Lucknow hosts annual 4-H Dairy Invitational show

BY SCOTT STEPHENSON

While many young Canadians chose to spend their Civic Holiday loafing, the best and brightest young dairy handlers in Ontario chose to spend this particular mid-summer Monday strutting their stuff with perfectly-prepped calves and heifers at the 2025 4-H Dairy Invitational in Lucknow.

 

Through a day of clear skies and bright sun, groups of calves and heifers entered the arena ring, led by 4-H members of various ages striving to demonstrate their grooming, training and handling skills. As one class exited the ring, the next group of competitors could be found hard at work outside, giving their animals a final polish - brushing coats, detangling tails and shining hooves.

 

The event showcased not only the dedication of the youth involved in 4-H but also the strong tradition of dairy showmanship in the area - the Lucknow Invitational is one of the largest single-day youth dairy competitions in the whole country. Participants and their bovine teammates were well-prepared and their attention to detail was evident in the ring. 

 

It was a busy day for Judge Jonathan Rylaarsdam, who had the difficult task of evaluating a highly competitive field of entries. With so many well-matched competitors, choosing the top showpeople was no easy feat. “I wouldn’t disagree with anybody if they picked anybody else today, but these are the winners for me today,” he declared. “I think every one of these show people out here is going to have a fantastic fall… it’s been a tremendous honour judging for you.”

 

After a full day of judging, Rylaarsdam named Emma Lewis of Middlesex County as the Grand Champion Showperson. Her performance in the ring earned top marks for poise, control and presentation. Kyla Lewis, also of Middlesex County, was named Reserve Champion Showperson, and Ella Cnossen of Perth County received Honourable Mention. “What an exceptional job,” he told the crowd. “These show people are so capable - so precise in all their movements, all their gestures. So much control. They know where the judge is at all times, and they always have those calves set-up so correctly and accurately at all times.”

 

The invitational brought together a wide range of young dairy enthusiasts, offering them an opportunity to network while demonstrating the results of months of work and training with their animals. The event served as a reminder of the skills, responsibility and dedication developed through 4-H programs, and of the ongoing strength of the local agricultural community.