Michigan 4-H dairy days showcase youth perseverance and skills

By Andi Anderson

The 2024 Michigan 4-H Dairy Days brought youth together for a unique competition amidst the challenges posed by the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak. Despite limitations, the event was a success, thanks to the collaborative efforts of dairy industry partners, Michigan State University (MSU) Animal Science staff, and 4-H volunteers.

Adapting to Michigan’s HPAI Risk Reduction Response Order, the event shifted its format for safety. Showmanship contests allowed exhibitors to present tested heifers, while dairy judging competitions used paper-based evaluations instead of live animals.

Oral reasons were still part of the competition, providing participants with valuable skill-building opportunities.

Held at Anthony Hall and the MSU Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education, the event included dairy management and judging contests across all age divisions. The management contest had 83 participants, and the judging contest drew 87 participants.

Winning teams included Clinton County (senior) and Ottawa County (junior and novice) in the judging contest, and Isabella County (senior), Washtenaw County (junior), and Ottawa County (novice) in the management contest.

Showmanship highlights included Willow Evans from Clinton County, who was named Champion Senior and Overall Champion Showman. Caden Petroshus from Allegan County earned Reserve Champion Senior and Reserve Overall Showman.

Logan Welch from Allegan County exhibited the Champion Overall Heifer, a homebred Ayrshire, while the Reserve Overall Champion Heifer was a Red and White Holstein.

Despite setbacks, 4-H youth demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and determination, embodying the life skills taught through 4-H programs. The event not only celebrated achievements but also prepared youth for national competitions.

Mark your calendars for the 2025 Michigan 4-H Dairy Days, scheduled for July 14-17, 2025. Stay tuned for updates on the MSU Extension events calendar.

Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu