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VIROQUA, Wis. — The rain dampened the ground but not the spirits of the 38 youth attending the annual Day of Dairy Aug. 14 in Viroqua.
Individuals aged 8-17 years old from across Vernon County gathered at the Vernon County Fairgrounds to learn the basics of fair etiquette, dairy nutrition, cattle marketing and other opportunities in the industry through hands-on instruction and guest speakers.
Organized by members of the Vernon County Dairy Youth Fund Committee, the event is geared toward preparing youth to show at the Vernon County Fair but also brings in guests to share their experiences with the kids.
This year’s guest speakers included Dennis Nerison, who owns and operates Nerison Livestock; Wayne Kruizenga with Koon Kreek Feeds; and Garrett Nielsen, who discussed calf care. The event was facilitated by Gail Klinkner and Ashley Olson.
“Day of Dairy has become a flagship educational event for the kids,” Olson said. “Not only does it teach them about getting their heifer ready for show and what to expect at fair, it also allows them to meet other dairy youth in the county who they might only see a couple times of year.”
The day began with washing heifers which belonged to various members of the junior dairy club. Attention was given to the different products that are safe to use on cattle as well as techniques and frequency.

While the heifers dried off, kids were instructed on how to build a proper bedded pack at the fair. This started with spreading out straw topped with wood shavings. A special technique that was demonstrated was when there is no frame behind the pack, a board is used to straighten the back of the bedding pack.
The importance of cleanliness was stressed throughout the day. Animals were then brought in and lined up by size.
Greg Wubbenhorst showed participants how to tie a slip knot.
Nielsen spoke to the group about calf care. He specified that all calves require the same care of clean bedding, fresh feed and water, regardless of their breed or whether they become a show animal or not. Nielsen emphasized the importance of vaccinations as well.
“Anyone who’s ever lived on a farm knows that if any disease starts going through, if you’re not vaccinating, you’re in trouble,” Nielsen said. “That’s just the way it is.”
Later, Kruizenga spoke to the group about the different types of feed that are available for dairy animals. He has owned Koon Kreek Feeds in Coon Valley for 29 years and said dairy show animals require a different feed than beef steers in a lot.
“The biggest thing is to start them out right,” Kruizenga said. “They need higher protein and less grain.”
Klinkner talked to the kids about how to dress for showing and different supplies that are needed to prepare animals for the show ring. Besides white pants and dress shirts for showing, she discussed where to clip the animals, how to blow dry a top line and the importance of fly spray.

“If the flies are on you biting, then they are on your animals too,” Klinkner said.
Since showing requires a lot of supplies, the kids went home with a calf pail, a halter and a brush as a starter kit for their showing career.
The Vernon County Dairy Youth Fund’s mission includes supporting dairy youth through activities and educational events. The financial support for the club originates through funds raised during the Cheese of Champs sale at the Vernon County Fair. Half of the funds raised each year are returned to dairy youth winners of showmanship, while the other half goes to the Dairy Youth Fund.
This was the seventh year that the Day of Dairy was held. Olson said it has an important impact on the youth of Vernon County.
“It is great to bring in different speakers with agriculture backgrounds to get the kids thinking about future careers,” Olson said. “I truly enjoy being part of this annual event and thank all the sponsors that make this event successful.”

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