On April 5 and 6, 170 youth from New England, New York and Pennsylvania gathered at Cowtown Holsteins in Derby Line, VT to take part in this year’s Northeast Youth Show Calf Summit. Seventy-five adults also attended. The Vermont Holstein Association puts together a program that instructs the youth in the areas of calf selection, proper feeding, clipping for the shows, showmanship, proper transportation, choosing equipment and judging. They also heard a speaker on “Career Opportunities in Agriculture.” Instructing them were noted professionals in field which included Callum McKinven, Quebec; Dustin Schirm, OH; Rick Allyn, CT; Scott Hussey, ME; Jenny Thomas, OH; Dr. Katherine Knowlton, VA Tech; Tim Abbott, VT; Bob Fitzsimmons, VT; Marie Eve Veronneau, Quebec; Chris Kimball, ME and Steve Carson, VT.
The youth arrived on Friday and left on Saturday following lunch. For a $30 registration fee they receive four meals, a tee shirt and this year a halter, all of this thanks to many generous sponsors. One of the highlights this year was an essay contest. Those who wanted to participate wrote an essay titled “Why I Deserve a Calf.” Twenty-six wrote essays which were judged by a panel of judges. The five top essay writers read theirs to the whole group. Alexis Ouellette of Weybridge, VT was the winner, receiving a Holstein calf from Don-Sim Farm.
A red and white Holstein raffle calf was donated by Audet’s Blue Spruce Farm of Bridport, VT. Each youth participating in the summit received a ticket and other tickets were sold. The winner of the calf was one of the youth, Sarah Hill from Bristol, VT.
There were also numerous door prizes which helps to supply the winning youth with tools they need for showing.
The success of the summit is thanks to the generous sponsors who provide the funds to obtain the instructors, supply the meals and the supplies. Without them this event would not be possible
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