LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Young evaluators put their skills to the test during the livestock judging  and oral reasons contests at the VitaFerm^® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE), “Live from Louisville,” held July 14 in Louisville, Ky. With judging cards in hand, participants showcased their knowledge of animal evaluation and decision making in one of the JNHE’s most competitive events. 

The National Junior Hereford Association board, along with the American Hereford Association (AHA) field staff, helped facilitate the livestock judging contest, sponsored by Central Life Sciences. More than 330 young people gathered in Broadbent Arena to showcase their skills. Contestants judged classes of cattle and answered questions, putting their knowledge and decision-making to the test in a competitive yet educational environment. The event promoted critical thinking and emphasized the importance of sound livestock selection practices in the beef industry.

Additionally, the oral reasons contest was added to the competition this year.  Senior participants could hone their public speaking skills by offering reasons on their class placings. Following the members’ time on the mic, the top-three placings were announced. Taking first place was Alisha Klemme, Plymouth, Wis.; second place, Jalyn Davis, Maple Hill, Kan.; and third, Fallon Gohr, Madras, Ore. 

The following are the 2025 livestock judging and oral reasons contests’ winners.

Livestock Judging Contest Results

Peewee Division

Individual: 

1.  Caroline Studer, Frankfort, Kan.

2. Laynee Greenwood, Hamilton, Kan.

3. Easton Harfst, Battle Creek, Mich.

Teams: 

1. Kansas: Laynee Greenwood, Hamilton; Ryne Sandberg, Agenda; Roland Sandberg, Agenda; and Caroline Studer, Frankfort.
2. Kentucky: Ada Meredith, Hodgenville; Abram Meredith, Hodgenville; Levi Mobley, Campbellsburg; and Lucy Kate Sexton, Nicholasville.

Junior Division

Individual: 

1. Mason Mullinix, Manhattan, Kan.

2. Blayklee Stelzer, Oologah, Okla. 

3. Hayden Helms, Holbrook, Neb.

Teams: 

1. Kansas: Kinzley Evans, Fredonia; Bradyn Greenwood, Hamilton; Brody Greenwood, Hamilton; and Mason Mullinix, Manhattan
2. Oklahoma: Claire Collins, Frederick; Quaid McIntyre, Leedy; Blayklee Stelzer, Oologah; and Ella Weldon, Piedmont. 
3. Nebraska: Hayden Helms, Holbrook; Kylan Helms, Holbrook; Kennedy Hoffman, Thedford; and Khloe Toelle, Burwell.

Intermediate Division 

Individuals: 

1.  Olivia McArthur, Pittsford, Mich.
2.  Keeley Warnken, Schulenburg, Texas
3. Martina Alley, Danielsville, Ga. 

Teams:

1. Illinois: Ryne Allen, Quincy; Ella Bane, Towanda; Ella Crane, LaSalle; and Reagan Kasper, Poplar Grove.
2. Texas: Keeley Warnken, Schulenburg; Paisley Miller, Bellville; Gabriel Swallow, Garland; and Jarrett Worrell, Mason.
3. Indiana: Maddox Gunn, Greenfield; Bryce Gilbert, Markle; Collin Deatsman, Leesburg; and Catie Musser, Otterbein. 

Senior Division

Individual: 

1.  Cady Pieper, Zurich, Kan.
2.  Shawn Crutcher, Montrose, Ill. 
3. Delaney Figge, Onaga, Kan.

Teams:

1. Kansas: Cady Pieper, Zurich; Delaney Figge, Onaga; Dagan Murray, Auburn; and Cally Miller, El Dorado.
2.  Illinois: Shawn Crutcher, Montrose; Rhett Lehman, Sullivan; Kade Boatman, Rockford; and Simon Shepard, Altamont.
3. Maryland: Sheridan Chaney, Keymar; Payton Zepp, Westminster; Rianna Chaney, Keymar; and Izzy Bohrer, Damascus.

Oral Reasons Contest:

Senior Individual: 

1.  Alisha Klemme, Plymouth, Wis.
2. Jalyn Davis, Maple Hill, Kan.
3. Fallon Gohr, Madras, Ore.

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The 2025 VitaFerm^®Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE), “Live from Louisville,” was sponsored in part by BioZyme^® Inc., St. Joseph, Mo., and their brands VitaFerm^® and Sure Champ^®. The VitaFerm® JNHE provides educational and leadership opportunities for junior members and their cattle projects, along with plenty of events for the entire family. The National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) is one of the most active junior programs in the country with more than 4,200 members. For more information about the JNHE, visit Hereford.org/youth.

Find the press release and photos here.