Lucknow plays host to international 4-H dairy show

BY SCOTT STEPHENSON

Competition was fierce at the 2026 Lucknow 4-H Dairy Invitational Show on Aug. 3. The hot summer sun didn’t stop youth from 13 counties from coming out with 170 dairy calves to test their mettle in the ring at one of Ontario’s premier youth dairy events.

 

Judge Devin O’Hara was given the monumental task of sorting through an outstanding lineup of animals, representing six breeds of dairy cow. The day’s class champions reflected the depth of competition from across southwestern Ontario. Avery McGriskin of Grey County won the Spring Calf class with Kentville Sidekick Lasso. Bruce County’s Jazlyn Russwurm topped the Winter Calf class with Sanexa Master Luxury. Anna Siekierzycki of Grey County claimed the Fall Calf title with Golden Gold Lucretia, while Middlesex County’s Emma Lewis won the Summer Yearling class with Golden Joyride Emmy.

 

At the end of the day, O’Hara chose Siekierzyck’s cow as the show’s Grand Champion Heifer. Reserve Grand Champion honours went to Lewis and her entry, while Russwurm’s heifer earned Honourable Mention. 

 

While the overall championships were spread across neighbouring counties, Huron County exhibitors enjoyed a strong showing throughout the day, with several local members earning placings in competitive classes and helping the county secure fifth place in the County Group of Three competition. Middlesex claimed the Group of Three title, followed by Dufferin, Grey, Perth and Huron Counties.

 

Huron County exhibitors also found success in the conformation classes. Goderich’s Sam Donnelly exhibited Heather Holme Fuel Darcey in the Spring Yearling class, while fellow Goderich 4-H member Jamie Deuschle placed fourth with Paullor Chocolate Lahari. Clinton’s Isa Wigchers van Boheemen earned sixth in the same class with Paullor AJ Party Doll. 

 

Huron County’s youngest exhibitors also had an opportunity to shine. Adrian Deuschle of Goderich captured first place in the Pre-4-H Showmanship competition for participants under nine years of age with his charming cow, Paullor CC Love Shack.
Lucknow 4-H members also did their hometown proud at the invitational. Mckinley Van Osch placed seventh in the highly competitive Spring Calf class with Dutchdale Lingo Mack, while Jessalyn Hendriks also earned a seventh-place finish in the Fall Calf class with Dutchdale Brisk PP Barbie.

 

The competition also showcased the exhibitors' presentation skills. Lewis was named Champion Showperson, while Ashley Cain of Brant County earned Reserve Champion Showperson with Perrinridge Have Too Rosie Red. Brooke Sleegers of Elgin County received Honourable Mention with Glenholme Valorous Video. 

 

With all the prizes handed out, one of Ontario finest showcases for young dairy enthusiasts came to a close for another year.