Milton Hershey School Agriculture Students Participating in 2022 Pennsylvania Farm Show

Milton Hershey School students in the Agricultural and Environmental Education (AEE) clubs are preparing to get back into the competition ring at the 106th annual Pennsylvania Farm Show.

After last year’s virtual Farm Show, MHS students are excited and busy practicing their showmanship, grooming the animals, and making final adjustments before heading to Harrisburg, Pa. to proudly show the cattle, sheep, and goats that were raised on the farms of the MHS campus.

For MHS junior, Jenna Allencastre-Doersom, this year will be the first time she is showing goats and cattle. “Not only will it be a new experience for me, but it also allows me to showcase the relationship I’ve created and the knowledge I’ve gained through working with my animals,” said Jenna.

Through the AEE program at MHS, students are introduced to various careers in the agricultural, horticultural, and environmental fields through internships and clubs. Students also learn discipline, patience, and hard work while gaining valuable skills that will help them set goals for their future.

“Students do not have to have prior experience with animals or farming to participate in AEE programming,” described Rachel Teller, MHS Associate Director of AEE. “Some of our students who come from rural backgrounds find that our campus barns remind them of their home communities, but other students discover their passion for AEE after joining a club or learning about AEE in the classroom. It’s experiences like the Farm Show that open our students’ eyes to the possibility of turning something they have fun doing in high school into a future career or life-long hobby.”

Senior Anthony Gulli is looking forward to his last Farm Show as an MHS student but also thinks it is bittersweet. His involvement in AEE began in middle school and has helped guide his career aspirations.

“I have built some amazing relationships and expressed my passion for animals through my work in every department of AEE. I look forward to mentoring and helping other students this year. I’m also looking forward to meeting new people and continuing to development my network as I get closer to graduation.” said Anthony.

Jenna and Anthony will be joined by ten other Senior Division students who will be competing at this year’s Farm Show from Jan. 8-15, 2022. MHS AEE staff and students will be onsite throughout Farm Show week tending to their animals, competing, and answering questions about the school’s program. Follow Milton Hershey School on Instagram as the students will take-over the account sharing a behind-the-scenes look at their Farm Show experience.

Learn More About the MHS Agricultural and Environmental Education Program

2022 Pennsylvania Farm Show Award Highlights

Congratulations to all of our MHS students who participated in the 2022 PA Farm Show. A few of the award highlights are listed below.

Cows

• Kira Peifer, MHS senior: Reserve Sr. Champion Heifer in the Youth Show
• Desiree Cropek, MHS senior: Jr. Reserve Champion Heifer in the Open Show

Dairy Goats

• Jenna Allencastre Doersom, MHS junior: Junior Champion Lamancha in the Youth and Open Shows, and Reserve Junior Champion Lamancha in the Open Show
• Milton Hernandez Cedeno, MHS senior: Reserve Junior Champion Lamancha in the Youth Show
• Charlene Pierce, MHS junior: Junior Champion Nubian in the Youth Show, Senior Champion Saanen in the Youth Show, Grand Champion Saanen in the Youth Show, and Junior Champion Recorded Grade in the Youth Show
• Nikkilee Hockenberry, MHS junior: Senior Champion Nubian in the Youth Show, Grand Champion Nubian in the Youth Show, Best Doe in Show—Youth Show, 2nd Place Youth Showmanship I (born 2002-2004), Reserve Senior Champion Nubian in the Open Show, Reserve Grand Champion Nubian in the Open Show
• Desiree Cropek, MHS senior: 3rd Place Dam and Daughter Recorded Grade Open Show,  2nd Place Get of Sire Recorded Grade Open Show

Sheep

• Jenna Allencastre Doersom, MHS junior: 1st Place Southdown Early Spring Ewe Lamb in the Youth and Open Shows