MHS Dairy Team Heads to Nationals

Have you ‘herd”? The Milbank FFA Dairy Cattle Team left Milbank this morning. They are headed to the 2023 National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis. You might have noticed their departure as members of the Milbank Fire Department turned out to give them a warm send off.  Although pigs can’t fly, cow-lovers don’t have that problem. The six ladies drove to Watertown to catch a flight to Indianapolis.

Team members include Cassidy Schwagel, who graduated from MHS in 2023, and her sisters Brooke, a senior, and Bailey, a freshman. Kayla Schweer, also a freshman, is the fourth member of the team. The Milbank team earned the opportunity to compete in the national event by winning in their category at the South Dakota event. Sara Colombe, their instructor and adviser, and Suzanne Souza will be accompanying the girls.

The 96th FFA Convention and Expo will include competitions, workshops, a rodeo, concerts, shopping, and awards ceremonies. The gathering is scheduled for November 1-4, but Milbank students plan to return home Saturday, November 4.  Watch for their results here on The Valley Express.

In case you missed it… 
The Milbank FFA Dairy Cattle Team competed at the 56th World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, on  October 3. The MHS team placed 22nd in a field of 116 teams. Individually, Cassidy Schwagel placed 65th. Brooke Schwagel placed 103rd. Bailey Schwagel placed 177th. Kayla Schweer’s individual results are still pending. 

The World Expo — the largest trade show in the world devoted to dairy — is held every year in Madison. Expo officials estimate it attracts over 50,000 people from around the world. This year, the event also hosted over 600 exhibitors featuring dairy technology, information, and products.

Shakira (Erbacres Snapple Shakira-ET), a Holstein from Cap Sante, Quebec was named Grand Champion. Shakira took home the title, the Allen Hetts Grand Champion Trophy and the Udder Comfort Grand Champion monetary award. Reserve Grand Champion honors went to Solomon (Oakfield Solomon Footloose-ET), from Rudolph, Wisconsin.

Submitted Photos: Top- Suzanne Souza, Brooke Schwagel, Kayla Schweer, Bailey Schwagel, Cassidy Schwagel and Sara Colombe. Bottom- Brooke Schwagel, Cassidy Schwagel, Bailey Schwagel, Kayla Schweer and Sara Colombe.