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Green County dairy, livestock judging teams compete
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Members of the Green County Junior and Senior Livestock Judging Team are, from left, Reece Rufer, Hiawatha; Tristin Flanagan, Washington Center; Breanna Brooks, Stateline; Katie Brooks, Washington Center; and Jackie Nusbaum, Next Generation. (Photo supplied)
MONROE - On June 23, youth from Green County participated in the Southwest District 4-H Dairy Judging Contest at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam. The event was a culmination of more than three months of weekly practices held at different farms throughout Green County.

Youth learned how to evaluate dairy cows and heifers using the Purebred Dairy Cattle Association Dairy Cow Unified Scorecard and place classes using the methodology to rank animals in the four major categories: frame, dairy strength, udder and rear feet and legs.

In addition, juniors, youth under 14 years of age, learned how to answer Type Analysis Questions on each class. Seniors , youth 14 years and over, learned how to give oral reasons on how they placed in a particular class.

At the district contest, each individual had eight classes to judge. Each class consisted of four animals to place. Juniors also had to answer 10 questions for two of the classes and write reasons as a team for one class. Seniors had to present oral reasons individually on three of the classes.

The junior team placed third overall and will be heading to the state contest in Black River Falls. Marissa Vosberg, Young Americans, placed first in the overall junior competition. Other team members were: Emma Hendrickson, Dayton Dairylanders; Alyssa Holcomb, Washington Center; Alex Roe, Washington Center; Deven Gilson, York; and Nick Roe, Washington Center.

The senior team placed ninth overall. The senior team consisted of: Cole Mahlkuch, Juda Jolly Juniors; Clayton Mahlkuch, Juda Jolly Juniors; Brian McCullough, Juda Jolly Juniors; Brie Graber, Washington Center; Natalie Roe, Washington Center; and Averey Marean, Juda Jolly Juniors.

In addition, Emily Makos, Spring Grove Honest Workers, competed in the showmanship competition.

Coaching this year for the junior team was Brooks Hendrickson and Chris Voegeli. Senior team coaches were Kelsi Mayer and Mike Marean.

The Green County Junior Livestock Judging Team competed at the Dodge County Area Animal Science Days as well. The team members consisted of Tristin Flanagan, Washington Center; Katie Brooks, Stateline; Breanna Brooks, Stateline; and Jackie Nusbaum, Next Generation. Reece Rufer, Hiawatha, competed in the senior division.

The team was coached by Deven Klopfenstein, for the swine and sheep unit, and Eric Katzenberger, for the beef unit.

For more information about the dairy and livestock judging teams, contact Ellen Andrews, 4-H Youth Development educator, at 608-328-9440.