Dairy cattle judging team third at All-American

• Wisconsin team

The Wisconsin Team at Harrisburg, from left to right, are: Coach Tom Knegendorf, Trent Miller, Emily Hofacker, Coach Peter Coyne, Amelia Kjos, Cole Mark and Coach Bob Traynor. -- Photo submitted

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Youth from across the country competed in the All-American Dairy Show Invitational Youth Dairy Judging Contest held Sept. 17 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg, Pa.

Numerous, generous forms of support helped to make this national trip possible.

Participants individually placed 10 classes of dairy cows and heifers, and defended their placings with four sets of oral reasons.

The 4-H team from Wisconsin took third place overall and tied for first place in team reasons. The team members, all from Pierce County, were Trent Miller, Emily Hofacker, Amelia Kjos and Cole Mark. The group traveled with and was coached by Tom Knegendorf, Peter Coyne and Bob Traynor.

In the individual contest, Trent Miller took home top honors, winning first place overall. Additionally, the team ranked first in Ayrshire, fourth in Brown Swiss and fifth in Guernsey.

This program teaches leadership and life skills through involvement in animal science projects, specifically training young people in decision-making, problem solving, communication skills and workforce preparation skills. Each year, over 30 young people become involved in the 4-H Dairy judging program, from grades 3-13.

With excellent local support and volunteer leadership, dairy judging is just one example of how 4-H provides lifelong learning opportunities for Pierce County youth and beyond. Those interested in becoming involved in 4-H, either as a volunteer leader or youth member, should contact the UW-Extension Office at 715-273-6781 or by e-mail at francis.ginther@ces.uwex.edu.

Tags: news, wisconsin, agriculture