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Michigan Livestock and Dairy Expos

Michigan’s largest multi-species livestock and dairy events bring more to the show ring than just premier animals.

Joe Domecq with the Michigan Dairy Expo tells Brownfield while some of the state’s best animals are exhibited during the Michigan Livestock and Dairy Expos, the real emphasis is on youth development.  “As farms become larger, the technology that we utilize, how we utilize the milk that is produced on the farm—all of those are all part of agriculture and what we really try to do is introduce our youth to it goes beyond just milking the cow, while that’s important, you have to realize all of the other facets that fit into this puzzle that becomes the dairy industry.”

Domecq says the two back to back events bring hundreds of 4-H and FFA members to Michigan State University’s Livestock Pavilion to compete with their animals and with each other on their knowledge of the industry.

He says a consumer education day also gives youth an opportunity to speak with thousands of visitors during the Great Dairy Adventure.  “How we take care of cows, we have miniature parlors—we have lots of different things so consumers can get a better idea of where milk comes from and more importantly, the people that are involved in producing milk.”

The feature Sale-a-bration auction will showcase the grand champions of each species from the two events and last year raised almost $230,000 for youth scholarships.

AUDIO: Interview with Joe Domecq