Over the years the Goodhue County 4-H Dairy Judging Teams have seen success, but none quite like the team comprised of Calvin Benrud (Goodhue), Natalie Clemenson (Zumbrota), Caryn Miklas (Zumbrota), and Evelyn Scheffler (Zumbrota). This team of judges has worked with each other from a young age - learning together, stumbling together - and in the fall of 2023, it took the team to the top of the standings at the National 4-H Dairy Judging Contest at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. This accomplishment awarded them the opportunity to travel internationally this summer to the Royal Highland Show in Scotland, as well as the Charleville Agricultural Show in Ireland. At the end of the trip, the youth were also able to explore London.
During the trip the team was able to learn about agriculture in other countries, visit local attractions, and judge in a few contests. Clemenson and Scheffler placed third overall at the Royal Highland Show, and the full team consisting of Benrud, Clemenson, Miklas and Scheffler placed second overall at the Charleville Agricultural Show! This type of success internationally has not been something previous teams have enjoyed.
When asked about their favorite parts of the experience - the youth responded with slightly different responses - but each were focused on agriculture in other places. Benrud responded with a fun fact he learned. “Geographically, the United Kingdom is positioned in a way that creates a very mild climate. It was interesting to see how they used this to their advantage by growing much more grass and wheat, and little to no corn”. Scheffler enjoyed all aspects of the trip, but really enjoyed walking the fairs and placing in the judging contests. Ireland was her favorite sight seeing place with all the small towns they went to. Clemenson responded that “A highlight of the trip for me was being able to tour the farms and see the similarities they have to American farms, but also the many differences. Including different feeding rations, breeding selections, and more. I enjoyed being able to hear from each of the farmers directly and their perspective on agriculture in their countries.”
The chaperones were continually impressed with the behavior of the kids and said it never got old hearing from the guides and tour leaders how well behaved and respectful the youth were.
The opportunity to travel internationally is not one afforded to all youth, and we are very proud of the efforts put forth by this group of 4-H members to earn this award and their continued advocacy for agriculture through their experiences.
We are also thankful for the chaperones, parents and coaches who got these youth this far. Roger and Michelle Benrud, Brian and Tiffany Clemenson, Mike Chamberlain and Amy Bearbower, Tony and Maizie Scheffler, and Emily Mollenhauer - a wholehearted thank you from 4-H for your continued support and the positive impact you’ve each had on these youth (and many others!) in the 4-H program.
The entire team looks forward to presenting about their experiences at upcoming community and 4-H meetings and thank the many supporters of their trip. It could not have been possible without the support of the many businesses and community members who donated to the team!
