It may be a contest, but the true benefit of the Illinois 4-H State Dairy Judging Contest is that it teaches youth what it takes to raise profitable dairy production herds.

“It is important for young dairy breeders to understand the functional traits associated with high milk production over a long, trouble-free productive life of a cow,” said Dave Fischer, University of Illinois Extension 4-H dairy coordinator. “The knowledge gained translates into potential profit in an Illinois dairy herd.”

Forty 4-H members from 16 counties participated in the Aug. 17 contest at the state fairgrounds in Springfield. Carroll-Lee-Whiteside Extension had Delana Erbsen, Carroll County place third.

Top youth will represent Illinois in the National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest to be held October in Madison, Wis. The team is supported in its efforts at the national competition by the Illinois 4-H Foundation.