AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — DeKalb County 4-H member Olivia Maddox recently took home the Grand Champion Gelbvieh Female at the American Gelbvieh Junior Association Annual Junior Classic for 2025. A highly competitive cattle exhibition show, the AGJA Junior Classic draws livestock showmen from across the nation to compete in breeding, showmanship and market class contests. Young cattlemen and cattlewomen get to show off the best of the Gelbvieh cattle breed while promoting the beef industry. 

Cheers and Happy Tears

Held in Lebanon, Tennessee, Maddox placed with honors in several of the Junior Classic competitions, including 5th Place Overall Intermediate Showman, Reserve Champion Senior Yearling Female and Grand Champion Gelbvieh Female. Maddox, 14, is poised to continue a great career of exhibiting cattle through youth livestock programs. Maddox said she felt deeply honored and was proud to accept the recognition. Her entire family was in attendance cheering her on from the sidelines. 

“It was one of those moments where you don’t really realize what just happened,” Olivia Maddox said. “It all became real when I saw my brother, Cody, ringside waiting for me. He had the biggest smile and was crying happy tears.” 

A Family Tradition 

The Maddox family owns a cow-calf operation in Collinsville, Alabama, where they work together and share a passion for agriculture. From sunrise to showtime, the family pours countless hours into the farm, tending livestock and preparing for show competitions. Not surprisingly, Olivia is not the only Maddox child raised in the show ring. Her two older siblings, Cody (28) and Hannah (25), have also shown cattle and been involved in 4-H and the National FFA Organization. Showing cattle is a family affair — the Maddox crew works together to help their youngest sibling, Olivia, achieve top honors. Hannah is the Alabama Extension 4-H agent for DeKalb County. In this role, she is able to guide her younger sister through the county and state 4-H programs and activities. 

“Through 4-H, Olivia has connected with other youth who share her passion, developed leadership skills and enjoyed the many benefits of the program — both inside and outside of the show ring,” Hannah Maddox said. “Now, I have the great privilege of supporting Olivia not only as her sister but also as her 4-H Extension agent. I will continue to encourage and guide her along her agricultural journey.” 

Olivia Maddox’s older brother, Cody, was also active in Alabama youth agriculture programs. Now, he is the TJB Gelbvieh and Bickett Genetics cattle manager in Chickamauga, Georgia. He exemplifies one of the four Hs as he daily pledges his hands to larger service by improving herd management and contributing to the operation’s success. 

The Future is Bright

The Maddox family credits Alabama Extension for helping mold youth livestock exhibitors into competitive showmen. Hannah is grateful for the unbounded opportunities Alabama Extension and 4-H programs create for Alabama’s youth. The family said as a result of these opportunities, Alabama 4-H members gain valuable experiences that equip them with skills that serve them well into adulthood.

“Extension helps youth like Olivia prepare for future careers in agriculture and related fields,” Hannah Maddox said. “They provide hands-on opportunities to learn about livestock, develop a strong work ethic and build valuable leadership skills. In fact, through 4-H, young people not only gain experience in animal care but also learn responsibility, time management and teamwork — skills that are essential in any career.” 

Backed by a strong work ethic and robust support system, Olivia Maddox continues to stand out as a 4-H leader.  

More Information

Alabama 4-H thrives thanks to families like the Maddoxes, whose dedication and hard work keep its legacy vibrant. Learn more about Alabama 4-H by visiting alabama4h.com.