For the past two months, 4-H members from Orange and Durham have been working with a set of six jersey calves in preparation for the Central Carolina District Dairy Show in Raleigh, North Carolina.  Youth began working with their calves on June 10th and met twice each week, apart for a couple times due to weather.  Along with practicing with the calves, they have learned about cattle anatomy, breeds, and what cattle eat and graze on.

At the show, youth participated in both showmanship and type classes with their calves.  Showmanship refers to the youth’s ability to show their animal to the judge.  They are paying attention to how well they control their animal and their composure.  Youth are divided up based on their age or experience level to make the playing field as even as possible.  During the type classes, the judge evaluates the animal itself.  Type classes are found across all species and they all have their similarities and differences.  For dairy heifers, they are looking at frame size and structural soundness.

Orange and Durham participants represented well in their classes.  The following are the placings from the showmanship classes.

We are proud of our participants and look forward to having another project next year!