Perth County 4-H Classic team shines at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

The Perth County 4-H Dairy Classic Team, recognized for their excellent barn display at the Royal. Front from left: Deanna Halls, Ella Cnossen and Addison Hyatt. Back from left: Anneke Terpstra, Mark Knill, Rhett Terpstra, Jackson Kaufman, Jace Noom and Gracie Weitzel. Contributed photo

By Gary West

Nine Perth County 4-H dairy members enjoyed an exciting and successful week at the 103rd Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, competing in one of the country’s most prestigious youth livestock events – the TD 4-H Dairy Classic.

Anyone who has attended the Royal knows the calibre of competition; the best calves and top young showpeople from across Canada come together for a fast-paced, highly competitive show.

Calves moved into the barns on Nov. 8 and 9, with showmanship classes beginning at 8 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 10. This year’s showmanship judge was Richard Osborne of Hagersville, with associate judge Andrew Den Haan of Fergus. Osborne and his wife Teresa (Honderich) are well known in this region, having operated the Willow Creek Jersey herd east of New Hamburg, and he is considered one of the most respected dairy judges in North America.

On Tuesday, Nov. 11, Judge Markus Hehli of Rimbey, Alta., and associate Lee Morey of Rochester, Alta., evaluated the calves for conformation in a series of large, competitive heats.

Tavistock’s Gracie Weitzel led Carldot Leyhigh Lottery to an impressive third-place finish in the Spring Heifer class finals, a division with 41 entries born between March 1 and May 31, 2025.

This year’s classic featured more than 350 calves representing 47 counties, regions and provinces. Perth County earned fourth overall for its barn display and placed sixth in the Premier County standings – one of its strongest results in recent years.