Regional 4-H Livestock Judging Contest

Regional 4-H Livestock Judging Contest

By: Leigh Fuson, 4-H Agent

Putnam County 4-H members recently traveled to the Tennessee Livestock Center in Murfreesboro to compete in the Central Region 4-H Livestock judging competition.  In the Junior High age division, Riley Glasscock, Reece DeWispelare, Gavin Giffey, and Grady Giffey took home 12nd place honors out of 29 teams.  Grady was the 10th high scoring individual out of 122 judger.  In the ST. High category, George McAllister, Ethan Denton, Dakota Whitson, and Isaiah Tooley placed 14th out of 20 teams.  Robert Key competed as individual in the senior age group and did an excellent job.

Livestock Judging allows 4-H members to develop decision-making skills while learning more about the livestock industry.  They learn how to evaluate 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 genetic information (EPDs) to assist in the selection of breeding livestock.   This is very useful knowledge if these young people ever buy livestock of their own.  Nine total classes of animals are judged at the contest.  The senior age group 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.  They represented Putnam County very well!  For more information about the 4-H livestock group, please contact the Putnam County Extension Office at 931-526-4561.  4-H is a proud part of UT Extension and the UT Institute of Agriculture.  UT Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment through the cooperation of county, state, and federal governments.

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Photo Caption:  Robert Key, George McAllister, Ethan Ross Denton, Isaiah Tooley,  Dakota Whitson

Second Photo: Grady Giffey, Riley Glascock, Reece DeWispelare, and Gavin Giffey

Group Photo