Michigan 4-H Dairy Youth Showcase Skills at Dairy Days

By Andi Anderson

Michigan 4-H youth gathered at Michigan State University during June and July for the 2025 Michigan 4-H Dairy Days, an annual educational event that highlights the abilities and dedication of young dairy enthusiasts.

Participants from across the state took part in several hands-on competitions, including dairy showmanship, dairy quiz bowl, dairy management and dairy judging.

Many youth competed in all four events, and several newcomers joined this year, including participants without dairy backgrounds. Volunteers and MSU staff played a key role in organizing the program and supporting youth development.

The Michigan 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl, held for the second year in late June, brought together 71 participants across senior, junior and novice divisions. Industry professionals served as judges and moderators.

The top senior team earned the opportunity to represent Michigan at the National 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Contest at the North American International Livestock Exposition in November.

In the dairy management and dairy judging contests, 91 youth competed across both events. Held back-to-back at the Farm Bureau Pavilion, these contests tested participants’ knowledge of dairy operations, animal evaluation and decision-making.

The winning senior teams from both contests were invited to compete nationally this fall, representing Michigan 4-H on a larger stage.

The dairy showmanship contest featured 47 youth exhibitors. The Supreme Overall Dairy Showman earned a prestigious sale spot at the Michigan Livestock Expo Sale-A-Bration.

Additional honors were awarded to the exhibitors of the Supreme Champion Dairy Heifer and the Supreme Champion Dairy Cow.

The 2025 Michigan 4-H Dairy Days Awards Celebration introduced a new photo backdrop and a special annual recognition for an individual who significantly contributed to the dairy program.

This year’s honoree was Joe Diglio of the Michigan Milk Producers Association. Youth high achievers in each contest were recognized, and the event concluded with awards for the top two junior and senior participants.

Michigan 4-H Dairy Days continues to strengthen youth leadership, agricultural knowledge, and confidence, helping prepare the next generation of dairy industry leaders.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-vm