COXSACKIE, N.Y. — Kasey Purdy of Coxsackie is the lucky recipient of a donated Jersey calf that she will use for her dairy cattle 4-H project this year. Kasey is the daughter of James Purdy and Alisha Schmidt and is a member of the Greene Earth 4-H Club.
4-H alumnus Ben Gardner received a Jersey calf through a calf award program of the Niagara County 4-H program in 2008. Since then, that one calf has now become a string of nine cows. He chose to pay it forward by gifting a Jersey calf born last fall to an interested local youth – so he/she may begin to grow their own herd. Applications were received from local 4-H members and FFA members.
This year’s calf was born August 24, 2020. Her dam is Red Pine Louie Rosemary and her sire is J-Kay Tequila Fizz. Kasey has named her new calf Buttermilk.
In her application Kasey noted a family history of dairy farming, although she does not currently live on a dairy farm. “I have dreamed of owning a calf since I was eight years old. My grandparents own an 800 cow dairy farm in Canandaigua, NY and I love visiting the calves and taking care of them. Jerseys are special to me because their milk has a high percentage of butterfat, protein and calcium and they have a low rate of dystocia”, shared Kasey.
Kasey is an active member of the Columbia and Greene 4-H dairy project. She has participated in 4-H dairy bowl for the past six years and was team captain for the district junior team last year. She is a member of the local 4-H dairy work group and has participated in the 4-H veterinary science program. She will be showing Buttermilk at the Greene County Youth Fair this summer.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. The programs provided by this organization are partially funded by monies received from the Counties of Columbia and Greene.
4-H is New York’s only youth development program directly connected to the technological advances and the latest research at Cornell University. 4-H participants learn leadership, citizenship and life skills through hands-on projects in three primary program areas: agriculture; natural resources; and healthy living. To find out more about 4-H and youth programs in Columbia and Greene Counties, contact us at 518-828-3346 or Columbiagreene@cornell.edu or visit our website, www.ccecolumbiagreene.org . You can also “Like” us on Facebook…Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties.
–Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties
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