Nine local 4-H members heading to the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto

Top row from left: Mark Knill of Bornholm (Mitchell 4-H Club), Rhett Terpstra of Bornholm (Mitchell Club), Jace Noom of Millbank (Perth South-East Club), Jackson Kaufman of Bornholm (Mitchell Club) and Annika Terpstra of Bornholm (Mitchell Club). Bottom row from left: Ella Cnossen of Brunner (Perth South-East Club), Addison Hyatt of Milverton (Perth South-East Club), Gracie Weitzel of Tavistock (Perth South-East Club), and Deanna Halls of Tavistock (Perth South-East Club). Contributed image

By Gary West

Nine young dairy enthusiasts from Perth County have earned the honour of representing their local 4-H clubs at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto this November.

Each year, counties across Ontario select their top 4-H dairy members – those who have excelled in care, showmanship and presentation of their calves – to compete in the prestigious T.D. Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic. The two-day event, held at the start of the Royal, brings together more than 350 4-H members from across Canada for competitions in both showmanship and calf conformation.

The nine members selected for this year’s Perth County T.D. Classic Team have each spent countless hours training, grooming and showing their calves throughout the season. For some, this marks their first trip to the Royal, while others are returning to compete again on one of the biggest agricultural stages in the country.

Local sponsors play an important role in helping these young competitors make the trip to Toronto. The Perth County Holstein Club extends its thanks to all who have supported the team in the past and welcomes anyone interested in contributing this year. Those wishing to offer financial assistance can email infopchc@gmail.com.