NH 4-H Dairy Judging Kick Off

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.

For 2026, youth are invited to the kick-off event on February 14^th to learn the basics of a dairy judging contest and do practice classes from Hoard’s Dairyman. The practice schedule and state team qualification criteria will be discussed at the kickoff. Parents are welcome and encouraged to stay for this event and learn about the dairy judging team. 4-H members ages 8-18 years old are invited to participate in this event.

After the kickoff, youth will have a variety of practice opportunities, and the coaches will name the NH 4-H Dairy Judging Teams to represent the state at The Big E at the 2026 NH 4-H Livestock Field Day (June 20-21). 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 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.

Practice dates coming soon!

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).