Missouri 4-H Dairy Cow Camp was the largest in history in 2023, with nearly 50 youth excited to learn more about the dairy industry
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Held for the fifth year at Lawrence County Youth Fair Grounds in Freistatt, the three-day camp helps youth connect with other young people interested in learning more about dairy and agriculture. (Courtesy Photo)
FREISTATT, Mo. — Missouri 4-H Dairy Cow Camp was the largest in history in 2023, with nearly 50 youth excited to learn more about the dairy industry. Held for the fifth year at Lawrence County Youth Fair Grounds in Freistatt, the three-day camp helps youth connect with other young people interested in learning more about dairy and agriculture.
According to Karla Deaver, 4-H Youth Development Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, fifty campers from two states attended, including approximately 20 youth from a junior high agriculture program in Highlandville.
“The 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. “This year, we again had the added component of working with heifers consigned to the Missouri Holstein Association Tag Sale, which gave us an opportunity to add workshops related to reading pedigrees, different types of auctions, and the various ways cattle are sold.”
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 showmanship, dairy cattle judging and quiz bowl, campers participated in sessions on public speaking and developed displays on dairy promotion. Dairy promotion and total mixed ration sessions were funded through an Undeniably Dairy Grant, provided by Midwest Dairy Association.
A highlight of the 2023 camp included a session with Dan Rice, CEO of Free Range Dairy, who spoke about career opportunities available to youth interested in the dairy industry.
A judging contest and showmanship competition provide the culmination for the camp. In the dairy judging contest, first place junior was Daniel Day of Bolivar. Second was Harper VanZyverden of Niangua, and third was Emma Coleman of Grant City. In the senior division, first was Sammi Justice of Clever, second was Ellery Couch of Verona, and third was Raylee Couch, also of Verona.
In the showmanship competition, winning the junior division was Diesel Dixon of Conway and second was Brantley Keltner of Billings. In the intermediate division, first was Harper VanZyverden of Niangua and second was Hanna Sivils of Mount Vernon. In the senior division, first was Raylee Couch of Verona and second was Lily Bluel of Monett.
A number of other awards were handed out, including a rookie awards to Bray Combs of Highlandville and Canaan Riott of Ozark. Most Initiative award was given to Lily Bluel of Monett and Alexi Casperson of Niangua. Most engaged camper award was given to Hanna Sivils of Mount Vernon and Preston Campbell of Highlandville. Leadership recognition was awarded to Emma Coleman of Palmyra, Harper VanZyverden of Niangua and Diesel Dixon of Conway. Pairs recognized as best teams included Kason Wilson of Miller and Brantley Keltner of Clever; Allie and Gracie Kenney of Miller; and Wilson Kessinger of Highlandville and Rowen Krauch of Spokane. Most improved campers were Lucy Day of Bolivar and Nora Penn of Edina. A special award, given in memory of Dr. John Underwood, longtime supporter of Missouri Dairy Cow Camp, was awarded to Zeb Wilson of Cape Fair.
“It takes the entire dairy industry pulling together to continue to provide cow camp each year,” according to Deaver. “We absolutely could not do this without our many sponsors. We are incredibly appreciative of all the support we receive from our donors.”
Programs offered by Missouri 4-H would not be possible without support from our partners. Major support for Missouri 4-H Agriculture and Natural Resources programs is provided by the Missouri 4-H Foundation in partnership with Bass Pro Shops, Corteva Agriscience, Crader Distributing Co., FCS Financial, Missouri Association of Meat Processors, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Holstein Association, Eunice Campbell, and Robert E. “Bud” Hertzog, D.V.M.
Missouri Dairy Cow Camp also receives support from the following businesses and individuals: Wrightvale Holsteins, Dairy Farmers of America, So-Mo Agri-Supply, Southwest Dairy Farmers, MFA, Inc., Missouri Holstein Association, Missouri Holstein Junior Association, Missouri Jersey Cattle Association, Missouri Guernsey Breeders Association, Missouri Brown Swiss Breeders, Land O’Lakes/Purina, Sancrest Specialized Transport, Grubaugh-Bird Tires and Truck Beds, Tractor Supply of Nixa, Main Street Feeds, Mac’s Vet Supply, D Bar J Livestock LLC, Perrydale Farms, Ozark Mountain Creamery, Midwest Dairy Association,
Southwest Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Andrus Dairy, and Ron and Betty Duffy.
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.
— MU Extension
