Youths from Pettis, Barton and Jasper counties competed in Denver.
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Missouri 4-H livestock judging team. From left, Rayleigh Birdwell, Maggie Reed, Elyse Cooley and Elliott Cooley.
DENVER, Colo. – Six Missouri 4-H youths recently competed against top teams and individuals from across the country at the Western National 4-H Roundup. The 4-H’ers traveled west to Denver, Colo., to represent Missouri 4-H in both livestock judging and public speaking events.
Four members from Pettis County competed in the Livestock Judging Contest. Elliott Cooley, Elyse Cooley, Maggie Reed and Rayleigh Birdwell earned the opportunity to compete at the national level after placing third at the state contest in June 2025.
The Western National Livestock Judging Contest consisted of five cattle classes, two sheep classes, three swine classes and two goat classes for live evaluation, along with six sets of oral reasons. The Pettis County team earned a sixth place finish in the sheep division and a 12th place overall team award.
“We had a great trip,” said team coach Laura Cooley. “Judging 12 classes and giving six sets of reasons was intense, yet a great learning experience.”
Two individuals also represented Missouri 4-H in the Public Speaking Events. Kileigh Ball of Barton County competed in the Impromptu Speaking division, while Faith Calvin of Jasper County competed in the Prepared Speaking division.
“We are extremely grateful for the coaches and volunteers who take the time to make such a meaningful impact on youth across our state,” said Kelsey Fuller, state agriculture educator. “Our teams’ recent success would not be possible without their dedication and support.”
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.
Major support for Missouri 4-H Leadership programs was provided by the Missouri 4-H Foundation in partnership with the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Invenergy, the Miller Family Foundation, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, Missouri Pork Association, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, the Hertzog Family, the Martz Family, Dr. Marla J. Tobin, and the Turner Family.
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Missouri 4-H livestock judging team. From left, Rayleigh Birdwell, Maggie Reed, Elyse Cooley and Elliott Cooley.
