More than 30 4-H teams from across the nation had the opportunity to compete for top honors in the 85th National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, Oct. 2, 2006. The contest is held every year in conjunction with World Dairy Expo, an international trade and dairy cattle show, in Madison, Wisconsin. A total of 118 individuals competed in the 4-H contest.

Representing Colorado at the contest were Chisum and Meghann Docheff, Longmont; Zachary Maxey, Greeley; and Stratton Kraft, Fort Morgan. The team was coached by Keith Maxey, Weld County Extension Agent.

The contest requires participants to place ten classes from five different dairy cattle breeds, and present five sets of oral reasons. Each placing class, and each set of reasons is worth up to 50 points. The Colorado team finished 12th overall and placed 9th in oral reasons. Additionally, the team placed 7th in Ayrshire, 8th in Jersey, and 10th in Brown Swiss. Individually, Meghann and Chisum Docheff received All American honors for their 4th and 19th Overall High Individual placings. Meghann also was 4th high individual in Jersey, 7th in Brown Swiss, and 12th high individual in Ayrshire. Chisum was 25th high individual in Brown Swiss.

Prior to the National Contest, the team traveled to Memphis, Tenn., to compete in the Mid-South 4-H/FFA Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, on September 30. Marci Hardesty, was part of the Colorado team at this contest along with Meghann & Chisum Docheff and Zachary Maxey. Stratton Kraft judged as an individual at this event.

The Colorado team won the Mid-South Contest. Additionally, they won the Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, and Holstein divisions, and placed 2nd in oral reasons.

Individually, Meghann was the high individual in oral reasons, 3rd high individual overall, 2nd in Ayrshire, 4th in Brown Swiss, 7th in Jersey, and 9th in Holstein. Marci was 4th high individual overall, 4th in oral reasons, 2nd in Brown Swiss, 5th in Holstein, and 10th in Milking Shorthorns. Chisum was 6th high individual overall, 6th in Ayrshire, 9th in Brown Swiss, and 11th in Jersey. Zachary finished as the 11th high individual in oral reasons and was 13th in Jersey. Stratton finished as the 14th high individual in oral reasons and 14th in Ayrshire.

For information about the Colorado 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Program, contact Keith Maxey at the Weld County Extension Office, (970) 304-6535, ext. 2075.