This year’s show boasts more than 3,700 head of cattle exhibited by participants from 25 states.

“Pennsylvania is proud to once again host the All-American Dairy Show,” said Governor Rendell. “Dairy is the economic driver of Pennsylvania agriculture, contributing $4.2 billion annually and ranking fourth nationally in milk production. This event is an opportunity to showcase our dairy farmers and their cattle, as well as our number one agricultural industry.”

The six-day event holds seven national dairy breed shows for both youth and adult exhibitors, including: Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey, Milking Shorthorn and Red & White. Some of the country’s top genetics for each breed will be on display during the week.

“It is an honor to have the world’s largest dairy show here in the commonwealth,” said Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff. “This is a great opportunity for our exhibitors of all ages to compete on a national level. It also provides a chance for producers to share ideas and best practices that will improve their dairy breeding programs and businesses.”

Other highlights include:

• The Premier National Junior Days are slated for Sept. 16-18, offering national and state-level youth dairy shows, dairy judging and management contests, and showmanship. The shows culminate with the Supreme Champion Pageant on Monday, Sept. 18, at 3 p.m.
• The Supreme Champion of the open shows will be the marquee event on Thursday, Sept. 21, at 2 p.m. to conclude the week’s activities.
• The Pennsylvania Holstein Association will host the Pennsylvania Fall Championship Show on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 9 a.m., and the Eastern Elite Holstein Sale on Wednesday, Sept. 20, at 6:30 p.m.
• A commercial trade show will offer information about current dairy technology and practices. There is also a silent auction providing visitors the chance to bid on valuable packages of goods and services.
• The nation’s only All-Dairy Antiques and Collectibles Show will feature more than 60 vendors displaying dairy items from the past and present. Memorabilia of the Brown Swiss and Milking Shorthorn breeds will be featured.
• Oxen demonstrations will be held Sept. 16-17 at noon and 3 p.m. each day.
• A delegation including the Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs will visit Sept. 17-18 to observe the youth shows and meet with youth exhibitors and dairy industry leaders.

The show is open to the public with free admission and parking. For a complete schedule and more information, visit www.allamerican.state.pa.us or call 717-787-2905.

TheCattleSite news desk