Dairy Judging is a competition where youth evaluate classes of dairy cattle based on their functional type. Participating in 4-H judging teams offers many benefits. Competitors learn teamwork, self-confidence, effective communication skills and decision making.
The Georgia 4-H State Dairy Judging Contest will be April 17, 2026.
Eligibility
- Cloverleaf/Juniors: 4th – 8th grade.
- Seniors: 9th – 12th grade.
- Counties cannot mix grade divisions to comprise a team. All members on the Junior team must meet the Junior grade requirements, and all members on the Senior team must meet the Senior grade requirements.
- Counties may bring up to 20 senior team members and 20 non-senior members (Cloverleaf’s and Junior’s). A team must consist of a minimum of three (3) or four (4) participants. Individuals may also participate. A county’s team score will be the sum of the top three scores from that county.
- Eligibility is determined by the grade level during the current school year.
Competition Guidelines
- Study and learn to judge dairy cattle.
- There will be one statewide contest. In State competition, 4-H members will be required to:
- The State Dairy Judging Competition will be comprised of five (5) placing classes (Cows and Heifers of Dairy Breeds) for both Junior and Senior participants.
- Junior contestants will give one set of oral reasons and Senior contestants will give three sets of oral reasons.
Awards
- Each participant will receive a judging pin.
- Medals will be given to the top three winning Senior and Junior teams and Senior and junior Overall High Individuals at the state contest.
- The first place senior team will represent Georgia at the National 4-H Dairy Judging Contest in Madison, WI.
- Members of the State Winning (First Place) Senior Team are ineligible to compete as team members in future years. This applies whether or not they compete in the National Dairy Judging Contest.
- Team members may compete as individuals in State 4-H Dairy Judging Contests and may be recognized as State Winners as High Individuals.
- State Winning High Individuals who are not members of the State Winning (First Place) Team are permitted to compete in future years as either individuals or as team members.
If interested in Dairy Judging, contact your local Extension office.
Contest Coordinators:
Carole Knight, Georgia 4-H Extension Specialist – Animal Science Programs clh@uga.edu
Dr. Jillian Bohlen, UGA Dairy Extension Specialist jfain@uga.edu
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (working cooperatively with Fort Valley State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the counties of Georgia) offers its educational programs, assistance, and materials to all people without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status, and is an Equal Opportunity Institution.