Seven Butler County 4-H members and one Butler County FFA member participated in the 2012 Pennsylvania Junior Dairy Show held recently at the State Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg.

4-H and FFA members from across Pennsylvania competed in six dairy breed divisions at the 57th annual show.

In the Brown Swiss division, FFA member Jordan Kennedy of Butler earned reserve junior champion and best animal owned and bred awards with his first place spring (jr.) yearling. Jordan also was recognized as a master showman.

Taylor Kennedy of Valencia placed third with her spring (jr.) calf. Jacob Kennedy of Valencia captured fifth place in winter (int.) calf.

Trisha Covert of Chicora earned third place with her winter (int.) yearling entry in the Guernsey Division.

Richard “R.J.” Fisher of Portersville received sixth place in the winter (int.) yearling class.

In the Ayrshire division, Robin Peters of Connoquenessing placed second with her entry in the spring (jr.) yearling class. Robin also placed fourth with her fall (sr.) calf.

Brooklyn Peters of Connoquenessing received a sixth place award for her winter (int.) calf entry.

Lane Kummer of Evans City was recognized as reserve junior champion and master showman for her first place fall (sr.) calf entry in the Jersey division. Lane also received reserve junior champion and master showman recognition with her winter (int.) yearling in the Red and White division.

The Pennsylvania Junior Dairy Show represents the highest level of competition in the Pennsylvania 4-H dairy program.

Exhibitors at the state level qualified at district level shows held during the summer months. At the district level, entries are judged on individual merit with all blue merit animals qualifying for state competition.

Ag in Butler County

Penn State Extension offers a variety of programs for agricultural producers across the state.

Extension educators serving Butler County would like to hear from local producers to better access where we are and where we need to be to provide the best possible opportunities for agriculture.

A town hall meeting is planned at 8 p.m. Friday at the Butler Farm Show office to provide a venue for agriculture producers to discuss extension programming in Butler County. The discussion will be led by district director Janice Hassen.

There is no registration fee, but registration is requested to help with planning. Light refreshments will be served.

To register, contact Peggy Dean or Lorrie Simmons at 724-287-4761.

All Butler County agricultural producers are invited to attend. This is your chance to help determine the direction for educational extension programs in Butler County.

This material is submitted by Donna Zang, extension director, and the staff of the Penn State Extension office at the Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center complex.