Missouri Maiden Makes Merry in Senior Showmanship Showdown
Jade Jensen, 19, of Conway, Mo. bested 135 other individuals in the senior division of the 15th Youth Showmanship Contest, on Sunday, Sept. 16, 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. Senior division showmen 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.
Showmen in the contest were selected from heats to return for semifinal rounds, where the top youth were selected to return for final evaluation. The top ten showmen were selected and competed by clipping and fitting heifer calves provided by Stover Farms, Carlisle, Cumberland Co., in one hour.
Jensen has exhibited cows at the All-American in past years, but didn't bring any this year. She is at the show assisting Warwick Manor of East Earl, Lancaster Co., and was encouraged to participate in the showmanship contest. Showmen don't need to be exhibiting animals at the show to compete in the showmanship competition, so she borrowed a friend's heifer.
"I never participated in the contest because I was worried about the fitting portion," said Jensen, the daughter of Jeff and Mary Jensen. "Winning the contest is an amazing feeling even if it hasn't totally sunk in yet."
Van Proctor of Vale, N.C., was senior division showmanship judge, while Teri Martin of Gouverneur, N.Y., evaluated fitting.
Remaining winners in the senior division were:
2nd Elijah Dobay, 17, Farmdale, Ohio
3rd Corbin Wood, 21, Littlestown, Adams Co.
4th Lauren Nell, 19, Gettysburg, Adams Co.
5th Madison Fisher, 21, Claysburg, Blair Co.
6th Spencer Wimer, 21, Emlenton, Venango Co.
7th Ashlee Deitz, 21, Southington, Ohio
8th Kaitlyn Corbett, 19, Williamsport, Md.
9th Laura Emerson, 21, Middletown, De.
10th Justin Kennedy, 17, New Castle, Lawrence Co.
Jensen received a savings bond, embroidered chair and neck ribbon. Other top 10 finalists received a blanket and cash prize.
Deitz was the highest placing Guernsey showman, and she received a savings bond, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Junior Guernsey Association. Cassie Clark, Springville, Susquehanna Co., was the first place Ayrshire showman she received a show halter, sponsored by the Ayrshire Breeder's Association. Fisher was the Brown Swiss champion.
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.
9.17.2012