Colton Metcalf of Pleasantville earned grand champion honors at the 2025 Maine-Ajoue and Chiania Junior Nationals held in Louisville, KY for his bred and owned Mainetainer calf.

The junior nationals, which is one of the biggest shows in the nation annually, was held June 20-26 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. Metcalf took a calf he raised to the show, which included 750 total exhibitors and was selected as grand champion in the bred and owned Mainetainer calf category. Metcalf and his brother started raising cattle in 4-H when he was eight years old and has continued to find a passion for the industry. Metcalf says it was an experience he will never forget.

“It was amazing. That is something I’ve always dreamed of to win a show like that and to be honest looking at the calves down there I didn’t think it was going to happen, but when I saw the judge come behind my calf and put her hand on my calf’s help I just couldn’t help but smile because that is an experience I’ll never forget.”

Hear about Metcalf’s experience on Today’s Lely Radio Sports Page.