I am chairman of the National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest Management Committee, and I serve as co-superintendent of the dairy cattle judging contests at the North American International Livestock Exposition. Both of these are high profile multi-state educational events which bring recognition to the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

Serving as chairman of the National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest Management Committee continues to presented some extra challenges as several parts of the National Intercollegiate and 4-H Contests are combined. This process has involved many discussions, disagreements, and compromises.

The NAILE Contests involve recruiting and coordinating many volunteers in addition to communicating with and accommodating the 45 team coaches. Fortunately, we have been able to retain an experienced and competent group of volunteers who make sure the contest is run smoothly and maintains a high level of excellence. Many of the Collegiate and Post-Secondary dairy judging coaches have stated the NAILE Contest is the best contest in the USA.