Empowering youth leadership: 4-H member brings livestock judging innovation to Houghton County Fair
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EmailLocal 4-H youth develops new livestock judging contest to expand hands-on learning opportunities.
A dedicated member of the Michigan 4-H Youth Development program is making a meaningful impact across the state through their role on the Michigan 4-H State Youth Leadership Council. As a representative of Michigan State University Extension 4-H Youth Development, Aleah Simpson collaborated with peers and adult advisors to strengthen her local 4-H program, elevate youth voice and promote leadership development opportunities for Houghton County young people by creating a new livestock judging contest.
Aleah’s commitment to agriculture, animal science, service, communication and community engagement reflects the core values of 4-H and highlights the powerful role youth play in shaping the future of their communities. Below, Aleah writes about the program she has designed, presented to multiple groups for approval, and will be responsible for implementing in her community this summer.
“My project is enhancing animal science education in my county by proposing a livestock judging contest at my county fair. The goal of the contest is to increase animal science education in a fun, engaging and hands-on manner to help youth learn to see their animals from the judge's perspective. The skills gained will help participants make informed and skilled choices when selecting and/or purchasing their animal projects and will also translate to their showmanship skills by helping them learn how to better present their animals.
Additionally, livestock judging teaches many life skills that include prioritizing, decision-making and effective communication. I started this project by creating a written proposal to the fair board with the help and guidance of my local MSU Extension 4-H program coordinator, Anne Kretschmann, and MSU Extension 4-H Dairy Educator Kendra Van Order, who organized the 2025 U.P. State Fair Livestock Judging Contest. It was my first time creating a proposal, which I then presented to our county fair in person to my local adult livestock fair committee. After doing some problem-solving at the committee meeting, it passed the committee review and later that week, the entire fair board! I am looking forward to helping run, organize and implement the livestock judging contest at the Houghton County Fair this year!
I am very grateful for the skills I have learned through the Michigan 4-H State Youth Leadership Council, MSU Extension’s Michigan 4-H Animal Science Ambassadors program, and all my amazing 4-H mentors who have helped me to make a positive impact in my community.
These leadership teams have provided me with opportunities to build leadership and public speaking skills that prepared me to confidently work towards my goal to the best of my abilities. I am looking forward to helping provide a brand-new educational opportunity for my peers with the livestock judging contest at the Houghton County Fair this year!”
Aleah Simpson’s leadership and initiative exemplify the mission of Michigan 4-H Youth Development—to empower young people with the skills, confidence and opportunities needed to become engaged leaders in their communities. Aleah is Beyond Ready to lead in life! Through her dedication and vision, Aleah is not only expanding animal science education in Houghton County 4-H, but also creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that will benefit fellow youth for years to come. Her work stands as a testament to the lasting impact of youth voice, mentorship and the transformative power of 4-H.
