Locations Vary
--, NH 00000
United States
4-H dairy judging contests are a way for youth to learn to evaluate cattle against industry standards and explain their choices in a competitive atmosphere. Youth compete individually and as part of a team, and learn how to compare traits of dairy cattle, and use decision-making skills and prioritization to discern placings and give oral reasons.
4-H members ages 8-18 years old (divisions for Juniors (8-10 years old), Intermediates (11-13 years old), and seniors (14 years old and over)) are invited to participate in this event.
Hannah Majewski
4-H Animal Science Field Specialist
Hannah.majewski@unh.edu
Practice Dates and Locations
(*All youth need to register for the series in ZSuite to participate):
Saturday, April 25 at 10:00am: Echo Farm, Hinsdale NH
May: Location and date, TBD
June 21-22: 4-Hers are encouraged to attend the 4-H Livestock Field Day! The state teams for The Big E will be announced at this event.
Saturday, July 18 at 10:00am: Oral Reasons practice at the Cheshire County Office, 12 Court Street, Keene
Friday, August 21 at 10:00am: Cornish Fair
September 4 at 10:00am: Hopkinton Fair
All youth are invited to participate in the practices, but youth looking to compete at the Big E must be 12 and older as of January 1, 2026. To be eligible for the State Dairy Judging Team, youth must attend two practices before the Livestock Field Day (the kick-off event in February counts towards one of these practices), attend the Field Day, and attend at least two of the practices after the field day. Up to two teams of four youth, with two alternates, will be able to compete in the regional 4-H Dairy Judging Contest at The Big E.
In addition, a team may travel to Madison, WI for the National 4-H Dairy Judging Contest if there are at least four Senior 4-H members (14 and older) who are committed to practicing and attending other judging events, or competing in a regional 4-H dairy judging contest (this means placing 1st or 2nd at ESE or coach's discretion to travel to further competition).
If you need an accommodation to participate in our programming, please contact Hannah Majewski prior to the event. Given ample time, we will make any reasonable effort to meet your needs, including language access services if requested, which will be provided free of charge.
