Last Christmas, Randy and Chelsea DuVall wanted to give their daughter, Harper, a gift that reflected their shared passion showing dairy cattle, would last longer than any toy and be more personal than a store-bought present.

When Zachary Damrow first moved to Idaho, youth involvement in the dairy show industry was very minimal – and over the years, it continued to decline. After he and his wife had their two children, Callen and Dawson, Damrow felt inspired to ensure there would be something meaningful for them to be a part of.

Johnston Club Lambs’ market is 95% selling club lambs to youth to show in 4-H and FFA. Lambs are sold to youth throughout the states, from local kids in Payette County to kids living in the suburbs of Houston, Texas.

In 2021, Idaho 4-H reinstated a state dairy judging contest after a 30-year hiatus. In early October 2024, Idaho sent four young women to represent the state at the National 4-H Contest in Madison, Wisconsin.

Working hard works, well, until it doesn’t. And it doesn’t always work when my girls enter the show ring for the market judging class during the county fair.

It’s county fair week, or at least it is at the time of me writing this (the first week of August) it is. When I was younger it was my favorite time of year. It was like Christmas morning. The one where you just can’t wait. You’re excited, jittery with anticipation.

Participating in the 4-H dairy project is much more than exhibiting a heifer at Achievement Day. Many life skills are learned through the project that can lead to a love of the dairy industry.

MYBEP connects young cattle enthusiasts with cattle producers and facilitates a mentorship relationship between the two. MYBEP participants receive a heifer calf to raise, show and start their own herd with.

I try to do my best to warn people about the realities of country living versus the little-red-barn, paint-by-number version. For some reason, I feel a particular responsibility to be the warning angel of the 4-H sector. Take, for example, steers.