SEYMOUR, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Northeast Wisconsin’s County Fairs are more than rides and sweet treats for young local dairy farmers.
The Outagamie County Fairs’ Junior Dairy Showmanship competition brought youth from third grade to 10th grade and their cows to battle for first place in four classes.
Mayson Wichman, showing in the third and fourth grade class, competed for the first time this year. She gave insight as to what the competition looks like.
“We have to walk backwards and keep an eye on the judge… and smile,” added Wichman.
Showmanship requires great skill and a bond between the animal and the wrangler as they lead the way.
“For showmanship, you wanna keep your whites clean so I wear bibs that… just helps… keeps you clean, makes the judge think better of you,” said Gabriel Voight, a ninth and tenth-grade showmanship class competitor.
Voight said some start preparing as early as April to improve the cows’ appearance by growing the hair for their top line.
Proper foot placement in the competition, and washing and brushing upkeep of the show cow are vital for success.
Wichman, received third place with her five-month-old cow.
“I can learn from my mistakes and keep going until I graduate from high school,” said Wichman.
Grace VanHandel, a competitor from Freedom who won first place in the class, said she’s already excited for next year.
“Getting to know about my animal and when my animal loves me I love that, and that makes me love the fair,” added VanHandel.
As a part of the competition, the five contenders also shared dam and sire information about their prospective cow with the judges.
“It builds the nerves, definitely, but it also sets an example for them of what we should be doing in a normal show, just helping you get your animal out there better,” added Voight.
The cows in the Junior Dairy Showmanship competition return to their respective farms after the event.
