Held for the fifth 12 months at Lawrence County Youth Truthful Grounds in Freistatt, the three-day camp helps youth join with different younger individuals all in favour of studying extra about dairy and agriculture. (Courtesy Photograph)
FREISTATT, Mo. — Missouri 4-H Dairy Cow Camp was the most important in historical past in 2023, with almost 50 youth excited to study extra in regards to the dairy business. Held for the fifth 12 months at Lawrence County Youth Truthful Grounds in Freistatt, the three-day camp helps youth join with different younger individuals all in favour of studying extra about dairy and agriculture.
In keeping with Karla Deaver, 4-H Youth Growth Specialist, College of Missouri Extension, fifty campers from two states attended, together with roughly 20 youth from a junior excessive agriculture program in Highlandville.
“The camp attracts consideration to the significance of farming and its necessary position in Missouri’s economic system. It offers youth a “hands-on” alternative to take care of dairy animals and find out about many elements of dairy manufacturing whereas studying life-skills on the identical time,” Deaver stated. “This 12 months, we once more had the added element of working with heifers consigned to the Missouri Holstein Affiliation Tag Sale, which gave us a chance so as to add workshops associated to studying pedigrees, several types of auctions, and the assorted methods cattle are bought.”
Campers work in pairs beneath the course of adults and participate in workshops to find out about judging dairy animals, dairy administration, animal care ethics and showmanship. Older teenagers function group leaders and counselors for the youthful 4-H members. Individuals working within the dairy business visited with campers about careers within the dairy business as effectively.
Along with instructional workshops on showmanship, dairy cattle judging and quiz bowl, campers participated in classes on public talking and developed shows on dairy promotion. Dairy promotion and whole blended ration classes had been funded by means of an Undeniably Dairy Grant, offered by Midwest Dairy Affiliation.
A spotlight of the 2023 camp included a session with Dan Rice, CEO of Free Vary Dairy, who spoke about profession alternatives obtainable to youth within the dairy business.
A judging contest and showmanship competitors present the fruits for the camp. Within the dairy judging contest, first place junior was Daniel Day of Bolivar. Second was Harper VanZyverden of Niangua, and third was Emma Coleman of Grant Metropolis. Within the senior division, first was Sammi Justice of Intelligent, second was Ellery Sofa of Verona, and third was Raylee Sofa, additionally of Verona.
Within the showmanship competitors, profitable the junior division was Diesel Dixon of Conway and second was Brantley Keltner of Billings. Within the intermediate division, first was Harper VanZyverden of Niangua and second was Hanna Sivils of Mount Vernon. Within the senior division, first was Raylee Sofa of Verona and second was Lily Bluel of Monett.
Numerous different awards had been handed out, together with a rookie awards to Bray Combs of Highlandville and Canaan Riott of Ozark. Most Initiative award was given to Lily Bluel of Monett and Alexi Casperson of Niangua. Most engaged camper award was given to Hanna Sivils of Mount Vernon and Preston Campbell of Highlandville. Management recognition was awarded to Emma Coleman of Palmyra, Harper VanZyverden of Niangua and Diesel Dixon of Conway. Pairs acknowledged as finest groups included Kason Wilson of Miller and Brantley Keltner of Intelligent; Allie and Gracie Kenney of Miller; and Wilson Kessinger of Highlandville and Rowen Krauch of Spokane. Most improved campers had been Lucy Day of Bolivar and Nora Penn of Edina. A particular award, given in reminiscence of Dr. John Underwood, longtime supporter of Missouri Dairy Cow Camp, was awarded to Zeb Wilson of Cape Truthful.
“It takes your entire dairy business pulling collectively to proceed to offer cow camp annually,” in response to Deaver. “We completely couldn’t do that with out our many sponsors. We’re extremely appreciative of all of the help we obtain from our donors.”
Applications provided by Missouri 4-H wouldn’t be doable with out help from our companions. Main help for Missouri 4-H Agriculture and Pure Assets applications is offered by the Missouri 4-H Basis in partnership with Bass Professional Outlets, Corteva Agriscience, Crader Distributing Co., FCS Monetary, Missouri Affiliation of Meat Processors, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Holstein Affiliation, Eunice Campbell, and Robert E. “Bud” Hertzog, D.V.M.
Missouri Dairy Cow Camp additionally receives help from the next companies and people: Wrightvale Holsteins, Dairy Farmers of America, So-Mo Agri-Provide, Southwest Dairy Farmers, MFA, Inc., Missouri Holstein Affiliation, Missouri Holstein Junior Affiliation, Missouri Jersey Cattle Affiliation, Missouri Guernsey Breeders Affiliation, Missouri Brown Swiss Breeders, Land O’Lakes/Purina, Sancrest Specialised Transport, Grubaugh-Hen Tires and Truck Beds, Tractor Provide of Nixa, Essential Avenue Feeds, Mac’s Vet Provide, D Bar J Livestock LLC, Perrydale Farms, Ozark Mountain Creamery, Midwest Dairy Affiliation,
Southwest Missouri Cattlemen’s Affiliation, Andrus Dairy, and Ron and Betty Duffy.
For extra details about cow camp, contact Karla Deaver on the Lawrence County Extension Middle in Mt. Vernon, (417) 466-3102, or your native county extension heart.
— MU Extension