Iowa 4-H Dairy Judging Contest Winners Announced at 2025 Iowa State Fair

By Sydney Peterson and Celine Beggs-Shoemaker

Youth from across Iowa gathered at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on Wednesday, Aug. 6, to showcase their skills in the annual Iowa 4-H Dairy Judging Contest. Participants evaluated eight dairy cattle classes, defended their placings through oral reasons, and applied critical thinking skills while demonstrating knowledge of the dairy industry.

“Dairy judging helps youth build confidence, sharpen communication and deepen their understanding of dairy cattle selection and management,” said Celine Beggs-Shoemaker, 4-H animal science education specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “We are proud of how these young people represented their counties and the future of Iowa agriculture.”

Senior division results

The Delaware County Senior Team 1 claimed the overall senior team championship with team members Ford Domeyer, Caden Kremer, Aiden Kruse and Tyler Hoeger. Winneshiek County finished second and Allamakee County was third.

On the individual level, Ford Domeyer of Delaware County earned first place overall in the senior contest, followed by Caden Kremer of Delaware County in second and Bianka Ronnebaum of Delaware County in third.

Additional awards were:

• High individual in reasons, Bianka Ronnebaum, Delaware County
• High team in reasons, Delaware Senior 1 – Ford Domeyer, Aiden Kruse, Caden Kremer, Tyler Hoeger
• High individual in judging Ayrshire, Landon Guese, Allamakee County
• High team in judging Ayrshire, Winneshiek County – Kelsey Timp, Bianka Ronnebaum, Kennedi Vagts, Hanna Vagts
• High individual in judging Brown Swiss, Caden Kremer, Delaware County
• High team in judging Brown Swiss, Delaware Senior 1 – Ford Domeyer, Aiden Kruse, Caden Kremer, Tyler Hoeger
• High individual in judging Guernsey, Tyler Hoeger, Delaware County
• High team in judging Guernsey, Delaware Senior 1 – Ford Domeyer, Aiden Kruse, Caden Kremer, Tyler Hoeger
• High individual in judging Holstein, Caden Kremer, Delaware County
• High team in judging Holstein, Delaware Senior 1 – Ford Domeyer, Aiden Kruse, Caden Kremer, Tyler Hoeger
• High individual in judging Jersey, Ethan Palmer, Allamakee County
• High team in judging Jersey, Delaware Senior 1 – Ford Domeyer, Aiden Kruse, Caden Kremer, Tyler Hoeger
• High individual in judging Milking Shorthorn, Kelsey Timp – Winneshiek County
• High team in judging Milking Shorthorn, Winneshiek County – Kelsey Timp, Bianka Ronnebaum, Kennedi Vagts, Hanna Vagts