ROCHESTER – The 2025 State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest provided an opportunity for 4-H dairy members to demonstrate their ability to evaluate and rank dairy cattle based on breed standards.
Local placements included 14- to 18-year-olds, Morgan Michaud, East Hardwick (first); Dawson Michaud, East Hardwick (third); Talon Michaud, Greensboro (fourth); and Steven Werner, Stannard (fifth).
Other local places included 11- and 12-year-olds, Hadley Michaud, Hardwick (first).
photo by Dawn Livingston
Forty-four 4-Hers participated in this year’s competition, which was held June 14 at Liberty Hill Farm and Inn in Rochester. The Kennett family, Bob and Beth and their son David and his wife Asia, hosted the competition, providing the venue as well as freshly made donuts, water, snacks and Monument Farms chocolate milk for the participants.
The 4-Hers judged five classes of Holsteins: spring calves, winter calves, two-year-olds, four-year-olds and aged cows. The seniors (aged 14 to 18) also were required to provide oral reasons for their placements.
Scores for each class were combined to determine each individual’s overall score and ranking. Up to 10 rosette ribbons were awarded in each age group.
The event was sponsored by University of Vermont (UVM) Extension 4-H and organized by Extension 4-H Livestock Educator Wendy Sorrell. Adult volunteers were Dawn Livingston, New Haven; UVM 4-H Educator Molly McFaun; Amber Perry, East Montpelier; Marissa Simoneau, Newport; and Jen Thygesen, Tunbridge.
Brailey Livingston, New Haven, assisted show official Joanna Lidback of Barton, the state 4-H dairy judging team coach, by leading and handling animals for judging. She is a 4-H dairy member and on the 2025 Vermont 4-H Dairy Judging Team A.
