“Farming is a Lifelong Ride” and this will be showcased at the annual Futurity Dairy Show at the Shawano County Fair. Spectators will take in the beauty and pageantry of exhibitors dressed “ready to ride” as they exhibit their three-year old dairy cows at this year’s fun, motorcycle-themed event. The Futurity will take place on Saturday, September 1 during the Shawano County Fair. The annual event will begin at 7:00 pm in the coliseum with an auction to benefit Shawano 4-H Junior Dairy activities, with the show scheduled to start at 7:30 pm.
The futurity is a unique event that allows the owners of all breeds of dairy cattle in of Shawano County to showcase the dairy industry to the general public. The exhibitors enter animals as calves and then show the same animals as 3-year olds, after they have become a productive member of the herd. This is different than a regular show as it requires the owners to have the foresight to select their best animals two years ahead of the show. In addition, rather than wearing traditional white pants to show, the exhibitors dress in formal or themed attire while presenting their animals. The show ring is beautifully decorated to go with the theme each year. It is an educational and entertaining event that all who attend are sure to enjoy.
This year, of the 161 animals originally entered two years ago, 19 are expected to exhibit, which will be the largest group ever shown at this event. These 19 animals will compete for a share of the original entry fees as well as prize money donated by area businesses. In addition to an official judge placing the animals on their conformation, the crowd will also be able to vote on best-dressed awards for exhibitors participating in the event.
All fairgoers are invited and encouraged to watch the show and learn more about the dairy industry. Shawano County Dairy Promotions will be serving grilled cheese and ice cream sundaes to attendees following the show to celebrate the wealth of dairy products that are produced by local dairy farmers.
