Ohio's Spring Jersey Sweeps Youth Showmanship Contest
Mason Mazzaro of Williamsfield, Ohio, rose above 138 competitors to become champion junior showman for the second time during the 15th Youth Showmanship Contest at the 2012 All-American Dairy Show in Harrisburg.
A record 439 juniors vied for top showman honors in this year's show for youth ages eight to 21.
Mazzaro showed Kayla, a spring Jersey calf, in the show, where youth first competed in nine heats, then a semifinal round and the final class. The top ten were chosen and others received honorable mentions. All participants received a coupon for a free milkshake, courtesy of the Pennsylvania Dairymen's Association.
"Work with your cattle often, talk to them in the ring and stay calm," is Mazzaro's advice to the other showmen. Mazzaro, who also topped the junior division last year, is the ten-year-old son of Tom and Charity Mazzaro.
Carrie Sears of South Deerfield, Mass., evaluated the junior division.
Remaining winners in the junior division were:
2nd Trinity Miller, 10, Westminster, Md.
3rd Bradley Richman, 10, Mannington, N.J.
4th Anna Klink, 9, Linesville, Crawford Co.
5th Dayton Pitzer, 9, New Alexandria, Westmoreland Co.
6th Jailynn Gilbert, 10, Meadville, Crawford Co.
7th Brooke Cornell, 11, Berlin, Somerset Co.
8th Mikayla Davis, 11, Leesport, Berks Co.
9th Tucker True, 11, Perry, N.Y.
10th Kiley Cassel, 11, Duncannon, Perry Co.
Mazzaro received a savings bond, embroidered chair and medal. Other top 10 finalists received a blanket and cash prize.
Jocelynn McMurray, 10, of Eight Four, Washington Co., was the highest placing Guernsey showman. He received a savings bond, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Junior Guernsey Association. First place Ayrshire showman Pitzer received a show halter, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Ayrshire Breeder's Association. Klink was the highest-placing Pennsylvania Jersey showman and Gilbert was the top Brown Swiss showman.
The 49th All-American Dairy Show, the world's largest dairy show, runs Sept. 15-20 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg. This year's show features 23 shows in six days, the nation's only all-dairy antiques show, more than 2,400 animals and nearly 1,000 exhibitors from 21 states. For more information, visit www.allamerican.state.pa.us or call 717-787-2905.
9.18.2012