Missouri 4-H Dairy Judging competes at National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest

Lexi Angelo is the latest Missouri 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Team member to join the All-American ranks at the National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, held Sept. 26 in Madison, Wis.

The team finished 11th overall in the 20-team field, said team co-coach Karla Deaver, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in 4-H youth development.

The team of Lexi Angelo, Jesse Davis, Colton Kleiboeker and Carissa Simagna finished sixth in Brown Swiss, eighth in Ayrshires, and ninth in Jerseys and oral reasons. “This was a tough contest for us as a team, but I am proud of their effort and preparation” Deaver said. “Although we did not meet our team goals, the contest was a good experience for all involved.”

Angelo, daughter of Mary Thomson and Ryan Angelo of Fair Grove, finished as the 14th high individual overall, earning All-American honors, which are given to the top 15 judges. Angelo was 8th in Jerseys and 12th in placings.

Colton Kleiboeker, son of Jared and Shannon Kleiboeker of Wentworth, was 16th in Guernseys. Carissa Simagna, daughter of Scott and Cherilyn Lang of Marionville, and Jesse Davis, son of Mark and Marla Davis of Neosho, completed the team.

Contestants placed one cow and one heifer class in Ayrshires, Brown Swiss, Guernseys, Holsteins and Jerseys and gave five sets of reasons, one on each cow class. The team is coached by Karla Deaver and Ted Probert, retired MU Extension dairy specialist. The team participated in on-farm workouts throughout Illinois and Wisconsin the two days leading up to the official contest.

 Programs offered by Missouri 4-H would not be possible without support from our partners. Major support for Missouri 4-H Agriculture programs was provided by the Missouri 4-H Foundation in partnership with Eunice J. Campbell, FCS Financial, Mervyn Jenkins Foundation, MFA Foundation, Missouri Association of Meat Processors, Missouri Holstein Association, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, and the Hertzog Family Animal Science Fund. For more information about the Missouri 4-H dairy judging team, contact Karla Deaver at 417-466-3102.

Photo

Missouri 4-H Dairy Judging Team, from left: Karla Deaver (coach), Carissa Simagna, Jesse Davis, Colton Kleiboeker, Lexi Angelo and Ted Probert (coach).

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.