4-H livestock and meats judging teams represent Michigan nationally
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EmailThe top meats and livestock judging teams from the 2025 state contests competed across the country this fall, representing Michigan on the national stage.
The Michigan 4-H Animal Science program hosts a variety of educational contests throughout the year. As a result of their success in these contests, some youth can earn the opportunity to compete in national contests. Congratulations to the following individuals for their months of hard work, preparation and success!
In the 4-H and FFA Meats Judging State Contest, the high overall 4-H senior team has the opportunity to travel to compete in the National 4-H Meats Judging Contest in Manhattan, Kansas each October. This year, the winning team was from Branch County. Team members included Darran Drake, Lucy Jones, Caleb Souva and Audrey Thornburg.
In the 4-H and FFA Livestock Judging State Contest, the top three overall 4-H senior teams have the opportunity to travel to national contests. The top team receives first dibs on where they’d like to compete, then the second-place team can choose, followed by selection of the third-place team.
The high overall 4-H senior team this year was from Ingham County; team members included Amelia Barnum, Sophia Barnum, Ellie Byers and Wesley Rogers. They competed at the Keystone International Livestock Expo (KILE) in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in October.
The reserve overall senior 4-H team this year was from Branch County; team members included Andi Dillon, Carson Haylett, Garrett Haylett and Jack Thielen. They competed at the Purdue Boilermaker Classic in West Lafayette, Indiana in October.
The third overall 4-H senior team this year was from Ottawa County; team members included Emma Finkler, Taylor Huston, Ava Maycroft, Colton Maycroft and Gracie Triick. They competed at the American Royal in Kansas City, Missouri in October.
In addition to these three teams, any 4-H senior contestant can try out for a spot on the composite team that represents Michigan at the National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest at the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) in Louisville, Kentucky in November. This year was the first time since 2019 that Michigan youth have competed at this contest. Amelia and Sophia Barnum from Ingham County represented Michigan, and both of them earned All-American honors by finishing in the top 20 individuals overall! Sophia was 16th overall high individual, and Amelia cracked the top ten as eighth overall high individual. Congratulations to both on this major accomplishment!
All of these trips are primarily funded by generous support from Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund, which provides $1,500 in funding to cover travel expenses for each of these trips, annually. Their continued support of these unique learning opportunities is greatly appreciated!
The 2026 slate of Michigan 4-H Animal Science programs is quickly approaching. To stay up-to-date on important information related to educational programs like the 4-H and FFA Meats and Livestock Judging State Contests, be sure to watch the Michigan State University Extension 4-H Animal Science events calendar.
