At Carpsdale Farm in Enosburg Falls on Saturday, June 13, a total of 39 youth participated in the 2026 State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest.

Dairy judging is a competitive evaluation where participants rank a group of four dairy animals (usually cows or heifers) from first to fourth, based on how closely they conform to an "ideal" breed standard. The core philosophy is that "form follows function"— cows with superior physical traits are more likely to be high-producing, healthy, and long-lasting in a herd.

The 4-H'ers placed two classes of dairy cows — Holstein and Ayrshire. Senior participants (ages 14-18) also gave oral reasons to the contest official for how they chose which cows placed at the top, middle and bottom. 

Cole Goodhue provided a class of Ayrshire cattle for the contest. Dairy Farmers of America Region Manager brought milk, and pizza was donated by Champlain Dairy Service and transported by helpers Mandy and Andrew. 

Additional helpers included Emily Michaud and Joanna Lidback from Orleans, Cassandra Wilber from New York, Shelby Biasini from Lamoille and Cassie Westcom from Franklin. Abigail Wratten from New York acted as the official for the contest.

Results: 

8 & 9

  1. Bryce Audet, Addison County
  2. Graham Wilber, Addison County
  3. Emberly McAllister, Lamoille County
  4. Lanie Howrigan, Franklin County
  5. Austen Audet, Addison County
  6. Sophia Purchase, Orleans County
  7. Scarlett Perry, Washington County
  8. Chase Seiple, Addison County
  9. Carson Ayer, Washington County
Three kids stand in a row and hold up their ribbons while standing on a dirt driveway with a farm field and sunny blue sky in the background.
The 10 & 11 age group of 4-H'ers, from left to right: Elise Aydinyan, Clara Benoit and Piper Simoneau. Photo by Shelby Biasini.

10 & 11

  1. Clara Benoit, Franklin County
  2. Piper Simoneau, Orleans County
  3. Elise Aydinyan, Grand Isle County

12 & 13

  1. Eli Lidback, Orleans County
  2. Boston Wilbur, Addison County
  3. Katelyn Sibley, Orleans County
  4. Liam Quesnel, Addison County
  5. Ella Purchase, Orleans County
  6. Melody Niesiobedzki, Addison County
  7. Paige Chamberlin, Addison County
  8. Thomas Allen, Addison County
  9. Rowdy Pope, Addison County
  10. Natalie Choiniere, Franklin County
  11. Harlow Converse, Orleans County
  12. Jiliana Jimenez, Addison County

Senior (14-18)

  1. Maeve Leslie-Gawalt, Windsor County
  2. Talon Michaud, Orleans County
  3. Caroline Allen, Addison County
  4. Hailey Chase, Addison County
  5. Ashton Perkins, Windsor County
  6. Payton Lucas, Addison County
  7. Ava Wood, Addison County
  8. Carys Wood, Washington County
  9. Emmeline Paquet, Washington County
  10. John Belter, Chittenden County
  11. Noa Sauve, Addison County
  12. Isabella Sears Lewis, Addison County
  13. Tenley Chittenden, Addison County
  14. Madalyn Perry, Washington County
  15. John Jimenez, Addison County

To learn more about the 4-H livestock programs, email Wendy Sorrell at wendy.sorrell@uvm.edu or contact your local county educator.