GDYF Emoos
2021 | Spring Edition
Upcoming Events
  • May 13 - Virtual State 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Competition
  • June - National Dairy Month
  • July - National Ice Cream Month
  • August 15-22 GDYF Week
  • October 7-17 - GA National Fair
  • October 12 - FFA Day at the Fair
  • October 19-21 - Sunbelt Expo
Thank You for Subscribing!

Thanks for opening our 2021 Spring edition of the GDYF E-moos.

We hope you will take a moment to read about the great programs our youth are participating in. We are so proud of the hard work these kids put into 4-H and FFA dairy activities!!
We are so thankful for all of our sponsors, volunteers, advisors and parents. You impact so many! Stay connected with GDYF through Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.
2021 State Commercial Dairy Heifer Show
Written by Dr. Jillian Bohlen, UGA, Associate Professor
706-542-9108 / [email protected]
The Show Goes On
The dairy industry is best described as having resilience, ingenuity, work ethic and a passion for what they do. Today I watch as these same qualities carry forward in the youth they are helping to develop. In a year that brought so much sadness and uncertainty, the Commercial Dairy Heifer Project continued to thrive and ultimately shine. I hope that reading about this show, the successes of these youth and their determination to carry on brings you hope on this new day of 2021.

2021 State Commercial Dairy Heifer Show
There were 244 heifers that weighed in on February 17th for the State Commercial Dairy Heifer show, which was up 16 heifers from 2020. At the halter were 205 (up 9 from 2020) young people that were looking forward to the fun, learning and competition that the barn and ring would bring. Showmanship was a daylong event that began bright and early on February 18th. Serving as judge for both showmanship on the 18th and weight classes on the 19th was Justin Burdette of Pennsylvania. Justin is a dairyman and co-owner of Windy Knoll View farm. In addition he is a well-known judge both nationally and internationally serving multiple times as a judge for World Dairy Expo.

First Place Showmanship Winners:
4th grade - Brooke Padgett, Hall County, 4-H
5th grade - Abigail Ullom, Coweta County, 4-H
6th grade - Christopher Nunnally, White County, FFA
7th grade - Caeden Swartz, Coweta County, 4-H
8th grade - Jack Keener, Clear Creek Middle, FFA
9th grade - Laurel Christopher, White County, FFA
10th grade - Angelica Smith, Houston County, FFA
11th grade - Torrie Reed, Gilmer County, FFA
12th grade - Alyssa Ashurst, Gilmer County, FFA

Taking the top placing 4-H members in 6th-12th grades, the judge named the Master 4-H Showman as Caeden Swartz (7th grade). Following this the judge then evaluated the top placing FFA member from 6th-12th grades to name Angelica Smith of Houston Co FFA (10th grade) as Supreme FFA Showman.

The next day brought conformation classes where animals were split by weight into 20 classes and making four divisions. These heifers weighed in at 255-774 pounds.

Division 1 Class Winners and Championship
Heifers weighing 255 – 346 pounds
Class 1, Lily Atkins, Newton County, 4-H
Class 2, Mallory Kilgore, Hall County, 4-H
Class 3, Catlyn Johnson, Morgan County, 4-H
Class 4, Jiles Coble, Burke County, 4-H
Class 5, Ashlyn Reddick, Burke County, FFA
Champion: Mallory Kilgore, Hall County, 4-H
Reserve Champion: Ashlyn Reddick, Burke County, FFA

Division 2 Class Winners and Championship
Heifers weighing 350-439 pounds
Class 6, Abigail Ullom, Coweta County, 4-H
Class 7, Maggie Harper, Morgan County, 4-H
Class 8, Kacy Kimbral, Dawson County, FFA
Class 9, Trent Maddox, Jasper County, FFA
Class 10, Anthony Powers, Rutland, FFA
Champion: Trent Maddox, Jasper County, FFA
Reserve Champion: Michael Bushey (2nd pace Class 9), Clear Creek, FFA

Division 3 Class Winners and Championship
Heifers weighing 447-574 pounds
Class 11, Lily Atkins, Newton County, 4-H
Class 12, Jack Keener, Clear Creek, FFA
Class 13, Sydney Coble, Burke County, 4-H
Class 14, Hannah Newberry, Rutland, FFA
Class 15, Abby Joyner, Burke County, 4-H
Champion: Hannah Newberry, Rutland FFA
Reserve Champion: Jack Keener, Clear Creek, FFA

Division 4 Class Winners and Championship
Heifers weighing 578-774 pounds
Class 16, Torrie Reed, Gilmer County, FFA
Class 17, Emma Turner, Oconee County, FFA
Class 18, Sarah Ullom, Coweta County, 4-H
Class 19, Luke Huff, Oglethorpe County, FFA
Class 20, Angelica Smith, Houston County, FFA
Champion: Angelica Smith, Houston County, FFA
Reserve Champion: Torrie Reed, Gilmer County, FFA

Overall Top Five Heifers
Champion: Angelica Smith, Houston County, FFA
Reserve Champion: Hannah Newberry, Rutland, FFA
3rd place: Torrie Reed, Gilmer County, FFA
4th place: Jack Keener, Clear Creek, FFA
5th place: Trent Maddox, Jasper County, FFA

Overall Top Five County Groups
Champion: Gilmer County FFA
Reserve Champion: Houston County FFA
3rd place: Rutland Middle FFA
4th place: White County FFA
5th place: Burke County 4-H

The show this year was tremendous for a number of reasons. The enthusiasm of the youth, the quality of the animals but also the endurance and resilience of this project made for a stellar year. As if things could not get any better, there was an additional recognition that made this year’s show extra special.
Congratulations to everyone that competed this year with the
Commercial Dairy Heifer Project!
2021 Georgia Junior Livestock Show Book Dedicates Catalog to Mrs. Carol Williams
By: Dr. Jillian Bohlen, UGA

The 2021 Georgia Junior Livestock Show book was dedicated to Mrs. Carol Williams. We could not be prouder to have Mrs. Carol, as most people call her, serve as an advocate and major supporter for the commercial dairy heifer program. She is most deserving of this honor and is the first female to receive it. A few excerpts from the dedication are below.

Through her dedication and support, Carol was instrumental in helping launch Georgia’s first Commercial Dairy Heifer Show Program.
 
While involved with many aspects of WDairy’s growth and supporting the Georgia Commercial Dairy Heifer project, Carol also serves as president of the Georgia Dairy Youth Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes dairy projects and events in Georgia for students in 4-H and FFA.
 
She believes the program helps develop crucial life skills for youth as well as acquiring first-hand knowledge and experience in agricultural education. When at any show, especially the State Commercial Dairy Heifer Show, you can always find Mrs. Williams providing support. She is always willing to provide guidance, encouragement and a helping hand. Congratulations, Mrs. Carol Williams!
GDYF Selects 2021
Junior Board of Directors

Seven individuals were selected to serve on the 2021 Georgia Dairy Youth Foundation Junior Board during the Georgia Junior Livestock Show in Perry, Georgia.  

Congratulations to those selected to serve:

Top: left to right
  • Ashlyn Reddick, Burke County
  • Abby Joyner, Burke County
  • Addie Pierce, Barrow County
  • Laurel Christopher, White County
  • Larson Newsome, Lee County
  • Lilly Peppers, Lee County
  • Katie Reynolds, Gordon County
The board members were selected following an application process and a video clip in which they highlighted themselves.

The members of the GDYF Junior Board will strive to connect dairy youth with the opportunities provided through GDYF. Through leadership and fundraising, the board will work to promote interest in Georgia dairy programs and help GDYF best serve young people interested in dairy activities.
GDYF Annual Auction
Successful at
2021 GA Dairy Conference

The annual Georgia Dairy Youth Foundation fundraising auction looked a little different this year. The dairy conference format changed to accommodate for safety measures against COVID, so we held our silent auction in conjunction with the meeting. Attendees and exhibitors were able to bid on items during breaks.

The silent auction was a success and we appreciate all the items that were given to make this happen. The auction
raised over $4,000!
Godfrey Feed Golf Team Wins the 11th Annual
GDYF Golf Tournament
Eighty-eight golfers took advantage of a warm spring day for golf on March 16 at the 11th Annual Georgia Dairy Youth Foundation Golf Tournament in Bishop. Many thanks to our sponsors and golfers who supported the event.

General tournament sponsors:
Chick-fil-a
Carl Blount Insurance
Georgia Transmission Corporation
Agri-King, Inc.

After registering and receiving goody bags with donations from The Dairy Alliance, golfers ate lunch sponsored by Chick-fil-a on Epps Bridge. During the tournament, golfers also enjoyed ice cream and milk provided by Mountain Fresh Creamery. 
Tee & Green Sponsors 
  • Cobb Family
  • Georgia Farm Bureau
  • South State Bank
  • The Family of Companies: Oglethorpe Power, Georgia Transmission, Georgia Systems Operations
  • Jackson EMC
  • Walton Natural Gas
  • City of Jefferson
  • Endovac Animal Health
  • Sunbelt Expo/UGA AGR
  • Larry Glover
  • Ag Georgia Farm Credit
  • IBA, Inc.
  • Seneca Dairy Systems, LLC
  • Bobby Wyck
  • Imerys
  • Tri State Waterproofing
  • Walton EMC
  • My Pool Pal
  • Ag South Farm Credit
  • Yoder Family Farm
  • Team Dairy
  • Godfrey's Feed
Hole Sponsors
  • Central Georgia Electric
  • Ag Central Famers Cooperative
  • Rotary Club of Oconee County
  • CHR-Hansen
  • Glo-Crest Dairy
  • Mountain Fresh Creamery
  • Hammond Septic Services
  • Holly's Bed and Biscuit Inn
  • Rider Trucking
  • Rider Towing
  • Rider Farms
  • Ag Central Tennessee
  • London Farms
  • Muddy H Farm
  • White County Farmers Exchange
  • Jaemor Farms
  • Doug Smith Contracting
  • Cory Clark Electric
  • Sills Brothers Grading
  • Udder Nutrition
  • Mobile Fleet Solutions
  • Quick Tie Products
  • The Athletic Ship
  • Zoetis
  • Afimilk
  • Tri State Waterproofing
  • Bagwell Insurance
  • Quality Foods
  • B & B Dairy, Inc.
  • Team Dairy, Inc.
The 2021 Tournament was held in memory of H. B. "Bud" Wiley, Jr. (1944-2012) who was an avid dairy farmer and pivotal in organizing the first two golf tournaments for GDYF. We were honored to have Bud's Nephew and family with us at the tournament this year. Thank you for supporting the event, Tayler King, wife TJ, and daughter Lila Grace (pictured right). Thank you to the GDYF Golf Committee and Kellay Watson for their work in planning and executing this successful event. We also appreciate those that volunteered, including the GDYF Junior Board members!
2021 Southeast Dairy Youth Retreat - Canceled

We are incredibly sad to let you all know that the 2021 Southeast Dairy Youth Retreat is canceled. The very fluid situation surrounding COVID-19 in addition to the nature of the event (large group from several states and numerous families) made it impossible to safely hold the retreat. We will keep you updated as plans are made for the 2022 SEDYR! Please help spread this message.
Jennifer Brinton, Keshon Winns and Eliza Jane Glover become part of GDYF Alumni

We recognized our awesome 2020 GDYF Jr Board today at the 4-H and FFA state show. Thank you for your help to promote our dairy 4-H and FFA programs and organization this year. It was such an honor to have you as part of our group. Congratulations to our Senior members - Jennifer Brinton, Keshon Winns and Eliza Jane Glover! We can't wait to see where life takes you!
GA Dairy Youth ALSO Excel Outside of the Show Ring!!
CHECK OUT THESE ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Congratulations to Eliza Jane Glover, White County, Trent Maddox, Jasper County and Emma Turner, Oconee County 2021 Proficiency Finalists in Dairy Production!

Twenty-six youth participated in the Georgia 4-H State Dairy Judging Contest on March 26 at the UGA teaching dairy in Winterville. Coweta County placed 2nd in the junior division of the competition. Congratulations Gillian Ramponi, Josie Roberson and Nolan Hahn!

We want to feature more accomplishments from our GDYF members!! Please email those to use for our Summer issue by July 30th. Send to Farrah Newberry at [email protected].
Georgia Department of AG
Scholarship Opportunities

The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture strives to provide students with an opportunity for success as they pursue agriculture-related courses of study. There are several scholarship opportunities available to students, each with varying criteria and eligibility requirements.
See below for more information on application requirements.
GDYF Junior Membership is Free!
Youth interested in dairy activities in Georgia now have the opportunity to become Junior Members of Georgia Dairy Youth Foundation free of charge! This membership provides youth ages 18 and under the chance to see what GDYF is doing to help them succeed in various activities throughout the year. Junior Members receive the quarterly newsletter with updates about competitions, shows and ways they can get involved. To fill out the membership form, click here.
GA DAIRY YOUTH FOUNDATION | www.gadyf.com