Missouri 4-H dairy judging team finishes 4th in Louisville

Missouri 4-H had an outstanding outing with a fourth place overall team finish at the Dr. George Heersche Jr. NAILE Invitational Dairy Judging Contest in Louisville, Ken., Nov. 8, 2025, according to Karla Deaver, teach coach and University of Missouri Extension 4-H youth development specialist. Twenty youth teams competed.

The team of Lexi Angelo, Colton Kleiboeker and Carissa Simagna competed for the first time as a team at the event and finished in a tie for third with Wisconsin, losing out on a tiebreaker. They were second high team in Jerseys, third in Brown Swiss, and fifth in Holsteins and oral reasons. “We now know the areas we need to work on to improve our position overall. We will focus on being more consistent across all breeds in our placings, which should enable us to move up the ranks,” Deaver said.

Missouri had two team members who placed in the top 10 individuals overall. Lexi Angelo, daughter of Mary Thomson and Ryan Angelo of Springfield, was fourth high individual overall. Lexi was sixth in Ayrsires and ninth in oral reasons. Colton Kleiboeker, son of Jared and Shannon Kleiboeker of Wentworth, was seventh high individual overall and finished eighth in Brown Swiss and tenth in Holsteins. Carissa Simagna, daughter of Scott and Cherilyn Lang of Aurora, was fifth in Jerseys. They will be joined by teammate Jesse Davis of Neosho in competitions in 2026.

“This team will continue to work throughout the next 11 months in preparation for the major fall contests in Harrisburg and Madison next fall,” said Deaver. “We know what we need to work on, and what we want to accomplish. Our practices and contests will all help us focus on our overall team goals.”

Contestants placed 10 classes and gave four sets of reasons. The team is coached by Deaver and Ted Probert, retired 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 FCS Financial, MFA Foundation, Midwest Dairy Association, Missouri Association of Meat Processors, Missouri Farm Bureau Federation, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, the Oertle Family Foundation, Eunice Campbell and the Hertzog Family.

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.

Photos

Dairy Judging Team 1. From left, Missouri 4-H Dairy Judging Team coach Karla Deaver and team members Colton Kleiboeker, Lexi Angelo and Carissa Simagna.

Dairy Judging Team 2. Lexi Angelo, front row, second from right, was fourth high individual. Colton Kleiboeker, back row, second from left, was seventh high individual.