Whether they go on to their own dairy farms or to manage large herds for others – or to work as consultants, nutritionists, veterinarians and other allied industry careers – the ribbons and awards of those youthful days in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, each September are not what stick with the youth who found educational opportunities at the annual All-American Dairy Show over the past 51 years.

Rather, it is the cow sense, determination, teamwork, competitive drive, communication and decision-making skills that follow them into a range of dairy- and ag-related careers.

The All-American Dairy Foundation (AADF) relies on support from dairy producers and allied industry to continue its mission to financially support these youth education opportunities at the All-American Dairy Show. Recently, the foundation announced it is seeking enthusiastic dairy youth to assist in its contributor-member campaign.

As the foundation logo portrays – created by Michelle Morian, herself an All-American Dairy Show Youth programs alumnus – the AADF mission is “committed to the future of dairy youth.”

“This is more than a slogan,” said AADF Executive Director Bob Heilman in announcing the campaign. “These are the words and actions that define the path of the foundation (AADF) as it provides leadership to raise funds to support the many educational events available to youth during the All-American Dairy Show in Harrisburg.

“We are seeking 100 or more AADF recruiters, age 12 by Dec. 31, 2014, but not 21,” he explained.

After sign-ups end Dec. 1, the campaign will kick off Dec. 15 for completion on Feb. 28. Prizewinners will be announced on March 14.

The youth recruiters will compete in a challenge with prizes for bringing in the most contributor-memberships. The top-three recruiters will win prizes as follows: First place will receive prizes valued at $250 (a custom director’s chair, Orvus Paste Soap, a $50 bill and a show halter); second place valued at $215 (WAHL KM-10 Cow Clippers); and third place valued at $90 (a pair of Bogs Rubber Boots).

In addition, recruiters will be entered into a sweepstakes, receiving one ticket for every five people they recruit as contributor-members. Each ticket is entered into a random drawing for a wooden box, hand-painted with the cow of the winner’s choice.

All recruiters who successfully enroll two or more contributor-members will also receive a T-shirt with the AADF logo imprinted and the slogan,“Committed to the Future of Dairy Youth.”

To become a recruiter, please provide the following information by emailing AADF: name, address, email address, phone number and shirt size (youth-M, youth-L or adult-M or L).

Recruiters will receive a packet with instructions and materials to assist them in securing contributor-members. PD

—From the All-American Dairy Foundation news release