Summer is Flying By So Fast!

Wow! I can't believe that it is already July! Happy Ice Cream Month!!

Sorry I haven't written anything in a long time, summer got super busy real fast. June was filled with working everyday, helping out on the farm and getting ready for the fair. Not to mention going to open houses, church softball and just enjoying the beautiful weather.

Here is a recap of some of the events that occurred through the month of June:

June 20 - Made an appearance at the First Congregational Christian Church in St. John's for their Auction Fest 2008. Helped serve ice cream and was able to test their knowledge of the dairy industry by asking them questions and handing out a few prizes.

June 23-27 - My little brother and sister were exhibitors this year at the Gratiot Ag. Society Fair. They both showed scramble animals - my brother with a steer and my sister with a pig. My brother Garrett won Grand Champion with his steer and my sister, well didn't come out that good. Then, Thursday after the sale, my brother caught another scramble steer! Then on friday one of my older brothers, Wade, was in the the first ever adult calf scramble. He and his partner had to rope the calf, halter it up and get it to the fence. There were men of all ages, from 18 on up. It was pretty entertaing to watch.

June 29 - I went to the Annual MMPA's OYDC Picnic with my family. My parents were the 1998 OYDC's and since then have attended almost every picnic all around the state. Fortunately this year we didn't have to travel very far. It makes for an enjoyable afternoon when all the farmers can sit around and eat and talk about each others families and farms. It was nice to hear current issues and news from MMPA top guns - Ken Nobis and John Dilland. They talked a bit about where the industry is going - the prices, bulk milk, etc. and also about the success of the farm bill.

Well, I probably better get going. I have a freakishly busy next few weeks. This week I am getting things around for the fair. I will be doing a promotional and education event this week at the fair for Kiddies' Day. I will also be exhibiting a dairy feeder as well as showing in a heifer and a cow in the dairy show. This year at the fair, I was given the opportunity to run the dairy judging clinic - that should be exciting!!
The week after that is Dairy Days down in East Lansing, Michigan! Youth from across the state will be meeting in the middle to compete with their animals, as well as against eachother in different activities such as dairy judging, quiz bowl, and showmanship. There will be a ton of cool activities going on. Be sure to be there on Wednesday, July 23 for The Great Dairy Adventure! If you want more information on that, check out my link to the UDIM page. I can't wait!!

I will be sure to post any or all picture from the next couple weeks!