By Morgan Watts

Rowan Cooperative Extension

In case you missed all the excitement, the Rowan County Junior Dairy Show was July 27. Hopefully, some of you made it out to watch these kids exhibit their projects.

We had 13 kids from Rowan County participating and there were 31 head of cattle exhibited. We had three dairy breeds represented at the dairy show: Brown Swiss, Holstein and Jersey.

Even though it was very hot and humid, everyone had a great time and did really well showing their cattle. These kids have put in a lot of work getting these projects ready for the show. They had to spend countless hours halter-breaking them and getting the cattle to trust them so they remain calm in the show ring, not to mention having to feed these cattle twice a day.

The dairy project is awesome for kids — it not only teaches them work ethic but also responsibility. The juniors also had a few busy days after the Rowan Dairy show as they then headed to the district show in Iredell County.

Rowan had a good representation there, with several breed champions. If you were not able to make it to the show, these kids will be showing again at the Rowan County Fair which will be Sept. 23-Oct. 1.

I encourage anyone who has never seen these kids show to stop by and see all the fun that happens. Below is a list of winners for the show.

In the fitting and showmanship portion, the exhibitors are judged on how well they present and show the animal plus general knowledge about their project.

Junior champion (ages 9-12) — Lexi Roberts.

Reserve junior champion — Haley Foster.

Intermediate champion (ages 13-15) — Colby Menius.

Reserve intermediate champion — Sydney Nash.

Senior champion (ages 16-19) — Jonathan Luther.

Reserve senior champion — Ryan Menius.

In the breed show, the quality of the animal is being judged, not how well it is being shown.

Junior champions: Brown Swiss, Olivia Foster; Holstein, Olivia Foster; Jersey. Jonathan Luther.

Senior champions: Holstein, Haley Foster; Jersey, Haley Foster.

Overall champions: Brown Swiss, Olivia Foster; Holstein, Haley Foster; Jersey, Haley Foster.

If you have any questions about this project or the Rowan County Junior Dairy Show, please contact Morgan Watts, livestock Extension agent with the Rowan County Office at 704-216-8970.