SEDALIA, Mo. – Lexi Angelo earned high individual honors at the State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest held Aug. 17 at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia.

Angelo, daughter of Mary and Ryan Angelo, was the high individual in Guernseys, Holsteins and oral reasons. She was also third in Jerseys. “Lexi had an outstanding day in the ring and was in the top three of every breed but one,” said Karla Deaver, 4-H youth development specialist and co-coach of the Missouri 4-H Dairy Judging Team. “Although Lexi has not judged in many contests, she is very talented and made great progress during our recent Missouri Dairy Judging Camp.”

Second high individual was Sammi Justice. Justice, the daughter of Jason and Sarah Justice of Clever, was second high individual in Holsteins. In third was Jordyn Misner of Jasper County. Misner was second in Brown Swiss. Rounding out the top five were Colton Kleiboeker and Emma Schreck.

Topping the intermediate division was Harper VanZyverden of Marshfield. Vanzyverden, daughter of Scott and Rachel VanZyverden, was second in Guernseys, Jerseys and oral reasons. In second was Emma Coleman of Grant City. Coleman, daughter of William and Tera Coleman, was third in Guernseys. Third high in the intermediate division was Faith Ling of Springfield. Ling, daughter of Eric and Mary Ling, was top in Jerseys, third in Holsteins and third in oral reasons. Rounding out the top five were Lily Bluel and David Melzer. Bluel, daughter of Reagan and Neal Bluel of Monett, was first in Brown Swiss. Melzer is the son of Matt and Kelly Melzer of Harrisonville.

In the junior division, the top individual was Chase Eilenstine of Mountain Grove. Eilenstine, son of Loren and Michelle Eilenstine, was third high individual in Brown Swiss. Second high junior was Diesel Dixon of Conway. Dixon is the son of Brett and Jessica Dixon. Third high in the junior division was Brantley Keltner of Willow Springs. Keltner is the son of Devin and Bailey Keltner. Rounding out the top five were Kimber Wilson of Miller and Calvin Culpepper of Harrisonville. Wilson is the daughter of Scott and Jenna Wilson and Culpepper is the son of Michael and Leslie Culpepper.

Contestants placed six classes and gave two sets of oral reasons. The top three individuals in each breed received cash prizes sponsored by Missouri breed associations and supporters of youth dairy programs. The top 10 individuals in each division received rosettes from the Missouri State Fair, and the top four individuals in each division received a plaque from the Missouri State Fair and supporters of the contest.

Contestants, their families and exhibitors who provided cattle for the event were the guests at a Junior Dairymen’s Barbeque sponsored by Midwest Dairy Association, Missouri State Fair, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, MFA, Dairy Farmers of America and Hiland Dairy.

“The life skills that youth gain in judging activities – decision-making, problem-solving, public speaking, defending their decisions – are skills that we need to help our kids learn now more than ever,” Deaver said. “Not only are these skills they will use on a daily basis as adults, but in today’s uncertain world they are skills they will use now.”

For more information about the dairy judging program, contact Karla Deaver at the MU Extension Center in Lawrence County at 417-466-3102.

Programs offered by Missouri 4-H would not be possible without support from our partners. Major support for Missouri 4-H Agriculture programs is provided by the Missouri 4-H Foundation in partnership with Ballenger Propane, Corteva Agriscience, FCS Financial, MFA Foundation, Missouri Association of Meat Processors, Missouri Farm Bureau Federation, Missouri Holstein Association, Missouri Soybean Association, National 4-H Council, Safety National, Eunice Campbell and Dr. Robert E. “Bud” Hertzog.

About Missouri 4-H

Missouri 4-H grows today’s youth and prepares tomorrow’s leaders. With a blend of time-tested traditions and innovative hands-on learning, Missouri youth explore and find their spark in programs ranging from agriculture and conservation to aerospace and career development. Through clubs, programs, camps, in-school and after-school experiences, University of Missouri Extension faculty, staff and thousands of volunteers guide youth in developing essential skills, building confidence and fostering connections. Together, they inspire young people to make a real difference in their communities, their country and the world. To learn more about Missouri 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu.