Young Students Excellent in Dairy Competition

This group of young 4-H members from clubs in Little River, Pisgah Forest
and Cherryfield won several ribbons for their Ayrshire and Jersey calves
and cows in 1967.  On the left are Dawn and Debbie Woody of Little River.

In the mid-1900s the dairy industry in Transylvania County was thriving.  There were farms that milked varying sizes of herds and dairies that purchased milk for pasteurization.  During Dairy Month in June the Transylvania Dairy Association and their distributors held events including an ice cream party for dairy farmers and their families, public presentations and movies highlighting the value of the dairy industry. 

Programs were being established to encourage youth to learn about feeding, breeding and maintaining dairy cattle.  North Carolina began district and state Junior Dairy Cattle shows in the 1940s.  4-H and F.F.A. (Future Farmers of America) clubs assisted boys and girls through education and provided opportunities for them to attend and participate in these shows.

1973 Junior Dairy Show members from the Cathey's Creek area.

In 1952 Morgan Hunter's Jersey cow won three ribbons and a cash prize in the WNC Junior Dairy Show in Enka.  There was also an annual Dairy Princess contest held.  In 1957 Miss Barbara Cantrell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Cantrell of the Dunn’s Rock community represented Transylvania County. 

The Brevard Merchants Association sponsored the establishment of the Junior Dairy Foundation in 1946.  Businessmen purchased a calf for 4-H youth to raise and breed.  The purpose was to provide youth with an opportunity to raise their own dairy calf and to promote a closer relationship between local businesses and farmers.

Ruth Jones of Cedar Mountain shows her Jersey calf acquired
through the 4-H Club Dairy Chain in 1966.

In the 1960s merchants sponsors a 4-H Club Dairy Chain.  Young people received heifer calves to raise, show and breed through the program.  When that heifer had her first female calf it was passed on to another deserving 4-H Club member thus continuing the chain.

If you can identify any of the youth in the two group photographs included with this week’s story please let us know in the Local History Room at the Library.

Photographs and information for this column are provided by the Rowell Bosse North Carolina Room, Transylvania County Library. Visit the NC Room during regular library hours (Monday-Friday) to learn more about our history and see additional photographs. For more information, comments, or suggestions contact Marcy at marcy.thompson@transylvaniacounty.org or 828-884-1820.