If you walked into the livestock barn at the Eastern States fairgrounds, better known as “The Big E” in West Springfield, Mass., September 12, you would have witnessed an invasion of 183 4-H members from all the New England states, all dragging a show box filled with all the necessary items in one hand, and in the other, a lead rope attached to the amazing dairy heifer that has been their 4-H dairy project for the last year.

These kids, ages 12 to 18, have all been in their state's 4-H dairy program for at least two years and are the 4-H dairy team presenting their state. Here in Maine, our team consisted of 26 dairy heifers and 27 kids from all over the state.

For the first time, Lincoln County was represented. Caitlyn Spear, 15, of Wiscasset, qualified for the team going to Eastern States. Spear is the daughter of Jonathan and Laurie Spear and is the president of the Alan-Dee Dairy 4-H club based at the Morris Farm. She is also a junior leader. Spear qualified for the team by participating in the clipping contest and placing second with her spring heifer calf, “Cupid,” at the Maine State 4-H Dairy Show held at the Windsor fairgrounds in July.

Each state completed against each other in the General Knowledge Test, Clipping Contest, Quiz Bowl, Breed Dairy Judging, the Breeds Show and the important “Showmanship,” which lasted all day until only the top three were left. Spear's mother and 4-H leader, Candee MacQueen, attended all events.

Spear was a rookie this year and performed fantastic, placing third in the spring calf class. This was her first year attending the event. This is a great experience, the kids make lifelong friends and learn the importance of being a team player. We need to be extremely proud of all these young people. They are our future. It takes years of practice and time raising these great animals just to get them to the shows, to be able to compete and win at this event. This was the top and these kids are the best in New England.