Missouri 4-H youths compete at international livestock expo

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Four Missouri 4-H members tested their skills amongst some of the best livestock judges across the nation at the 2026 Keystone International Livestock Exposition, Sept 25-Oct. 4 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

The four members represented their state, regions and counties at the national level following their individual placings at the state contest in June, said Kelsey Fuller, state 4-H agriculture educator for University of Missouri Extension.

Josie Baker, Nodaway County; Charles Goodnight, Greene County; Burton Hulse, Marion County; and Tyler Meier, Cape Girardeau County, comprised Missouri’s All-Star Team at the livestock judging contest.

The Keystone International Livestock Judging Contest consisted of five cattle classes, three sheep classes, three swine classes and one goat class, along with four sets of oral reasons and two sets of questions, Fuller said.

The All-Star Team earned a sixth-place finish in the beef division and finished as the ninth high team overall. Burton Hulse also brought home a 10th-place award in the small ruminant division.

“The kids represented the state of Missouri very well,” said team coach Jeff Goodnight. “We should be proud of the four great kids representing our state.”

Thank you to the coaches and parents for helping to make this contest possible. 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.

Photo

Missouri 4-H’ers at Keystone International Livestock Exposition. From left, Josie Baker, Charles Goodnight, Tyler Meier and Burton Hulse.

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.