The 2024 State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest was held Friday April 26, at the UGA Livestock Instructional Arena in Athens.
Dairy Judging introduces participants to the industry standards for Holstein and Jersey cow breeds. Each student will acquire a better knowledge of dairy cattle and develop skills in identifying types and grades of livestock while learning the basic principles of animal science. In addition to gaining practical understanding of dairy production, 4-H’ers develop leadership abilities, citizenship responsibilities, and attitudes for lifelong success. Local students have been preparing for the State Dairy Judging Contest at weekly practices this spring.
According to Georgia’s Department of Agriculture, animal agriculture is the largest sector of the agriculture industry and contributes over $5.8 billion to the state economy. UGA Faculty and industry experts contribute to the curriculum used to train 4-H dairy judgers and help connect youth with pertinent applications of the skills they learn. Carole Knight, Georgia 4-H Extension Specialist for Animal Science, is excited about the benefits of this program for participating youth. “Dairy judging is engaging for any 4-H’er,” Knight said. “It’s a fun day with dairy cows that encourages critical thinking.”
The first-place junior team from Oglethorpe County included Abby Gabriel, Camden Huff, and Abigail Whitney. Junior teams are made up of youth from 4th grade to 8th grade and senior teams are 9th through 12th grade 4-H’ers. Abby Gabriel from Oglethorpe County was the top scoring junior individual in the state contest. Second high junior individual went to Camden Huff from Oglethorpe County. Gordon County 4-H team won first-place in the senior division and will represent Georgia at the National 4-H Dairy Judging Contest in Madison, WI this fall.
Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships and community awareness. As the premier youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches hundreds of thousands of people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities.
For more information about how to get involved with Dairy Judging and Georgia 4-H, contact your local University of Georgia County Extension Office.