Fourteen DeKalb County 4-H members recently traveled to the Tennessee Livestock Center in Murfreesboro to compete in the Central Region 4-H Livestock Judging contest. In the Junior division of 4th and 5th graders, the team of Ian Barnes, Junior Manning, and Brooklyn Ponder placed 6th.
The team comprised of Ansley Cantrell, Marshall Farler, Riley Fuson, and Luke Magness placed 8th. There were 20 total teams. Ian Barnes was the 10th high individual. In the Junior High divison of 6th-8th graders, the team of Colby Barnes, Jenna Cantrell, John Iervolino, Caleb Taylor, and Elizabeth Seber placed 5th out of 28 teams. Colby Barnes was the 4th place high individual. Payton Cantrell and Clayton Crook also competed as individuals in the Senior High division, 9th-12th graders, and did a great job.
Livestock Judging teaches 4-H members decision-making skills while they learn more about the livestock industry. Beef cattle, sheep, goats, and hogs are evaluated to know which animals would be best in a farm’s breeding program or would make the most profit in a market situation. 4-H’ers also learn how to read and use genetic information (EPDs) to assist in the selection of livestock. This is very useful knowledge if these young people ever buy livestock of their own. Eight total classes of animals are judged at the contest. The Senior division also must give two sets of oral reasons to explain why they placed the class the way they did. This improves their communication skills as they must think under pressure while still using good presentation techniques.
These teams had a great time learning about livestock animals and made new friends along the way. They represented DeKalb County very well in this highly competitive contest! For more information about the 4-H livestock group, please contact the UT/TSU DeKalb County Extension Office at 615-597-4945.
Photo Caption:
Team The DeKalb County 4-H Livestock Judging Teams did an excellent job at the regional contest in Murfreesboro. (Front) John Iervolino, Brooklyn Ponder, Junior Manning, Marshall Farler, and Riley Ruson. (Back) Elizabeth Seber, Jenna Cantrell, Payton Cantrell, Clayton Crook, Colby Barnes, Caleb Taylor, Ian Barnes, Luke Magness, and Ansley Cantrell.
5th Place The Junior High Livestock Judging Team placed 5th at the regional contest.
Ian & Colby Ian Barnes and Colby Barnes were the 10th and 4th place high individuals, respectively.
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