HOLSTEIN YOUTH
STORY BY ANDREA EMOND
Mitchell Anderson – Commitment at its Finest
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PHOTOS 1. Mitchell at the 2021 Brant-Wentworth show leading Kingsway Jordy Adobe, the first heifer he registered under his Ron Ridge prefix, 2. Fun with his cousins, Reegan (middle) and Raechel at the Paris Fair, 3. Mitchell remembering Papa Ron with his grandma Ruth Ann, 4. Celebrating his first goal with the Blenheim Blades Junior C club. PHOTO 1 BY CLAIRE SWALE, ALL OTHERS SUBMITTED.
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IF THERE’S ONE THING YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MITCHELL ANDERSON, IT’S THAT HE HATES TO SIT STILL.
The 18-year-old from Ridgetown, Ont., is always on the go and that’s a big family gathering,” Mitchell says, thinking back to his first few just the way he likes it. “I love to be busy,” he says, admitting that years at the show. “It was always chaotic and fun, with lots of cousins relaxing doesn’t come easy. “I just get a feeling I should be doing running around.” something.” 4-H has remained an important part of his life since then, with his Between wrapping up his final year of high school, participating mom serving as the leader of the Chatham-Kent Dairy Club and in school sports, working at home, fitting at shows, playing and Mitchell contributing as a keen member. While he has tried other refereeing hockey, and taking part in his local 4-H club, Mitchell’s clubs, including rabbit, poultry, beef, the dairy and dairy judging time is often accounted for well in advance. clubs will always be his mainstays. The latter, he admits, took some gentle nudging for him to continue. “I definitely had to be He was raised at Anderson Acres, a 200-acre grain operation in encouraged to keep pursuing judging,” he says. “When you’re not Kent County, a stone’s throw away from Ridgetown College. Here, good at something right away, you generally don’t think it’s fun. I he helps where needed, often taking care of the “nitty-gritty” jobs enjoy it now and it’s become easier and easier.” like cleaning equipment, hitching it up and putting it away. He also helps drive tractor when his dad or grandpa need a break. Though he In addition to gaining confidence through 4-H, Mitchell says the wasn’t raised on a dairy farm, both of his parents have a keen interest program has instilled a sense of commitment he never imagined in agriculture, with his dad, Glenn, working as a New Holland Sales possible. The livestock clubs, especially, require dedication seven Rep. for Delta Power Equipment and his mom, Janice, working as an days a week. “If you don’t get up and do your work, you’re going to Agricultural Account Manager at RBC. Janice was raised on a dairy pay for it at the show and you’re not going to enjoy your time.” farm in Brant County (Elm Bend), now operated by her brother and In the past few years, Mitchell has really ramped up his love of showing sister-in-law, Terry and Pam Charlton. It’s that connection, Mitchell and fitting. An early introduction by one of his 4-H leaders, Colin says, that has fostered his growing love of dairy. Pool, to Chris Steven helped him get started. “Chris took me under Mitchell and his siblings – Morgan, 20, Mack, 15 and Meredith, 14 his wing, took me to his county show and spent time teaching me – have all borrowed 4-H calves from the farm since they were able how to clip.” Later, Wes Haggins from neighbouring Essex County to join the program, and after his first year showing in the pre-4-H helped him hone his skills. He learned a lot from attending shows class at the Paris Fair, he was hooked. “Every year, the Paris fair was with Wes and watching him clip, and since they share a similar style
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SPRING 2022
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