Cow Camp Report

from Wisconsin Holstein News - August/September 2022

District Show Premier Breeder & Exhibitor Features

Nearly 45 campers enjoyed a weekend at Mt. Morris Campground in Wautoma. Campers had the chance to meet new friends, take part in traditional camping activities and learn about the Registered Holstein cow, the dairy industry and more through educational sessions. Traditional activities like the campfire, ag olympics and shaving cream fight were also enjoyed by all. The Star Camper Award was given to Justin Brandel of Jefferson County.

Thank you to our guest speakers and volunteers for making this another successful event. Sponsors for this year’s camp included Emmi Roth, CentralStar Cooperative, Feltz’s Dairy Store and American Foods Group. Dairy Judging - Red Group

We enjoyed learning about cow parts during this session. The leader, Angie Ulness, talked about the importance of knowing cow parts and how to compare them. We also appreciated her sharing tips for judging competitions and picking out calves to show. Calf Nutrition - Green Group

In the TMR/nutrition session led by Jen Meyer we learned about what to feed our calves all the way up to cows. We also talked about the different parts of a TMR and got to make our own TMR snack to enjoy. Calf Care - White Group

The most important thing we learned was how to take care of sick calves. We also learned about newborn calf care. This is important so when we are older we know how to properly take care of our own calves. This is also important because we need to set her up for the rest of her life. Thank you to Payge Dahlke for leading this session. Barn Quilt Painting - Yellow Group

WHA Royalty led campers through painting wooden barn quilts with stencils. While waiting for paint to dry, campers played get-toknow-you games. Campers enjoyed being creative and making their own unique creations. Royalty chose a first and second place quilt for a prize. Packing a Showbox - Teal Group

We really enjoyed listening to Ainsley’s presentation on how to be prepared and what to bring to shows. We especially liked learning about substitutions for the materials and supplies. We had fun talking about what everything is used for and how it can help us on show morning. Thank you Ainsley! Farm Safety - Blue Group

At the farm safety station, we learned what happens when you get electrocuted, get impaled by an object, or what happens when you get a severe cut. We also learned how to react to these situations. We were able to see what happens to your brain when you wear a bike helmet compared to when you don’t. We would like to thank Molly Dorshorst for leading a great session. Reproduction/Anatomy - Orange Group

We learned about reproduction and anatomy from Dr. Matt Dorshorst on Sunday. We really enjoyed being able to learn hands on and practice artificial insemination on reproductive tracks. The group learned where the egg develops and gets released, how a corpus luteum develops and the importance of its production of progesterone, where to find a cervix on a cow and how it feels, and the role it plays in protecting the calf during pregnancy. We greatly appreciate Dr. Dorshorst’s passion and knowledge that he shared and thank him for taking the time to teach us. Dairy Products - Purple Group

JAC Lauren lead a session on the different dairy products. We got to try cheese from Feltz’s Dairy Store and guess what kind it was. We also got to answer dairy bowl questions. We had lots of fun!