From Bonnie Ayars, Coach, Dairy Judging Team
It is with great pleasure and pride that I can present the results of the Ohio State Gray team at the recent North American International Dairy Judging Contests. With 20 teams present, our students claimed many honors when the trophies and ribbons were presented at the recognition breakfast on Monday, November 5th. This contest usually represents a new beginning for the 2012-2013 judging season and hence that is why we use the “Gray” team designation for this group of four. Members were Robin Alden, Ashlee Dietz, Jacqueline Sherry, and Jared Smith. All four are alums from Ohio’s 4-H Dairy Judging Contest and three previously represented the “Buckeyes” on the national 4-H team that competed at World Dairy Expo with much success to their credit. Overall, the team placed 3rd, 4th in reasons, and was recognized as the high university team for Ayrshires. We also earned a second place for Holsteins. Robin Alden was the top individual for the Brown Swiss breed, 2nd in the Guernsey breed, and was recognized in 6th for her 5 sets of reasons. Ashlee followed by being in the 14th placing. Overall, Robin was third high individual in a close race and Jared and Ashlee just missed the top 25. Prior to the contest, the team had traveled to many workouts both in and out of Ohio. It is a pleasure to report their success on the tanbark, but a greater honor to coach the many personal victories that are afforded to these students who accept the challenge of making time to improve their skills of problem solving, decision making, and public speaking.