Have you ever wanted to show a cow? Yes, you read that right. On October 17th, during the first-ever Brunswick County Agricultural Fair, Brunswick County’s 4-H program hosted a Jersey Jamboree, which featured local Brunswick County officials who joined in learning about Jersey Heifers and how to show them.
The 2025 Brunswick County 4-H Dairy Project officially began in September of this year and showcased Jersey Heifers that were delivered in June. As requirements for this program, participants had to learn about the anatomy of a Jersey Heifer, how to care for one, and how to show the animal, all while also keeping a logbook.
Prior to the show, I had the privilege of speaking with a few of the passionate 4-H members that were showing the cows. Gray, who is 10 years old and in the 5th grade, was showing Hally. Gray said that her cow loves socializing. She explained that she has been showing cows for two years, and this was her third show. Her cow at home is named Cowboy.
I also spoke to Max, who is 13 years old and in the 9th grade. He was showing Loretta. This is also his third show and his second year showing. Max said that he did not have a cow at home…yet.
During the Jersey Jamboree, County Commissioner, Pat Sykes; County Commissioner, Randy Thompson; County Manager, Steve Stone; Deputy County Manager, David Stanley; Deputy County Manager, Niel Brooks; Brunswick County Sheriff, Brian Chism; Assistant Administrator for Agricultural and Natural Resources, NC State Extension, Dr. Mark Blevins, Ed.D.; and Dr. Griffin Hewett, DVM, veterinarian for the Dairy Project, were each partnered with two 4-Hers and a Jersey Heifer. All had the chance to learn about the animal and the proper way to show it.
After spending a few minutes getting to know the 4-Hers and their animal, the County officials rotated to various stations without their heifer to learn about other unique aspects of the Dairy Program. The stations included learning about a cow’s anatomy, making homemade butter, and tying knots that you would use to tie up a cow.
After completing all of the stations (and waking up one of the young cows that had decided it was nap time), the showing began…only this time, it wasn’t the kids showing their heifer. It was time for the County officials to show their stuff!
They rejoined their animal and began showing them in front of an actual dairy cattle judge, Ms. Marti Price, based on what their 4-Her taught them. Some cows were stubborn, or as the judge said, “persistent,” and did not want to be led around the arena. Commissioner Skyes’ cow only wanted a head rub and did not want to move at all.
The walking of the cows continued for a few minutes while the judge gave commands on how the handlers should try and maneuver their cattle. The judge then called for the handlers to line up with their cow. For the more “persistent” cows, getting in a line was easier said than done.
The show concluded with a viewing of the cows and a question and answer session. The judge explained that it was crucial that handlers never stand in front of their heifer, so that judges can always have a clear view of the animal.
The judge then asked each of the participants a general question about cattle. Although not all answers were correct, the judge stressed the importance of being confident in the answer given.
In the end, Dr. Hewett received first place, Mr. Stanley received second place, and Dr. Blevins and Sheriff Chism received third place. However, all participants got a participation medal and memories that will last a lifetime.
*To support the Dairy Project, the Brunswick County Cooperative Extension is selling calendars with images of local 4-Hers participating in the Dairy Project. These calendars will help with the cost of food, hay, transportation, and vet fees for all animals, as well as other 4-H projects. To support the Dairy Project, scan the QR at the bottom of this article. Calendars will be delivered to the Brunswick County Cooperative Extension office during the first or second week of December.
