Ms. Bonnie Ayars, Dairy Program Specialist, Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University
One might think that 4-H winds down during the winter months, when in fact the homework is in place for all that will follow when spring arrives. Many dairy judging opportunities take place around the state and all can help to lead up to Spring Dairy Expo when the state 4-H and FFA contest will take place on April 1 (no kidding). Spring Dairy Expo (springdairyexpo.com), March 30 - April 1, serves as the transition from one season to another and also allows dairy enthusiasts to gather for shows, sales, showmanship contests, and social gatherings.
Here at the University, there also are many recognition programs that take place for students and alumni. On March 4, the CFAES Alumni Awards Luncheon will take place at the Fawcett Center and you will note some familiar dairy names within that group. On April 8, the Animal Sciences Department Recognition Banquet will be held at the 4-H Center on the OSU Columbus campus. Each year, the dairy judging program recognizes the anniversary teams of 50, 25, and 10 years, along with current members. There are a few members on the 50 year team for which I could use updates and addresses. If you know of Tom Criblez or Harold Meeusen, please help me to make sure they have a formal invitation.
To finish out April, Dairy Palooza programs will be held at the Wayne County Fairgrounds on April 22 and then at the Auglaize County Fairgrounds on April 29. The website is updated and filled with information at ohiodairypalooza.com. Please encourage youth and adults alike with dairy interests to attend these workshops AND Quality Assurance training will be provided. We also have adult programs based around updates that will assist advisors in planning effective meetings.