dairy judging | Ag Proud

Hansen named 2023 Dairy Shrine Guest of Honor

Les Hansen was recognized by the National Dairy Shrine this year for his research, work, passion and love for the dairy industry.

October 1, 2023

Matti McBride

It’s obvious as Hansen rattles off names of past students and their current professions that he is passionate about those he teaches and coaches.

Dynamic leaders, coachable youth and team building all lead to a trip downtown

A trip to the TD 4-H Classic starts early in the spring with dedication to the trip through teamwork.

March 14, 2023

Katie Coyne

Building skills for a lifetime with an emphasis on teamwork, a trip to Toronto in November for the TD 4-H Classic begins with dedicated volunteers such as Bobbi-Jo Uhr.

Benefits of dairy judging leave lifelong impacts

Industry experts explain why dairy cattle judging is so beneficial for both participating youth and their coaches.

August 19, 2022

Ashley Hagenow

You may have grown up participating in dairy judging, or someone close in your life is currently reaping the benefits of participating in this activity. Hear from coaches and youth participants alike about the benefits of dairy judging and why this “sport” among dairy enthusiasts is so important. Read more at the link below.

Leading the Way: Rules of the show ring

Holding a halter a specific way, walking backward in the ring and setting your animal up in the show ring aren't just a custom; they are rules made with a purpose in mind.

August 16, 2022

Katie Coyne

If a player on a basketball court takes two steps while holding the ball, it’s a traveling call. If someone swings at three pitches and misses, it’s an out.

Leading the Way: A special space for show heifers leads to success for the Noble kids

May 24, 2021

Katie Coyne

Editor’s note: This is part one of a two-part series. When we were kids, we added a few holes to a sheep feeder and tied heifers up to it. In the evening, they went out to a dirt lot. It wasn’t ideal, but it worked.

Leading the Way: Work hard, play hard – share your talent

March 12, 2021

Katie Coyne

Jayden and Kennedy Kimball of Windham, Maine, are a force to be reckoned with on the softball field and in the show ring. These young dairy exhibitors are intense and dedicated with an incredible work ethic that is taking them to the national stage in both cattle showing and softball.

Leading the Way: Test your show knowledge

January 19, 2021

Katie Coyne

Here’s hoping 2021 will bring back county and state fairs and youth dairy exhibitions. During these winter months, here is an activity to get dairy youth thinking about their projects.

Leading the Way: Dairy judging: Develop the eye for cattle and the ability to articulate it

November 25, 2020

Katie Coyne

At every fitting and showmanship clinic, we ask how many people are involved in dairy judging. Sometimes numerous hands go up, and sometimes just a few. Youth who love working with and showing cattle stand to benefit from a dairy judging program.

Pay it forward

October 1, 2020

Audrey Schmitz

When we are young, we ourselves don’t always recognize our talents, but our parents sometimes do. From an early age, my mom noticed I had a knack for dairy judging. So she pushed me, more than any of my five siblings.