The nation's largest all-breeds junior dairy event enters its second decade in 2014 under the leadership of two long-time volunteers and All-American Dairy Show participants.

Rachel Cloninger and Emily Yeiser are coordinating the 2014 Premier National Junior Show Sept. 13-16 as part of the All-American Dairy Show. They will oversee veteran volunteers who assist with checking in cattle, clerking, announcing and managing shows, and assisting with judges.

"Rachel and Emily are young dairy leaders who are stepping up and taking on roles that will keep our industry strong," said Agriculture Secretary George Greig. "They have the knowledge and vision to guide the junior show for its next decade, and I thank them for their service."

Nearly 1,000 exhibitors will compete in seven national breed shows, a national showmanship contest, and judging and junior management contests during the four-day event. Youth can also participate in a networking and career education event.

"Long-time coordinator Patti Hushon built a strong foundation for the Premier National Junior Events," said Cloninger. "Emily and I are looking forward to building on those successes and keeping this the pinnacle dairy industry youth event."

Cloninger grew up on a dairy farm in Pennsylvania's Westmoreland County. A 2007 Penn State animal science graduate, she was an active member of organizations like the Dairy Science Club, served the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau after college and currently works with AgChoice Farm Credit as training officer. She serves on the Pennsylvania FFA Foundation board, Penn State Dairymen's Club board and has been a member of the Pennsylvania Dairy Task Force. Cloninger resides in Marietta, Lancaster County, with her husband Ben and son Jackson.

Yeiser grew up in Maryland leasing dairy cattle at age 8. She also graduated from Penn State in 2007 with an animal science major and agribusiness management minor and served as an active member of clubs and organizations, including as president of the student division of the American Dairy Science Association. She received her master's degree in dairy science from Virginia Tech. She serves as the Dairy Initiatives Manager for the Center for Dairy Excellence and as coach for the Delaware Valley College Dairy Judging Team.

The 2014 All-American Dairy Show features 22 shows from Sept. 13-18 in addition to the nation's only all-dairy antiques show. Last year's event featured nearly 2,800 animals and more than 1,300 exhibitors from across the nation. The week caps off with the 58th Pennsylvania Dairy Princess Pageant on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Radisson Hotel Camp Hill.

For more information, visit www.allamerican.state.pa.usReturn to Industry Buzz.

8.5.2014