Ag United News

SDSU Dairy Camp A Success

Contacts: April Johnson akjohnson8363@jacks.sdstate.edu and Val Mohr, Co-Chairs of SDSU Jackrabbit Dairy Camp

BROOKINGS, SOUTH DAKOTA, June 15, 2010- Nearly 45 area youth attended the eighth annual South Dakota State University Dairy Camp hosted by the Dairy Club from Thursday, June 10 to Saturday, June 12. Dairy Club members, April Johnson of Heron Lake, MN and Val Mohr of New Ulm, MN, co-chaired the annual event held during national Dairy Month.

Participants spent the bulk of their time at the South Dakota State University Dairy Research and Training Facility, north of campus learning to care for the a heifer they purchased at a mock heifer auction using "Moola" they earned from games and other activities. Some had never touched a dairy cow and while others utilized more advanced skills, but both clipped, lead, fed, watered and washed their heifers.

Campers were able expand their knowledge of the dairy industry from workshops throughout the camp.  One of the workshops included information on dairy promotion.  South Dakota Dairy Princess, Emily Jungemann, taught participants how they could promote the dairy industry.  Another workshop focused on fitting, clipping and preparing a heifer for show.  Meanwhile other workshops included, a tour of the SDSU Dairy Plant, making homemade ice cream, dairy judging, and preparing oral reasons. 

A tour of Hilltop Dairy, east of Brookings,  a dairy quiz bowl competition, bowling, a movie night and the Ag Olympics are just a few of the other activities that kept  campers busy throughout the rest of camp. 

The final day of dairy camp included a judging contest and a dairy showmanship and an optional fitting contest.  Dairy Showmanship Competition.   Parents were invited to attend the Showmanship and fitting competitions. Prizes were awarded to the top two participants in each age division.  The results are as follows:  Sarah Eggert, Champion Jr. Showman, Sierra Swanson, Reserve Champion Jr. Showman,  Alyssa Hulstein, Champion Sr. Showman, Kyle Viland, Reserve Champion Sr. Showman, Gavin Viland, Champion Jr. Fitting,  Brody Forst, Reserve Champion Jr. Fitting,  Alyssa Hulstein, Champion Sr. Fitting, Kyle Viland, Reserve Champion Sr. Fitting, Sierra Swanson, Champion Jr. Dairy Judging, Shelby Fasching, Reserve Champion Jr. Dairy Judging, Kassidy Busse, Champion Sr. Dairy Judging, and Grace Westerman, Reserve Champion Sr. Dairy Judging. 


The SDSU Dairy Club offers dairy science students opportunities for professional and social interaction. The club participates in such events as Hobo Day, Little International, and the South Dakota State Fair.