Over the last 47 years, The Clemson Spring Dairy Show has grown into one of the Southeast’s premier youth dairy events—but it started from much more humble beginnings.
The inaugural show began in April 1979, set up under just three small tents borrowed from Lewis Harrison. At the time, it was a modest gathering held on the grounds that are now home to the T. Ed Garrison Arena and Complex. What started as a simple event rooted in a passion for dairy cattle and youth development has since grown into a cornerstone of agricultural tradition in South Carolina.
As seen in the photos below, the show continued to thrive in the years following 1979, reflecting how the style and presentation of dairy shows have evolved over time. In the photo to the right, a young exhibitor is pictured showing his Guernsey heifer. Today, he remains actively involved as a valued member of the planning committee for the Clemson Spring Dairy Show—demonstrating the lasting impact of youth participation and the strong legacy this event continues to build.
In 2017, a dedicated steering committee was formed with a mission to revitalize and strengthen the Clemson Spring Dairy Show. Their vision was clear: to create an event that would serve as a cornerstone for 4-H and FFA dairy youth programs in South Carolina while also becoming a standout event for youth across the Southeast. Their goal went beyond competition—they aimed to create a space where dairy enthusiasts of all ages could come together for a weekend of fun, camaraderie, learning, and meaningful competition.
Since 2018, the show has grown remarkably due to strong fundraising efforts and community support. The first revitalized event featured 248 head of dairy cattle from five states and 72 youth showmanship participants. Over the next seven years, the Clemson Spring Dairy Show continued to grow, adding exhibitors, contests, cattle, participating states, and spectators each year. Even after a year off due to COVID in March 2020, that growth continued. Today, the show utilizes all three barn areas and hosts events in the main arena at the T. Ed Garrison Arena and Complex.
Today, the Clemson Spring Dairy Show consistently features over 400 head of dairy cattle, more than 135 youth participants in showmanship, and competitors traveling from 11 states, including Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Kentucky. The event also includes participation from several land grant universities such as: Clemson University, Virginia Tech, and the University of Georgia.
This expansion has solidified the Clemson Spring Dairy Show as one of the largest and most respected dairy cattle shows in the Southeast. It has also attracted renowned judges from across the United States, many of whom have judged at national and international shows.
Exhibitors speak volumes about the work done by the committee and organization, providing proof of why they continue to return year after year. Brittany Heizer from North Carolina shared on her personal Facebook page:
“Can’t thank everyone enough for a wonderful start to the 2026 show season! Clemson hospitality at its finest and a tremendous quality show across all the breeds… The success in the ring is always a highlight, but we love even more the opportunity to catch up and fellowship with all our show friends and family! The boys made lots of buddies, and Palmer might have a future on Lea’s photo crew!”
Julia McElmurray Waddell from South Carolina shared:
“Great time at the Clemson Spring Dairy Show this past weekend. Exhausted, sore in places I didn’t know I had, but had an exciting weekend in the show ring. I did a “spur of the moment” Channel 7 interview early Friday morning with Aly Rose clipping a cow, while they visited the reporter asked some questions. ( I talk really fast) In 90 seconds I told them about growing up in 4-H, showing dairy cows with my sister in the heifer project, my family being in the dairy business, my kids growing up showing cows over the years & now my granddaughters showing & how it was generational & all the highs, lows, hard work & grit involved in this “hobby.” Looking at my pictures I see generational!!”
Robert Colvin from Kentucky added:
“It’s a long trip, but Clemson, South Carolina, is the place to be in March for a great dairy show. It never lets us down… We’ll be back next year.”
Since 1979, this event has focused on youth and their growth within the dairy industry. Over the years, it has continued to create opportunities that build lifelong skills while raising funds to reinvest in participating youth. What began with showmanship and 4-H and FFA dairy judging contests has grown into a much broader youth development experience.
Youth opportunities now include three scholarship programs supporting future agricultural leaders with over $2,750 in scholarships, a Youth Game Night that builds connections among participants from across the Southeast, and the Let’s Talk Dairy speaking contest, which highlights participants’ knowledge and public speaking skills related to dairy products and the industry. These additions reflect a commitment not only to competition, but also to education, leadership, and personal growth.
As the barns open on Thursday morning for exhibitors to begin arriving with their dairy cattle, the main events kick off on Friday morning. The three-day event begins with strong educational programming through partnerships with South Carolina 4-H and FFA, while also welcoming youth from other states.
Friday morning begins with the Let’s Talk Dairy competition, sponsored by Dairy Alliance, which provides $300 in prizes. The competition features three age categories:
- Cloverbud: What is your favorite dairy product and why is it good for you? (1 participant)
- Junior: What are the benefits of milk in your diet? (9 participants)
- Senior: What are the benefits of dairy products for overall health and nutrition? (5 participants)
The award recipients for these divisions:
Cloverbud participant:
Hudson Barham
Junior Division Award Winners:
1. Addie Barham, Anderson
2. Brewer Honea, Anderson
3. Michaela Walker, Anderson
Senior Division Award Winners:
1. Emma Uhall, Abbeville
2. Riley Webster, McCormick
3. Brooklyn Iseli, Oconee
Following the speech contest, the 4-H and FFA Dairy Judging Contest begins. Participants evaluate six classes of dairy heifers and cows, with juniors giving one set of reasons and seniors giving two. This year included 3 Cloverbuds, 19 Juniors (6 teams), and 31 Seniors (8 teams), along with 42 FFA members forming 11 teams. Youth from Florida, Virginia, and Alabama also participated.
The evening concludes with a supper and awards presentation. Youth competed for outstanding awards sponsored by the South Carolina Farmer Agribusiness Association. Top Junior 4-H team members represented Laurens, Greenville, and Greenwood Counties, while the top Senior team included Greenwood and Union Counties. The top FFA team came from Newberry County Career Center.
Junior 4-H Dairy Evaluation (Individuals):
1. Sarah Iseli, Laurens/Greenville Dairy Club
2. Hattie Grace Terry, Laurens/Greenville Dairy Club
3. Sarah Ann Crawford, Saluda
Junior 4-H Dairy Evaluation Teams
1. Laurens/Greenville Dairy Club
Sarah Iseli, Hattie Grace Terry and Charlie Eickelberger
2. Anderson 4-H
Brewer Honea, Harris, Honea, Addie Barham and Michaela Walker
Senior 4-H Dairy Evaluation (Individuals):
1. Kendall Parker, SC Ag Elites
2. Eliza Tery, Laurens/Greenville Dairy Club
3. Hobbs Lutz, Andrew Jackson High
Senior 4-H Dairy Evaluation Teams:
1. SC Ag Elites
Kendall Parker, Dacey Abruzzino, Laney Parker, Blaine Abruzzino
2. Andrew Jackson High
Hobbs Lutz, Lily Bailey, Racquel Knight, Austin Wright
Following the awards, the Clemson Spring Dairy Show hosts the Carolina Classic Sale, now in its fifth year. This year’s sale featured 38 live lots of dairy heifers. A youth program allows participants to purchase and exhibit heifers throughout the year, with top exhibitors in each division recognized at the following year’s sale.
Saturday begins with nine showmanship classes featuring 146 youth and awarding over $5,000 in prizes. The top two from each class advance to compete for overall champions. This year’s winners were Thatcher Mehaffey (Junior), Maggie Mehaffey (Intermediate), and Shylee Brooks (Senior), all from North Carolina.
Judges Eddie and Mandi Bue of Wisconsin evaluated five dairy breeds, judging 367 heifer entries and 83 milking cows. Saturday concluded with the selection of breed champions and the Supreme Heifer, awarded to Fall Yearling Jersey, LR Chocochip Walker, exhibited by Piper Whaley of North Carolina.
Four classes within the heifer show were dedicated to the South Carolina 4-H Dairy Heifer Project, a long-standing program designed to provide youth with the opportunity to raise and exhibit dairy cattle. Established in 1974, the project was created to provide young people—especially those from non-dairy backgrounds—hands-on experience in the dairy industry. Participants receive a March-born calf in July of the previous year and commit to raising and developing the animal over a two-year period.
Over the years, thousands of youth from across South Carolina have participated in the program, with many going on to become leaders in agriculture, business, education, and beyond. Many alumni credit their 4-H dairy experience as a defining part of their youth. Through exhibiting their animals at fairs and events statewide, participants not only develop valuable life and agricultural skills but also help educate the public about the dairy industry.
The project currently includes four participating dairy breeds and involves more than 26 youth from across the state in the 2025 project year. Each breed features two divisions: a Heifer Project Calf class and a Heifer Project Yearling class. The first- and second-place winners from each breed in both divisions advance to compete for the title of Supreme Heifer Project Heifer.
This year, the title of Supreme Heifer Project Heifer was awarded to Lily Bailey of Lancaster, South Carolina.
As the number of dairy farms continues to decline, the South Carolina 4-H Dairy Heifer Project remains a vital program for inspiring and preparing the next generation of dairy enthusiasts. Interest in the program continues to grow, with 36 youth from across the state applying for the 2026 Dairy Heifer Project. During the three-day event, over $3,000 in premiums were awarded to participating juniors, in addition to scholarships and showmanship prizes.
The show concluded Sunday with the milking cow divisions. Judges named a Grand Champion Female for each breed before selecting the Supreme Female, awarded to Age Cow Ayrshire, Old-N-Lazy Gentle Winnie, exhibited by Who Cattle Company of Tennessee.
From three borrowed tents in 1979 to a multi-state event drawing hundreds of cattle and youth participants, the Clemson Spring Dairy Show stands as a testament to dedication, community support, and the power of agricultural education. More than just a show, it is a place where traditions are honored, skills are developed, and the next generation of dairy leaders is inspired.
Continuing the momentum of a busy and impactful month, April also brought the 2026 South Carolina State 4-H and FFA Livestock Judging Contest, held on Friday, April 4 at the T. Ed Garrison Arena. A total of 121 South Carolina 4-H and FFA members participated, evaluating six classes and demonstrating their knowledge, critical thinking, and communication skills through oral reasons.
Junior 4-H Livestock Evaluation (Individuals):
- Liza Shaw, Newberry
- Adelynn Abruzzino, Spartanburg
- Mary Quinn Settle, Spartanburg
Junior 4-H Livestock Evaluation (Teams):
- Greenville/Newberry/Anderson 4-H: Liza Shaw, Baylee Coker, Ian Briggs, Mia Smith
- Spartanburg 4-H: Adelynn Abruzzino, Lilly Wilkins, Mary Quinn Settle, Ember Harris
Senior 4-H Livestock Evaluation (Individuals):
- Kendall Parker, SC Ag. Elites
- Dacey Abruzzino, SC Ag. Elites
- Cade Simpson, Crescent
Senior 4-H Livestock Evaluation (Teams):
- SC Ag. Elites: Dacey Abruzzino, Blaine Abruzzino, Kendall Parker, Laney Parker
- Palmetto: Kaylyn Bruce, Collins Gambrell, Holland Hedlund, Jacob Cann
- Spartanburg 4-H, Team A: Leo Fisher, Lachlan Jones, John Jarrett, Lydia Haddon
This successful event would not have been possible without the support of many dedicated individuals and groups. A heartfelt thank you goes to Dr. Brian Bolt, Richelle Miller Kleman, and the Little North America (LNA) students for their coordination efforts. We also extend our sincere appreciation to Tommy West, Clemson Extension staff, South Carolina 4-H staff and interns, South Carolina FFA staff and State Officers, as well as the livestock providers, officials, and volunteers who ensured the contest ran smoothly.
A special thank you is extended to Marie Bolt, Director of the Garrison Arena and Expo Center, along with the outstanding Garrison Arena staff for their continued support and hospitality. We are also grateful for the generous awards provided by the Clarence W. Senn Memorial Endowment, which help recognize and encourage excellence among our youth participants.
Written By:
Lucy Charping, Abbeville County 4-H Agent
Lauren Black- Venegas, Saluda County 4-H Agent
Amanda Lutz, Chester County 4-H Agent
Tina Horn, One Health EXCITE H5N1 Dairy Specialist, York Livestock and Forages Agent, State Dairy Program Coordinator
Mark Carthart, Union County 4-H Agent
Heather Shultz, 4-H Agriculture & Animal Programs, Associate
