Youth Excellence on Display at 2026 Northeast 4-H Calf Show

Young participants proudly hold their "Grand Champion" banners at the 2026 Northeast 4-H Calf Show, showcasing their dedication and achievements in the event.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The 81st Annual Watertown Winter Farm Show concluded its festivities on Saturday, February 14, with the highly anticipated Northeast 4-H Calf Show. The event drew 51 youth participants from nine counties, including Brookings, Clark, Codington, Day, Deuel, Grant, Hamlin, Marshall, and Roberts.

In total, 76 head of heifers and steers were exhibited during the competition, showcasing the hard work of young agricultural leaders from across the region.

Top Breeding and Market Honors

Jesse Cribbs of Brookings County took home the title of Overall Grand Champion Heifer, while Kazney Rolfsmeier of Deuel County earned the Reserve Champion Heifer honors.

In the market division, Eastyn Mikkelson of Grant County emerged as a major winner, receiving the Overall Grand Champion Market Animal award. McQuade Beare of Codington County was named the Reserve Grand Champion Market Animal.

Division Champions included:

·        British Breeding Heifer: Jesse Cribbs (Champion); Alayna Caulfield (Reserve).

·        Continental Breeding Heifer: Kazney Rolfsmeier (Champion); Rylan Thue (Reserve).

·        Market Heifer: Eastyn Mikkelson (Champion); Kelton King (Reserve).

·        British Market Steer: Grady Wasland (Champion); Tucker Giesen (Reserve).

·        Continental Market Steer: Eastyn Mikkelson (Champion); McQuade Beare (Reserve).

Showmanship and Special Recognition

The showmanship competition, which evaluates the exhibitors' ability to present their animals, saw strong performances across all age groups:

·        Senior Division: Emma Caulfield (Champion); Rylan Thue (Reserve).

·        Junior Division: Alayna Caulfield (Champion); Lane Foster (Reserve).

·        Beginner Division: Grady Wasland (Champion); Kazney Rolfsmeier (Reserve).

A poignant moment occurred during the awards when Emma Caulfield was presented with a special beef halter. The halter was awarded by the Watertown Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee in memory of Jordan Mack.

The event was made possible through the support of the judge, volunteers, Glacial Lakes Livestock, and the Watertown Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee.