By SHELLY STRAUTZ-SPRINGBORN
Michigan Correspondent

EAST LANSING, Mich. — More than 200 exhibitors filled the Michigan State University Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education during the 12th annual Michigan Dairy Expo, July 21-25 in East Lansing.

The expo is the largest annual dairy event in the state. More than 500 dairy animals were exhibited, featuring Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey and Red and White dairy cattle. The event also was host to 4-H youth events, the Great Dairy Adventure consumer education day, a heifer sale and more.

Judge Hank VanExel of Lodi, Calif., named Maview Penny Durham, owned by Long-Haven Farms, Inc. of Clayton, Supreme Champion of the 2008 expo. She also won grand champion, best udder and lifetime production awards in the Holstein division.

Minsu Terr Jasmine, a spring yearling Holstein heifer owned by T&H Dairy of Fowler, was named junior champion and Supreme Champion Heifer during the event.

During 4-H Dairy Days, youth competed for premiums, ribbons and scholarships in various activities, including dairy quiz bowls, dairy management contests, dairy cattle judging competitions and the Dairy Days youth show.

More than 60 head of springing heifers were sold July 22 during the Michigan A.I. Heifer Showcase. Profits benefit Michigan 4-H dairy youth programs.

On July 23, the 10th annual Great Dairy Adventure consumer education day featured lessons in dairy farming during the expo. Visitors learned about dairy animals and farming through hands-on activities and learning stations. Participants tried their hand at milking a cow by hand, petting calves, experimenting with dairy recipes, creating craft projects and playing games. MSU athletes also posed with visitors for “milk mustache” photos.

“Dairy Expo offers an excellent venue for producers to network with friends and other producers from around the state, in addition to meeting and getting to know some of our future dairy producers and industry leaders through watching various 4-H events,” Event Coordinator Carla McLachlan said in a news release.

“It also offers visitors a fun opportunity to see how the modern dairy industry operates and how it’s advancing here in Michigan.”