The 53rd All-American Dairy Show is Sept. 17-22 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. It's the largest dairy show in the East, where superior genetics and top-quality competition come together.

It’s also where sharp-eyed breeders come to scout for new foundation genetics. With the current low prices, the show may be a perfect opportunity for finding new replacement animals.

Show officials report that the 2015 All-Am featured nearly 3,000 animals and 1,500 exhibitors from around the country. With 23 dairy shows in six days, including four days dedicated to youth shows, contests and programs, it’s the premier stop on the Tanbark Trail. It concludes with the Supreme Champion Pageant with the selection of the top cow, heifer and bred-and-owned animal.

It also includes the nation’s only All-Dairy Antiques and Collectibles Show, which will be open Sept. 16-21.

The All-Am judging competition kicks off with the Pennsylvania Junior Dairy Show on Sept. 17.

It features the highest premiums paid at any national junior show, and special prizes and gifts for class winners and champions. That includes a $2,000 cash prize for the premier National Junior Show Supreme Champion and $1,000 savings bonds for the Grand Champion of each of seven dairy breeds.

The open show breeding cattle competition starts early Sept. 19, with 10 breeds strolling through show rings over four days. They’ll compete for Supreme Champion honors and the $3,000 prize.

Parking and admission are free. For more All-Am details, visit the All-American Dairy Show online or call 717-787-2905.

Dairy judging and sale events

Saturday, Sept. 17
9 a.m. Pennsylvania State Junior Dairy Show

Sunday, Sept. 18
9:30 a.m. Youth Showmanship Contest
2:30 p.m. Senior Division Fitting Competition

Monday, Sept. 19
7:50 a.m. Invitational Youth Dairy Cattle Judging Contest
8 a.m. Premier National Junior Show
3 p.m. Premier National Junior Supreme Champion Pageant

Tuesday, Sept. 20
9 a.m. PA Fall Holstein Championship/Holstein Futurity
1 p.m. Ayrshire Show: calves, heifers, dry cows
            Milking Shorthorn Show: calves, heifers, dry cows
            Jersey Show: calves, heifers, dry cows
5:30 p.m. Eastern Elite Holstein sale               

Wednesday, Sept. 21
8 a.m. Jersey Show: cows
            Red & White Show
            National Guernsey Show
            Milking Shorthorn Show: cows
1 p.m. Ayrshire Show: cows
            Holstein Show: calves, heifers, dry cows
            Brown Swiss Show: calves, heifers, dry cows

Thursday, Sept. 22
9 a.m. Brown Swiss Show: cows
            Holstein Show: cows
1 p.m. Supreme Champion Pageant