4-H Dairy Program Updates

Bonnie Ayars, Dairy Judging Teams Coach and Extension Youth Specialist, The Ohio State University

Spring Dairy Expo

Spring have arrived much sooner than expected weather wise, but Spring Dairy Expo will be held on March 29th-March 31st at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus.  The daily schedule is available at www.springdairyexpo.com.
If you have any interest in dairy, it is a wonderful event that includes sales, shows, the Ohio 4-H and FFA Dairy Judging Contest, showmanship classes, displays, and a time to socialize after a unique winter.  If you are a judging enthusiast, plan on attending the Ohio PDCA Judging Conference on Thursday.  Cash awards are provided, and Larry Schirm will serve as the facilitator/teacher.  All those participating will have their names added to an approved judges list for Ohio junior and open dairy shows (http://www.springdairyexpo.com/PDF/2012%20PDCA%20Judging%20Conference%20and%20Contest%20%282%29.pdf).

Youth Dairy Judging Clinic

In an amazing turn out of participants, a dairy judging clinic was held in the OSU Animal Science Arena on March 17th.  Despite many other activities also hosted on this day, attendance included just about 125 youth and adults.  All came to prepare for the State 4-H and FFA dairy judging contest on March 31st.  Clermont County brought 11 4-H dairy members, and it has been 24 years since they last attended a State 4-H event!  Photos are on our Facebook page, Ohio 4-H Dairy Program.  Why not take the time to look us up and “like us!” The 2012 Dairy Palooza plans are moving along, and we have a list of many donors who will assist in bringing this program to life on April 28th at the Wayne County Fairgrounds.  More information, the promotional pamphlet, and a group registration form can be found at www.4hansci.osu.edu/dairy. We also will have pamphlets available at Spring Dairy Expo!  Many thanks are extended to Farm and Dairy for printing our brochures.