YOUTH ADCA

The focus of the ADCA's support for the Junior ADCA is to educate, encourage, and empower the next generation of Dexter cattle stewards. The Junior ADCA seeks to help its members grow as responsible Dexter owners while promoting the quality and the standing of the Dexter breed. Through the work of ADCA-affiliated Dexter groups, educational opportunities and show ring experiences are offered to our young people throughout the United States.

Youth ADCA Constitution and Bylaws updated_10-18-2023

YADCA Officers

Youth Director
Laaci Louderback - ipp@dextercattle.org
President & Region 8 Delegate
Peyton Collins - youth_president@dextercattle.org
Vice President & Co-Region 2 Delagate
Kaiser Hawkins - youth_vicepresident@dextercattle.org
Secretary & Region 4 Delagate
Anakin Highley - youth_secretary@dextercattle.org
Treasurer & Co- Region 2 Delagate
Hudson Louderback - youth_treasurer@dextercattle.org
Delegate & Region 10
Isaac Harmon - isaac@fireflyhomestead.com

Costume Contest

Dust off those costumes and let your creativity shine! Whether you go silly, spooky, patriotic, or completely out of the box, we want to see you and your cattle dressed to impress. This is your chance to show off personality, teamwork, and a little show-ring sparkle. The more creative, the better!

Moo-lympics

Think you and your cow make the ultimate team? Put your cattle handling skills to the test in our action-packed Moo-lympics obstacle course! Weave through cones, carefully cross over “water,” navigate a decorated gate, and tackle a series of fun challenges designed to test communication, patience, and partnership. It’s all about teamwork, confidence, and having a blast together.

Whether you’re competing or cheering from the sidelines, these events you won’t want to miss!

Dexter Cattle Skillathon

The new Dexter Cattle Skillathon is a hands-on competition designed to test a youth’s knowledge and practical skills in cattle care and management.

Instead of showing an animal in the ring, participants rotate through different learning stations. At each station, they might be asked to:

Identify parts of the animal
Evaluate cattle quality
Answer questions about health, nutrition, and general animal care
Demonstrate basic equipment knowledge
Demonstrate basic Dexter specific knowledge

The goal of the Dexter Skillathon is to encourage learning beyond the show ring. Building real-world knowledge about cattle husbandry, and responsible livestock management — all while competing in a fun and educational competition.

YADCA NATIONAL DEXTER EXPO
YOUTH ACTIVITIES

The YADCA is inviting you to participate in the Speech Contest

Contest will be held at the 2026 Expo in Wooster, Ohio, June 24-27^th, 2026

You’ll get a chance to deliver a prepared speech on a Dexter Cattle topic at the expo in front of judges, showcasing your understanding of the breed and helping you develop your public speaking abilities. There are money prizes for those who place!

Click the button below for the contest rules and outline.

Please contact the ADCA youth advisor for more information: ipp@dextercattle.org

Speech Contest Outline & Rules

YADCA 18 - Month DEXTER Calendar

Youth Fundraiser - Order your calendar today!
Who doesn't want a fun Dexter calendar hanging on their wall?

The youth have developed this 18-month calendar to raise funds for the YADCA.
Calendars feature Dexters and their kids and can be purchased and shipped right to your door for only ~~$30~~ $25!
For shipping orders please fill in the address fields on the order form button below.

Order your YADCA Calendar Online through the Expo store

Please contact Laaci Louderback at ipp@dextercattle.org if you have any questions.

Chris Odom Youth Award

The ADCA Chris Odom Youth Awards are given in memory of Chris Odom, of Block Creek Ranch. It honors his work in the ADCA, his service to the Dexter community, and especially his faithfulness to encourage and support our ADCA youth. Mr. Odom passed away in 2006 while serving as Vice President of the ADCA. His contribution to the association, our youth, and the Dexter breed will be remembered warmly.

The Chris Odom award recognizes the ADCA youth who exhibit an exceptional work ethic, commendable breed knowledge, and a passion for promoting the preservation and proper stewardship of Dexter Cattle. Each applicant must complete the online application for their age group. This annual award is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your knowledge, dedication, and passion for Dexter cattle. Whether you're just starting your journey or preparing for a future in agriculture, the Chris Odom Award honors your hard work and commitment.

Awards are presented at the annual ADCA National Dexter Expo. Winners do not need to be present to win!
Need more information? Contact Vice President Jill Gurley: vicepresident@dextercattle.org

Age Divisions & Awards

Junior Division (Ages 6–9)
$250 Award

Intermediate Division (Ages 10–14)
$500 Award

Senior Division (Ages 15–18)
$750 Award

Each division winner will also receive a special feature write-up in the ADCA Bulletin.

We encourage all eligible ADCA Youth members to apply and represent the bright future of the Dexter breed!

View the Odom Rules & Objectives

Junior Odom Application Ages 6 - 9

Intermediate Odom Application Ages 10 - 14

Senior Odom Application Ages 15 - 18