National 4-H Dairy Conference stops by Hoard’s Dairyman offices

A whole herd of National 4-H Dairy Conference kids (okay, a big group of them; we’re just so used to writing about cows) just came through the Hoard’s Dairyman editorial office. See the photo — here some of them are. It was an early morning, so not everyone looks bright-eyed, but we hope they enjoyed their stop in the office. We look forward to it all year and even do some special cleaning — just for them!

The National 4-H Dairy Conference makes a trip to Fort Atkinson every year. While they are here they are treated to a brunch compliments of Hoard’s Dairyman and Nasco. After brunch, the group divides into four groups that rotate and tour the National Dairy Shrine Visitor’s Center and Hoard Historical Museum, Nasco International, Hoard’s Dairyman Magazine offices, and the Hoard’s Dairyman farm. Some of the editors on staff went through this same National 4-H Dairy Conference years ago. It is an excellent opportunity for these high-school-aged youth. The conference not only exposes them to well-known farms and businesses in the dairy industry, but it educates them on the science behind dairy farming and opens their eyes to countless career opportunities.

Well, about right now the 4-H dairy judging contestants should be close to or done with reasons and the college students are probably midway through their judging. One of our editors is over at Expo grounds right now coordinating the contests. I wonder how it’s going? Since we’re all so involved, we get almost as excited as the kids to find out who the big winners are this year. Check back very late tonight or bright and early in the morning to find out who won the 4-H, Collegiate, and Post-Secondary Dairy Judging contests!