World Dairy Expo Youth Programs
Last reviewed: December 2025
Complete guide to World Dairy Expo youth programs including 4-H and FFA judging contests, showmanship, and fitting competitions. Learn how to participate in...
Quick Snapshot
World Dairy Expo Youth Programs offer the premier competitive stage for dairy youth, featuring national 4-H and FFA judging contests, showmanship competitions, and fitting contests that attract over 1,500 young people annually.
Overview
World Dairy Expo, held annually in late September/early October in Madison, Wisconsin, is the world's largest dairy cattle show and premier dairy trade event. The expo's youth programs attract the top 4-H, FFA, and college dairy judging teams from across North America.
Youth contests at World Dairy Expo include the National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, National Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, Central FFA Dairy Judging Contests, Youth Showmanship Contest (with 450+ competitors), and Youth Fitting Contest. Winners receive significant cash prizes, custom awards, and industry recognition.
Beyond competition, World Dairy Expo offers career exposure through the trade show, networking with global dairy industry leaders, and educational seminars. Many dairy industry professionals trace their career beginnings to competing at or attending World Dairy Expo as youth.
Ideal Users
Age Range: Youth 8-21 (varies by contest)
Audience: 4-H members, FFA members, college dairy judging team members, dairy youth exhibitors
Key Roles: Youth competitors, coaches, parents, agricultural educators
Geographic Focus: United States and Canada (with international participation)
Key Features
National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest
Sunday competition for top state 4-H dairy judging teams; placement classes with oral reasons
National Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest
Two-day competition for college teams including practical contest, linear evaluations, and traditional judging
Youth Showmanship Contest
Open to all youth (don't need to own/exhibit cattle); Junior, Intermediate, and Senior divisions with Supreme Showman honors
Youth Fitting Contest
Test of cattle preparation skills; Junior, Intermediate, and Senior divisions with $1,000 champion prize
Central FFA Dairy Judging Contests
Tuesday competition for FFA chapters with team and individual awards
Advanced Capabilities
Post-Secondary Judging Contest
Separate division for technical college and community college teams
Supreme Showman Competition
Champions from each breed compete for overall youth showmanship title
Career Networking
Access to hundreds of dairy industry exhibitors and employers during expo week
Educational Seminars
Youth-focused sessions on dairy careers, genetics, and industry trends
Contest Schedule (2025)
| Day | Contest | Details |
|-----|---------|---------|
| Saturday, Sept 27 | Intercollegiate Practical Contest | Two-year and four-year divisions |
| Saturday, Sept 28 | Youth Showmanship Contest | 450+ competitors, all divisions |
| Sunday, Sept 28 | National 4-H Dairy Judging | State teams compete |
| Sunday, Sept 28 | Intercollegiate Judging Finals | Championship rounds |
| Sunday | Youth Fitting Contest | All divisions |
| Tuesday, Sept 30 | Central FFA Dairy Judging | FFA chapter teams |
Contest Divisions
Youth Showmanship
| Division | Age Range | Prize |
|----------|-----------|-------|
| Junior | 8-12 | $1,500 cash + jacket |
| Intermediate | 13-16 | $2,000 cash + jacket |
| Senior | 17-21 | $2,500 cash + jacket |
| Supreme | Division winners | $3,500+ cash |
Youth Fitting
| Division | Age Range | Prize |
|----------|-----------|-------|
| Junior | 8-12 | Ribbons + awards |
| Intermediate | 13-16 | Ribbons + awards |
| Senior | 17-21 | Ribbons + awards |
| Overall Champion | All ages | $1,000 cash |
Pricing
Model: Contest Registration Plus Event Attendance
Contest Entry Fees
| Contest | Fee | Notes |
|---------|-----|-------|
| Youth Showmanship | $25-40 | Per exhibitor |
| Youth Fitting | $25-35 | Per participant |
| 4-H Judging | State covers | Through state 4-H |
| FFA Judging | $20-40/team | Chapter registration |
| Intercollegiate | University covers | Through dairy science programs |
Admission
| Category | Daily Rate | Notes |
|----------|------------|-------|
| Adult (12+) | $18 | General admission |
| Youth (6-11) | $15 | Youth pricing |
| Children (under 6) | Free | No charge |
| Week Pass | $60 | All 7 days |
Prizes & Awards
| Award | Value | Notes |
|-------|-------|-------|
| Supreme Showman | $3,500+ | Cash + custom jacket |
| Division Showmanship Winners | $1,500-2,500 | Cash + embroidered jacket |
| Fitting Champion | $1,000 | Overall winner |
| Judging Team Awards | Varies | Trophies + recognition |
Travel Support
Many state 4-H and FFA programs cover travel costs for national team qualifiers. Check with your state organization about available funding.
Contact: info@wdexpo.com | worlddairyexpo.com
Getting Started
Timeline: Contest registration typically opens in early summer; deadlines in early September
Steps to Participate:
Tips for Success:
Training & Support
Training: State practices, regional contests, Livestockjudging.com practice classes
Support Channels: State 4-H/FFA coordinators, WDE staff, university coaches
Community: Alumni networks, breed association youth programs, state dairy princess programs
Evaluation Questions
Recommended Reading
Key Features
- National 4-H Dairy Judging Contest: State champion 4-H teams compete in cattle evaluation and oral reasons. Tests placing accuracy, reasoning skills, and communication. Winners recognized at prestigious awards ceremony.
- Post-Secondary (Collegiate) Dairy Judging Contest: University teams compete for national honors. Major recruitment event for dairy industry employers. Tests advanced evaluation and management knowledge.
- International Youth Showmanship: Youth from multiple countries compete in fitting and presentation. Junior (8-12), Intermediate (13-16), and Senior (17-21) divisions. International exposure and competition.
- Youth Cattle Shows: All 9 dairy breeds represented: Holstein, Jersey, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Ayrshire, Red & White, Milking Shorthorn, Lineback, Dutch Belted. Youth classes within each breed show.
- Career & Education Expo: Over 800 exhibitors including dairy employers, universities, equipment companies, and industry organizations. Direct networking with hiring managers. Resume reviews and career counseling.
- World Dairy Expo Youth Scholarships: Awards program recognizing outstanding dairy youth. Applications due in late summer. Cash awards for education.
Advanced Features
- National Dairy Shrine Awards Banquet: Premier industry recognition event held during WDE week. Scholarship presentations, Hall of Fame inductions, and networking with industry leaders. 500+ attendees.
- National 4-H Dairy Conference: Educational conference running concurrent with WDE. Industry tours, workshops, and career development. Connects 4-H dairy youth nationwide.
- Elite Cattle Sales (Expo Sale & World Classic): Top genetics sold at auction. Youth observe elite dairy cattle marketing. Understanding of genetic value and industry economics.
- Breed Association Youth Programs: Holstein, Jersey, Brown Swiss, and other breed associations host youth events during WDE week. Networking within breed communities.
- Educational Seminars & Workshops: Daily presentations on dairy topics: reproduction, nutrition, herd health, technology, sustainability, career development. Industry experts as speakers.
- International Dairy Pavilion: Global dairy connections. Meet industry professionals from Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South America. International perspective on dairy.
Ideal For
Farm Types: All dairy backgrounds, Competitive youth exhibitors
Competitive Advantages
What sets World Dairy Expo Youth Programs apart from alternatives:
- World's largest dairy show: 65,000+ attendees, 2,500+ cattle entries
- National championship venue for 4-H and collegiate judging
- International participation from multiple countries
- All 9 dairy breeds represented under one roof
- 800+ commercial exhibitors for career networking
- Elite cattle sales showcase top genetics
- Concurrent National Dairy Shrine Awards Banquet
- Direct access to industry leaders and employers
- Educational seminars from leading experts
- One-week immersion in global dairy excellence
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for World Dairy Expo Youth Programs:
Youth can participate through their 4-H/FFA programs, as individual exhibitors, or as visitors. Spectator admission $15/day, youth exhibitor stalling $75-200 per head, judging contest entry through state programs.
Pricing Model: Registration-based with various youth packages
Many 4-H and FFA programs fund travel for qualifying youth. Contact your extension office or ag teacher about available support.
Pros & Considerations
- Premier youth dairy event
- National competition
- Industry networking
- Career development
- Excellence recognition
- October timing and travel
- Qualification requirements
- Costs for participation
- Competitive programs
Implementation & Setup
How to implement World Dairy Expo Youth Programs on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: Contest registration typically opens early summer; deadlines in early September
Training & Support
Training and support options available for World Dairy Expo Youth Programs:
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating World Dairy Expo Youth Programs:
- How do I qualify for national 4-H or FFA judging teams?
- Can I participate in showmanship without owning cattle?
- What is the schedule for contests during expo week?
- How do I find housing and transportation in Madison?
- What other activities should I plan during World Dairy Expo?