Starting this Saturday, visitors to the 54th All-American Dairy Show can witness both the past and the future of the dairy industry as young competitors demonstrate their showmanship and world-class dairy cattle, while antique collectors show and sell the largest selection of dairy-related antiques and collectibles, at the Farm Show Complex and Expo Center.
“Pennsylvania is a national leader in the dairy industry, with total cash receipts of nearly $2 billion annually. We’re also the country’s second largest exporter of dairy products, so we’re proud to host this international celebration of milk and dairy excellence,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “Nearly 3,000 dairy cows and 1,500 exhibitors from around the world will gather in Harrisburg, and visitors will have an opportunity to see the dairy industry up close.
“In addition, we encourage guests to explore the largest gathering of dairy-related antiques and collectibles and shop for dairy-related merchandise while you’re here. There is plenty to see and do at the All-American Dairy Show.”
The 20th All-Dairy Antiques and Collectibles Show will feature treasures from all segments of the dairy industry, from farms to processing and retail, on display and for sale. Show hours are noon – 5 PM on Friday, September 15, and 8 AM – 5 PM the remainder of show week. Antiques are showcased as part of the Dairy Activities Center, which features a trade show, retailers, a dairy youth juried art gallery, and food vendors, including Farm Show Milkshakes.
“The All-American maintains a tremendous commitment to our youth exhibitors between the shows, youth activities, and the opportunity to experience the best of the dairy industry right here in Harrisburg,” said Alan McCauley, president of the Pennsylvania Dairy and Allied Industries Association, which hosts the show. “It’s part of our mission to help prepare the next generation of dairy leaders. We’re looking forward to welcoming exhibitors of all ages and their families this week.”
The 14th Premier National Junior Events, set for September 16-18, are youth shows, contests and programs themed “Legends of the Fall.” This year’s event includes seven national shows culminating with the selection of Supreme Champion cow and heifer on Monday, September 18, at 3 PM.
The All-American Dairy Show also recognizes leaders in the dairy and broader agriculture sector. Former state agriculture secretary, House whip and majority leader Samuel E. Hayes Jr. of Warriors Mark, Huntingdon County, will receive the Obie Snyder award. Longtime All-American sponsorship coordinator Barb Ziemba of Weedsport, N.Y., will receive the Image Award. These awards – the show’s highest honors – will be presented at the dairy farmer appreciation banquet at 6:30 PM. on Sunday, Sept. 17.
Activities Tuesday include the Milkshake Madness Celebrity Contest at 11 AM and the Eastern Elite cattle sale at 5:30 PM.
Youth interested in the dairy industry will participate in the show’s 4-H and FFA judging forum and dairy management, invitational judging, and showmanship contests. They will demonstrate skills necessary to manage a dairy herd and farm, as well as critical thinking and public speaking skills. The contests attract 4-H, FFA, and collegiate teams from across the nation.
Competition at the All-American culminates in the selection of supreme champion cow and heifer on Thursday, September 21, at approximately 1 PM.
The show caps off with the 59th Pennsylvania Dairy Princess Pageant at 6:30 PM on Saturday, September 23 at the Radisson Penn Harris Hotel in Harrisburg.
Pennsylvania ranks in the top 10 percent of states in terms of the number of dairy cows and milk production, fourth in the U.S. for production of Italian cheese, third for Swiss cheese, and second for butter – producing nearly 94 million pounds a year.
Visit the newly-revamped www.allamerican.pa.gov to find more details about the All-American Dairy Show. The event features 22 shows in six days, in addition to the nation’s only all-dairy antiques show. Last year’s show featured nearly 3,000 animals and 1,500 exhibitors from around the country.
