By Blake Jackson
Missouri 4-H members made a strong showing at the 2025 American Royal 4-H Livestock Judging Contest held on October 19. The Clinton County team Shanna Aughdinbaugh, Cass Kleeman, Reagan Rodgers, and Dylan Swindler represented the state and earned seventh place overall among competitors from 19 states. The group was coached by Cody Sloan and Shane Bedwell.
The evening brought additional excitement when team members Cass Kleeman and Reagan Rodgers were announced as the High Individual Overall and Reserve High Individual Overall. “The awards were a cherry on top for the hard work and determination put in through the summer and fall,” said Kelsey Fuller, University of Missouri Extension state 4-H agriculture educator.
This group qualified for the national competition after placing second at the Missouri State Livestock Judging Contest in June 2025. They also participated in the Aksarben Livestock Judging Contest in September, where the team joined by Mackenzie Hill earned second place. The American Royal Contest featured a total of ten animal evaluation classes, including cattle, goats, swine, and sheep, along with six sets of oral reasons.
“This team certainly has put in the time and effort to deserve awards such as these and more,” Fuller added. “We look forward to watching these four youth continue to grow and develop their skills in the years to come.”
Additionally, former Missouri 4-H members Ben Brubaker, Braydon Cull, Beau Graves, and Carman Woodworth placed well while competing on behalf of Missouri FFA.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-stockseller_ukr
Categories: Missouri, Livestock