Missouri 4-H Dairy Judging team competes at All-American Dairy Cattle Judging Contest

Missouri 4-H had a successful outing at the 2026 All American Invitational Youth Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, held Sept. 13 in Harrisburg, Pa., according to Karla Deaver, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in 4-H youth development. The team finished fourth overall in the 13-team field.

The team of Lexi Angelo, Jesse Davis, Colton Kleiboeker and Carissa Simagna finished second overall in Holsteins and fifth in Jerseys. “The team tied for third with Ohio, losing out on a tiebreaker,” said Deaver, co-coach of the team. “This contest provides a great opportunity to continue our preparation as a team. They are motivated and working hard. We had some good results, and know what we need to focus on as we move toward the national contest later in September.”

Leading the way for the Missouri team was Lexi Angelo. Angelo, daughter of Mary Thomson and Ryan Angelo of Fair Grove, had a quality outing, finishing as the second high individual overall, a mere 2 points behind the top judge. Angelo was high individual in Brown Swiss and Guernseys. Colton Kleiboeker, son of Jared and Shannon Kleiboeker of Wentworth, was 19th high individual in the contest. Carissa Simagna, daughter of Scott and Cherilyn Lang of Marionville, was 30th high individual and Jesse Davis, son of Mark and Marla Davis of Neosho, was 36th in the contest.

Contestants placed 10 classes and gave four sets of reasons. The team is coached by Karla Deaver and Ted Probert, retired MU Extension dairy specialist.

For more information about the Missouri 4-H dairy judging team, contact Deaver 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 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.

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.

Photo

Pictured, from left, Colton Kleiboeker, Lexi Angelo, Carissa Simagna, Jesse Davis.