Michigan 4-H dairy judging team places second overall at national contest
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EmailMichigan 4-H sent four members to Louisville, Kentucky, for the 2025 North American International Livestock Exposition 4-H Dairy Judging Contest, where the team was named Reserve Overall Team and several individuals placed in several categories.
Stepping onto the coveted green shavings in Freedom Hall at the North American International Livestock Exposition held each November in Louisville, Kentucky, is special to anyone who has ever shown, competed in a judging contest, or simply spectated. Everyone has the opportunity to walk on the green shavings and take in the sights and sounds, but few have the opportunity to walk away from the green shavings and take home hardware. Four Michigan 4-H members recently experienced what it’s like to win on a national stage and succeed under the bright lights of Freedom Hall.
These Michigan 4-H members were named reserve national champions in the North American International Livestock Exposition 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest. They evaluated several classes of dairy cattle and gave oral reasons to justify their placings to officials that were dairy industry professionals. The youth evaluated several breeds of dairy cattle and marked placing cards for each class.
While judging, they used the PDCA Scorecard and information that their coaches taught them, aiming to place each class in alignment with the official class placing. Official class placings are determined by officials who are dairy cattle judging experts. These officials come together and determine the correct placing of each class of four dairy cattle. Each class placing is worth 50 points. Youth who participate in dairy cattle judging learn how to effectively communicate, think on their feet, speak with confidence and justify their thoughts.
As a team, the Michigan 4-H’ers placed as Reserve Overall Team and also won the reasons division. They were first in Holstein and Guernsey, took third in Jersey, fourth in Ayrshire and fourth in Brown Swiss. The four members also placed highly as individuals, too. Gracie T. was named the High Overall Individual in the 4-H contest; additionally, she was first in Holstein, second in Brown Swiss, third in Guernsey, fifth in reasons, and seventh in Jersey. Kelsey G. placed second in reasons and ninth in Holsteins. Ross K. placed sixth in Holstein and sixth in Guernsey. Austin P. placed ninth in Jersey. The team was coached by Dr. Joe Domecq, Lynn Olthof and Sarah Black.
These kinds of opportunities are not possible without the support of 4-H volunteers, donors and supporters. We sincerely thank all of the farms who provided workouts and those individuals who helped create a lifelong memory for these Michigan 4-H youth.
Any youth is interested in the Michigan Dairy 4-H program should reach out to their local Michigan State University Extension office.
