Burlington—Four Vermont teens have earned a spot on the 2023 State 4-H Dairy Judging Team for their high overall placements at this year’s State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest, held June 30 at Blue Spruce Farm in Bridport.

They are Erica Goodhue, Fairfield; Natalie Michaud, Greensboro Bend; Gabriel Michaud, East Hardwick; and Samuel Luis, Whiting, who placed first through fourth, respectively, in the senior division (ages 14-18). They will compete this fall at Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts, and in national competition in either Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, or Madison, Wisconsin.

Seniors capturing the next four places will comprise the B Team, which will compete at Eastern States Expo this year. They are Morgan Michaud, East Hardwick (fifth); Sadie Ellner, Morristown (sixth); Emma Edenfield, Colchester (seventh); and Emma Deering, Middlebury (eighth).

Other seniors who competed for the chance to represent Vermont in regional and national competitions were Morgan White, Whiting (ninth); Maddie Perry, East Montpelier (tenth); Holden Marcelino, Johnson (eleventh); Chyanna Stone, Brandon (twelfth); Max Demaine, West Glover (thirteenth); and Gabby Ellis, Shoreham (fourteenth).

The state contest was open to 4-H dairy members, ages 8-18, who were split into groups, according to age. All participants judged five classes of cattle: Ayrshire winter calves, Ayrshire fall calves, Ayrshire two-year-olds, Holstein two-year-olds and Holstein four-year-olds, providing rankings for each class. The seniors also were required to provide oral reasons.

Placements for the Juniors (ages 8-13) were as follows: 

  • Juniors (12-13): Emmeline Paquet, East Montpelier (first); Emma Pothier, Newport Center (second); Nora Demaine, West Glover (third); Collin Chamberlin, Addison (fourth); Alexa Graham, Richford (fifth); Reegan Kelley (sixth) and Eva Bury (seventh), both from Derby; Talon Michaud, Hardwick (eighth); Cameron Rhodes, St. Albans (ninth)
  • Juniors (10-11): Howie Demaine, West Glover (first); Harper Cole, St. Albans (second); Molly Palmer, Fairfax (third)
  • Juniors (8-9): Rowdy Pope, Bridport (first); Ella Pope, Shoreham (second); Paige Chamberlin, Addison (third); Emily Palmer, Fairfax (fourth); Patrick Paquet, East Montpelier (fifth); Cora Edenfield, Colchester (sixth); Peyton Anderson, Whiting (seventh)

Marcy Guillette, Newport, was the official judge for the event, which was organized by Wendy Sorrell, University of Vermont Extension 4-H livestock educator. To learn more about the 4-H dairy program, contact her at (802) 656-7641.