Southwind Extension District 4-H Members Excel in State 4-H Contests at Kansas Livestock Sweepstakes
The Southwind Extension District 4-H members showcased their talent and determination at the 2025 Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes, held August 23-24 at Kansas State University in Manhattan. Demonstrating consistent excellence, Southwind teams placed in the top five of every contest, winning two of the four events and ultimately claiming the title of 2025 State 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes Champions.
The participants representing the Southwind Extension District were Hailey Shadden, Makinlee Bloesser, Marley Sutton, Kendyl Bloesser, Emery Yoho, Alexa Ellis, Jewel Endicott, Kyser Nemecek, Reegan McDaniel, and Klara Stock. These 4-H members, hailing from Allen, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties, demonstrated exceptional knowledge and livestock skills throughout the competition.
The Sweepstakes event consisted of four contests, with scores blended to determine the overall Sweepstakes winners. The Southwind team emerged victorious in 2 contests, Meats Judging and Livestock Quiz Bowl. This achievement highlights the dedication and hard work of the Southwind 4-H members.
Top Individual Sweepstakes Winners:
Hailey Shadden, Reserve Individual Overall; Jewel Endicott, 5th; Klara Stock, 7th; Kendyl Bloesser, 8th; Marley Sutton 13th; Makinlee Bloesser, 14th
The Southwind teams excelled in the Livestock Quiz Bowl, which began with 17 teams taking the qualifying exam. Southwind #1 (Nemecek, McDaniel, Yoho, Shadden) won three matches ‘one last time’, to claim the title of Champion Overall Quiz Bowl Team. Southwind #2 (Sutton, M. Bloesser, Ellis, K. Bloesser) also performed admirably, finishing as the 6th best team.
In the Livestock Judging contest, Southwind #1 (Shadden, K. Bloesser, Ellis, Stock) had an outstanding day, earning 5th in Cattle, 6th in Sheep, 5th in Hogs, 5th in Reasons, and being named 4th High Team Overall. There were 38 teams from across the state and 193 individuals in the contest. Individual highlights include: Hailey Shadden – 6th Cattle
The Meats Judging contest involved identifying 30 retail cuts, six placings classes, and three sets of reasons. Southwind #1 (Sutton, Shadden, K. Bloesser, Stock) was named the Champion Meats Judging Team, with a standout performance by winning Retail Identification, and also earning 5th in Placings and 3rd in Reasons. 69 Senior Individuals and 15 teams competed in the contest. Southwind #2 (M. Bloesser, Ellis, Endicott) was 8th in Placings, 9th in Reasons, 7th in Retail ID, and 7th Team Overall. Individual accomplishments for the Southwind squad include:
- Makinlee Bloeser – 10th Individual Overall; 5th Placings; 7th Retail ID
- Hailey Shadden – 2nd High Individual Overall; 4th Retail ID; 8th Reasons
- Marley Sutton – 9th Individual Overall; 3rd Retail ID
- Kendyl Bloesser – 5th Individual Overall; 2nd Retail ID
- Klara Stock – 4th Individual Overall; 4th Reasons; 10th Retail ID
- Jewel Endicott – 6th Retail ID; 10th Placings
In the Livestock Skillathon, 4-H members rotated individually through stations that addressed six areas of animal science. Those included feedstuffs, breed identification, equipment identification, meat identification, wool evaluation and a written test. There was also a team component where members worked together on evaluating quality assurance protocols, and demonstrating proper cattle breeding techniques. Out of 27 teams and 149 individuals, Southwind #1 (Shadden, Ellis, Endicott, K. Bloesser) worked together to be named the 3rd Team Overall. Individual Skillathon results include: Jewel Endicott, 2nd Exam, 6th Practicum, 4th Overall Individual; Hailey Shadden, 7th Exam, 9th Practicum, 8th Overall Individual.
This particular Sweepstakes championship is proof that Southwind 4-H knows how to win—with grit, talent, and an unstoppable team spirit. True to their motto of “Making the Best Better,” these members pushed each other to new heights. The District credits its success to the unwavering support of parents, dedicated coaches, loyal alumni, and the entire Southwind 4-H community.
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