4-H’ers celebrate their annual Missouri State Congress

Chip Kemp, MU's collegiate livestock judging coach, gives students a lecture on proper judging technique at MU's Trowbridge Livestock Center. A pair of chester whites is used for example. "Industries swing the same way that fashion swings. Livestock trends change like with cars and clothes," he explained.   ¦  JENNIFER WHITNEY/Missourian

On opening day of the 62nd Annual Missouri State 4-H Congress, participants ages 14 to 19 from all over the state participated to expand their skills and elect next year’s executive council. Participants stayed in MU residence halls and got an introduction to college life.

“I’ve made some of the best friends I have here, and I know I’ll have them forever,” said Danielle Rodabaugh, the west central region representative from Lowry City. “A lot of us are coming to Mizzou together next year.”

Rodabaugh also said 4-H is a family affair: “My mom was in 4-H when she was a child, and so were both my grandmothers.”