MT. VERNON, Mo. — After more than 20 years at the previous location, 4-H Dairy Cow Camp moved to the Lawrence County Youth Fair Grounds in Freistatt.
According to Karla Deaver, 4-H youth development specialist, University of Missouri Extension, the move to the fairgrounds made it possible to continue the camp in 2018. Cattle were provided by Wrightvale Holsteins of Verona, and campers attended from five states – Missouri, Texas, Illinois, New Mexico and Arkansas.
Organizers from University of Missouri Extension say the camp is significant for two reasons. First, it is designed to encourage youth wanting to go into the dairy industry. Second, it provides campers with an opportunity to learn a variety of life skills, including teamwork, cooperation, and responsibility.
“This camp draws attention to the importance of farming and its important role in Missouri’s economy. It provides youth a hands-on opportunity to care for dairy animals and learn about many aspects of dairy production while learning life-skills at the same time,” Deaver said.
Campers work in pairs under the direction of adults and take part in workshops to learn about judging dairy animals, dairy management, animal care ethics and showmanship. Older teens serve as group leaders and counselors for the younger 4-H members. Persons working in the dairy industry visited with campers about careers in the dairy industry as well.
In addition to educational workshops on dairy heifer management, foot care, showmanship, dairy cattle judging and quiz bowl, campers participated in sessions enabling them to be certified in Show Me Quality Assurance. The activities, designed as a series of learning stations, help 4-H’ers develop both personal and project skills. Stations included an animal health tool identification, how milk is made, and calf care.
A judging contest and showmanship competition provide the culmination for the camp. In the dairy judging contest, first place junior Alexis Koopal of Sarcoxie. Second was Zach Scrivner of Ava, and third was Monique Turner of Springfield. In the Intermediate division, first was Garrett Grimm of Aurora, second was Molly Archer of Falcon and third was Case Melzer of Harrisonville. In the senior division, first was Hala Edquist of Mountain Grove, second was Nathaniel Hudson of Carthage and third was Maya Hufman of Springfield.
In the showmanship competition, winning the junior division was Cleo Neptune of Arkansas and second was Ellie Samek of Bolivar. In the intermediate division, first was Garrett Grimm of Aurora and second was Molly Archer of Falcon. In the senior division, first was Lila Wantland of Niangua and second was Kylie Scrivner of Ava.
A number of other awards were handed out, including a rookie award to Hala Edquist of Mountain Grove. Teamwork awards were given to Baylee Bowen of Texas and August Michaels of Illinois. Quiz bowl awards were given to Logan Archer of Falcon and Hala Edquist of Mountain Grove. Leadership recognition was awarded to Logan Archer of Falcon and Josie Toombs of Bolivar. The spirit award was given to Zeb Wilson of Cape Fair and the Git ‘R” Done award was given to Roper Voskamp of Mount Vernon and Garrett Henke Moscow Mills. A group cohesiveness award was given to the orange group – Alexis and Madison Koopal, Cleo Neptune, Catie Henke, Ellie Samek and Emma Hancock.
4-H Dairy Cow Camp is a cooperative program between University of Missouri Extension and a number of industry sponsors. They include: Wrightvale Holsteins, Dairy Farmers of America, Southwest Dairy Farmers, MFA, Inc., Paul Mueller Co., Orscheln’s of Republic, Missouri Holstein Association, Missouri Holstein Junior Association, Missouri Jersey Cattle Association, Missouri Brown Swiss Association, Missouri Guernsey Breeders Association, Land O’Lakes/Purina, Missouri Dairy Association, Sancrest Specialized Transport, Main Street Feeds, Mac’s Vet Supply, Race Brothers, So-Mo Agri-Supply, D Bar J Livestock LLC, Perrydale Farms, Jeanne Whip of Republic, John Underwood, Voskamp Family Farm, Southwest Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, S & H Farm Supply, Ray and Margaret Schooley, Charles and Lynn McLean, FCS Financial and the Missouri 4-H Foundation.
For more information about cow camp, contact Karla Deaver at the Lawrence County Extension Center in Mt. Vernon, (417) 466-3102, or your local county extension center.
— Karla Deaver, University of Missouri Extension
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