HARRISBURG, Pa. — It was a battle, but when the final drop of milk was poured, it was state Sen. Elder Vogel Jr.’s team that won bragging rights in the Celebrity Cow Milking Contest Jan. 13, at the Pennsylvania Farm Show.
The team, anchored by dairy farmer Vogel, R-Butler/Lawrence, also included WPMT- FOX 43 reporter Ashley Palutis, WHP-CBS 21 Chief Meteorologist Tom Russell, Pennsylvania 4-H Council President Logan Hall and Pennsylvania FFA President Casey Hall.
They milked an even one pound of milk from a Red and White Holstein owned by Lee and Joanne Yoder from Mifflin County.
Agriculture Secretary George Greig, a former dairy farmer, led his team to second place. His team was called “MOOOoooves Like Jagger” by team members Department of General Services Secretary Sheri Phillips, Sen. Judy Schwank, D-Berks, and BOB 94.9 radio hosts Nancy and Newman.
The crew milked .85 pounds from a Jersey from Baron-Pride Farm in Lancaster County.
Following the competition, Greig said to Vogel, “I’m ready for a rematch.”
Team leader and WGAL-TV 8 reporter Matt Barcaro earned third place with .6 pounds of milk. Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Lycoming, Rep. Mauree Gingrich, R-Lebanon, and Rep. John Lawrence, R-Chester, were the remaining members of the team who milked a Brown Swiss owned by Laura and Bruce Heilinger of Lebanon County.
The team led by Pennsylvania Dairy Princess Gabrielle Murphy included Sen. Lloyd Smucker, R-Lancaster/York, Rep. Dan Moul, R-Adams, Gov. Tom Corbett’s Senior Policy Manager Rebekah Myers, and WITF – FM news reporter Scott Detrow.
They milked .3 pounds from their Milking Shorthorn, owned by Kevin and Natalie Buch from Oak Pride Farm, Lancaster County.
