Source: Wyatt Banks, Extension associate senior for 4-H Livestock Programs and state 4-H livestock judging coach

Competitive livestock judging requires more than having a keen eye for a good-looking heifer. Across the state and the country, Kentucky 4-Hers are stepping into livestock arenas to prove they have the critical thinking ability and animal science know-how to make hard decisions, along with the conviction and communication skills to back them up.

Youth from throughout Kentucky gathered in Lexington on May 31 to put their animal evaluation skills to the test at the state 4-H Livestock Judging Contest. Roughly 120 young people participated in the event, which called for competitors to judge up to 12 distinct classes of cattle, pigs, goats and sheep.

Livestock judging participants learn not only how to gauge the animals’ physical qualities, such as body confirmation and balance, but also how to prioritize these traits relative to breeding importance and market performance. Contestants are also asked to consider how well the animals would perform in practical real-life scenarios, which might require them to alter their assessments based on a producer’s specific needs. At more advanced levels, competitors interpret performance data in the form of expected progeny differences (EPDs) and use it to factor predicted performance of the animals’ offspring into their evaluations. 

The top 20 performers from the state contest’s senior division will gather this summer for Top 12 Week, an intensive training program to determine who gets a slot on this year’s state team. A total of eight select team members will travel to compete in major livestock judging events in Pennsylvania, Nebraska, Tennessee and Indiana in the fall. The top four will earn the honor of representing the Bluegrass state in November at the National 4-H Livestock Contests held in Louisville, where Kentucky took home the national title in 2019.

In addition to sharpening their analytical skills, young people involved in livestock judging hone their ability to think on their feet, develop a sense of visual recall and acknowledge differing perspectives respectfully—skills that will serve them well in future careers both inside and outside of agriculture.

Interested young people can compete in the junior (ages nine to 13) or the senior division (ages 14 to 18). Although growing up on a farm can be an advantage, kids don’t need to have raised animals to learn how to evaluate them. A few participants in this year’s state competition reported that livestock judging was their first experience with animal agriculture. Those who are inclined to continue livestock judging after high school can also find valuable opportunities to compete and earn scholarships at the collegiate level.

To learn more about how you can get involved with the Kentucky 4-H Livestock Judging program in your community as a participant or a coaching volunteer, contact the (COUNTY NAME) Extension office.

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The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment news and communications team provides monthly Extension Exclusives in the categories of Horticulture, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 4-H and Family & Consumer Sciences. To see more exclusives, visit https://exclusives.ca.uky.edu.    

 

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