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Dairy Heifer Program Participants Showcase Hard Work at Morrow County Fair

Last week at the Morrow County Fair, the Threemile Dairy Heifer Program participants had the opportunity to showcase 9 months of hard work - and we are so proud of all the 4-H’ers this year! 

Click the icon on each image for a snapshot of the week and to see some of participants' successes.

Wednesday: 4-H’ers and their Threemile heifers moved into the Morrow County Fairgrounds. On move-in day, 4-H’ers set up decorations, stall cards, and situated the heifers for the Fair. At the Fair, 4-H Clubs are judged on herdsmanship every day. Each participant took turns managing the heifers, filling water buckets and hay bags and cleaning the stalls.
Thursday: 4-H’ers washed and groomed their heifers to prepare for the Conformation class, as heifers are judged on their appearance and dairy production qualities.
The Grand and Reserve Champion Dairy Heifer titles both went to Threemile 4-H heifers showed by Jules Archer and Aunika Partlow.
Friday: 4-H’ers competed in Showmanship classes, where judging is based on participant appearance and their ability to present their animals. The overall Champion Dairy Showman title went to Threemile 4-H’er Sierra Simmons and her heifer Dixie.

“My favorite part at the fair was getting the experience and talking to the judge about what I can work on next year. I loved all the help from the different families and the Threemile team! This year I learned that focus and determination is key. Overall, it’s a wonderful opportunity to learn all the different things about these heifers.”

Sierra Simmons
Saturday: 4-H’ers volunteered at the Snack Shack before taking their heifers to the parade in Heppner.
Sunday: The last day of the fair is always bittersweet as the participants return the heifers to Threemile. Sunday was filled with laughter and reflection from the previous days, along with a few tears as goodbyes were said between the 4-H’ers and their heifers.

“We are very proud of each participant for how hard they worked throughout the season,” said Jeff Wendler, Threemile Director of Livestock Operations. “Every year, it is amazing to watch each participant learn, grow and see their accomplishments through hard work and dedication at the end of the program.”

If you are interested in participating in the 2022 Threemile Dairy Heifer Program, information will be available on the Threemile website and at the Morrow County 4-H office later this year. Applications will be due in December 2021.