Junior exhibitors went head to head to look their best in the Junior Dairy Showmanship Contest on Friday, Jan. 10 at the 2014 Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg.
Considering that all of the participants were of different ages, the showmen were split into four classes:
Class I ranged from 18-20 years of age
Class II ranged from 16-17 years of age
Class III ranged from 13-15 years of age
Class IV ranged from 9-12 years of age
"As compared to the normal shows where we are watching the animals, we are watching the trainers," says Tom Uber of Adams County, the showmanship judge for the Class I kids. "We are looking for the kids who know how to best present their cows at every moment possible, and that they can work well with the animal." Seeing poor interactions between a cow and its owner indicates that the owner spends little time with the cow.
The top three contestants of each class received a plaque. Each contestant behind the top three received a ribbon. Michala Kuhlman of York County took Class I honors. Jacob Klein of Lebanon County won Class II. Macy McDonald Walason of Bedford County took honors in Class III. Jenna Wetzel of Lancaster County won Class IV.
1st Michala Kuhlman, Bradford Co.
2nd Amber Sible, Centre Co.
3rd Rachael Ulrich, Adams Co.
1st Jacob Kline, Lebanon Co.
2nd Miranda Black, Somerset Co.
3rd Rebecca Dent, Columbia Co.
Rebecca Dent, Miranda Black and Jacob Kline pose with their dairy cows after receiving their award plaques for Junior Dairy Showmanship, Class II.
1st Macy McDonald Walason, Bedford Co.
2nd Morgan Kunkle, Berks Co.
3rd Stephanie Younker, Berks Co.
Morgan Kunkel, Stephanie Younker and Macy McDonald Walason pose with their dairy cows after receiving their award plaques for Junior Dairy Showmanship, Class III
1st Jenna Wetzel, Lancaster Co.
2nd Ellissa Kunkel, Berks Co.
3rd Emma Rose, Berks Co.
The Pennsylvania Farm Show is the largest indoor agricultural event in the nation, with 24 acres under one roof that feature nearly 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and nearly 300 commercial exhibitors. The eight-day show is Jan. 4-11, at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg. Visit www.farmshow.state.pa.us for details.