Y. The video features tips to successfully raise a show heifer from birth to the show ring.

Additionally, junior members will have a chance to showcase their creativity in the art contest returning for another year. The artwork will be displayed throughout the complex during the Premier National Junior Show events.

For a full listing of Premier National Junior Show events and the art contest guidelines, visit HERE..

The All-American Dairy Show features 22 shows in six days in addition to the nation’s only all-dairy antiques show. Last year’s show featured nearly 3,000 animals and 1,500 exhibitors from around the country.

 

 

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