Harrison County 4-H Members Shine in WV Beef Expo Stockman’s Contest
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on April 15, 2026
Two Harrison County 4-H teams placed second in their respective divisions at the West Virginia Beef Expo’s Stockman’s Contest April 10 at WVU Jackson’s Mills.
In the Junior Division, Creed Haddix placed sixth, Hallie Deaton, seventh, and Payton Lloyd, 20th, to lead their team to finish second in the 28-team field. Jackson Burns also competed with the Junior team, while Geneva Leek and Tanner Burns completed as individuals. The Junior Division is composed of youth ages9-14. There were 125 individual competitors in the event.
The Senior Division team finished in a tie for first, but lost out for the title in a tie-breaker. Emmy Haddix led the team with a fourth-place finish, and Carver Deaton finished fifth. Camile Deaton finished 22nd, and Seneca Deaton, 27th. There were 44 teams and 215 individuals competing in the contest.
During the Stockman’s Contest, participants were asked to identify retail cuts of meat and plants, along with breeds of beef, sheep, swine, and goats. They were also tested on their knowledge of the beef industry. They also were tasked with three classes of cattle based on conformation, asked to evaluate a class of hay, and grade feeder cattle.
The Harrison County 4-H Stockman’s team was coached by Jennifer Friend, WVU Harrison County Extension Agent, and assisted by Beth Skidmore, WVU Harrison County 4-H Program Assistant.
Those interested in learning more about the livestock industry, agriculture or the 4-H program, please contact the WVU Harrison County Extension Office at 304-624-8650 or email Jennifer Friend at jefriend@mail.wvu.edu .
Editor's Note: Submitted photo. Harrison County 4-H members who competed in the West Virginia Beef Expo Stockman’s Contest were, front row, left to right, Coach Jennifer Friend, Geneva Leek, Seneca Deaton, Hallie Deaton, Payton Lloyd, Emmy Haddix, Creed Haddix and Tanner Burns. Back row, Carver Deaton, Camille Deaton and Jackson Burns.
