LOUISVILLE, KY – The Junior Dairy Show Supreme Champion Selections were announced at the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE).
Junior Dairy entries were at a record high this year with a total of 1451. In fact, total entries increased over last year by 240. Breeds included Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey, Milking Shorthorn, and Red & White. To qualify for Supreme titles, participants are required to win Junior Supreme titles for their specific breed. Individuals selected to vie for Junior Dairy Supreme Champion had a chance to win a $500 check. Contestants competing for Grand Dairy Supreme Champion could end up bringing home $2000.
The Junior Supreme Champion was Alleah Anderson from Cumberland, Wisconsin. This ambitious eleven-year-old showed a Jersey heifer for Meadow Ridge Farm located in Cumberland, Wisconsin. Alleah made her parents Tamala and Jamie Anderson proud since she plans to save her prize money in a bank account for her college tuition. To prepare for competition, Alleah led the calf every day. Alleah also thought that getting a good night’s rest has helped her achieve victory. Her vast amount of showing experience has given her an advantage. She has been competed for eight years, and felt she had earned her accomplishment.
Ben Sauder of Tremont, Illinois was awarded Grand Dairy Show Supreme Champion.
Twenty-year-old Ben Sauder is the son of Gregg and Cindy Sauder. Ben showed a Jersey for River Valley. This was not Ben’s first time showing at NAILE. He has shown at the NAILE a total of five times and has won the title of Junior Dairy Show Supreme Champion multiple times including in 2011 and 2013. Ben’s excitement was apparent as he walked across the ring to get his picture taken. He said the prize money will be invested in his family’s dairy business.
Junior Dairy shows are an asset to the NAILE. These shows teach important life lessons throughout all phases of competition. Youth learn how to take care of their animal and how to value the practice of preparation. By showing their animal, youth learn about showmanship and professionalism. When results are announced, they learn how to accept victory graciously or disappointment with a smile.
By Rachel Janovsky