Cows, pigs, sheep, and goats…oh my! Ten DeKalb County 4-H members traveled to the Tennessee Livestock Center in Murfreesboro to compete in the Central Region 4-H Livestock Judging contest. Competing in the Junior division (4th & 5th grades) were Colby Barnes, Ansley Cantrell, Macey Cox, and Caleb Parham. They placed 4th out of 23 teams. Colby placed 2nd high individual out of 89 contestants. In the Jr. High division (6th-8th grades), Jenna Cantrell, Lily Martin, and Elizabeth Seber placed 14th out of 29 teams. Jenna was 5th high individual out of 122 contestants. In the Senior divison (9th-12th grades), Kayla Belk, Caitlyn Lawrence, and PJ Ray placed 17th out of 21 teams and 84 contestants.
Livestock judging allows young people to develop decision-making skills while evaluating and selecting meat animals. They also learn more about the livestock industry as a whole. So, how do you “judge” livestock animals exactly? 4-H members learn how to assess the conformation, or body structure, and muscle of different breeds of beef cattle, sheep, goats, and swine in order to know which animals would be best in a breeding program or would make the most profit in a market situation. They also learn how to read and use performance data and genetic information to assist in the selection of breeding livestock. Eight total classes of animals are judged at the contest. 9th-12th grade 4-H members must also be able to explain verbally why they placed the class the way they did as an added challenge. This requires good public speaking skills as well.
DeKalb County was well represented at this very competitive event. If you are interested in learning more about livestock judging, or any other 4-H event, please call 615-597-4945 or email lfuson2@utk.edu. 4-H is the Youth Development program for University of Tennessee and Tennessee State University Extension. 4-H teaches leadership, citizenship, and life skills to more than 302,000 youth in grades 4-12. UT/TSU Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment through the cooperation of county, state, and federal governments.
Photo Captions
Livestock Team
DeKalb County 4-H members competed at the Central Region Livestock Judging Contest. Back row: Jenna Cantrell, Caitlyn Lawrence, PJ Ray, Kayla Belk, and Colby Barnes. Front row: Elizabeth Seber, Ansley Cantrell, Macey Cox, Caleb Parham, and Lily Martin
Jr. Team: Macey Cox, Colby Barnes, Ansley Cantrell, & Caleb Parham (not pictured) placed 4th out of 23 teams at the Regional livestock judging contest. Colby was 2nd place high individual.
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