Missouri 4-H'ers take top awards at American Royal Livestock Contest

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Missouri 4-H was well-represented at the 2025 American Royal 4-H Livestock Judging Contest on Oct. 19. The team from Clinton County included Shanna Aughdinbaugh, Cass Kleeman, Reagan Rodgers and Dylan Swindler and was coached by Cody Sloan and Shane Bedwell. The team of four competed against individuals from 19 states, placing seventh during the awards ceremony that evening.

The highlight of the evening came when Cass Kleeman and Reagan Rodgers were named High and Reserve High Individuals Overall, respectively, said Kelsey Fuller, University of Missouri Extension state 4-H agriculture educator.

The awards were a cherry on top for the hard work and determination put in through the summer and fall, she said.

The team from Clinton County placed second at the State Livestock Judging Contest in June 2025, which qualified them to compete on the national level. This team also competed at the Aksarben Livestock Judging Contest in September, with the addition of Mackenzie Hill, placing second as a team. The American Royal Contest comprised four cattle classes, two goat classes, two swine classes and two sheep classes for live evaluation, alongside six sets of reasons.

“This team certainly has put in the time and effort to deserve awards such as these and more,” Fuller said. “We look forward to watching these four youth continue to grow and develop their skills in the years to come.”

Also taking top spots at the American Royal Livestock Judging Contest were past Missouri 4-H members Ben Brubaker, Braydon Cull, Beau Graves and Carman Woodworth. The team represented Missouri FFA in the 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 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

Kleeman-Rodgers. From left, Cass Kleeman and Reagan Rodgers.

4-H livestock judging team from Clinton County. From left, Mackenzie Hall, Beau Graves, Shanna Aughinbaugh, Dylan Swindler and Cass Kleeman.