Day 8: National Shows

The ladies of Char-La-Don relaxing at NAILE.

If you know nothing about the dairy showing world, I have a little explaining to do. When talking about shows there are three levels. First level consists of county 4-H shows and county fairs. Second level is made up of state fairs and state breed shows. The third and highest level is made up of North American International Livestock Exposition (Louisville, Kentucky), All-American Dairy Show (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania), and the big one, World Dairy Expo (Madison, Wisconsin.) The third level would be called “National Shows.”

The National Shows are a lot of fun not only to show at, but to attend also. People from all over the world go to World Dairy Expo, as it is the largest dairy event held. There is not just a cattle show but also a trade show. There are vendors from equipment companies, feed companies, and so many others that sell products that relate to the dairy industry.

Today Olivia and I are showing in the junior Holstein show NAILE. My parents left from home on Wednesday to take the cows and will be here until Tuesday. We will also show in the open show on Tuesday. Our family has four milk cows here, Amber and Adriann are five-year olds (Amber is mine and Adriann is Livy’s), Luau who is a Sr. 3 (she’s Leann’s daughter), and Cupcake who is Livy’s Jr. 2.

National Shows are exciting because the competition is a lot harder, and the quality of animals is higher. If you do well at a National Show, you know that your cows are worth all the time and effort you put into them. It’s also nice to see people from all over the U.S. and other countries, especially those who you know and haven’t seen in a while.

Being able to go to National Shows, as well as having cattle that are competitive in their classes is a real blessing. I am so thankful that our parents enjoy showing so much that they take the time to attend these events and allow us girls to enjoy them too.

Amber and me, Expo 2014.

Olivia and Adriann, Expo 2014.