Dallas County 4-H members compete in State Livestock Judging contest

On June 24, 4-H members from across the state gathered in Auburn for the annual Alabama 4-H State Livestock Judging competition.

Livestock judging competitions allow youth participants to demonstrate their knowledge of animal agriculture by ranking or “placing” a group of four animals (commonly called a class) from best to worst based on how each animal compares to industry standard of the group title.

Competitors were challenged to place eight classes with titles that ranged from “performance documented angus bulls” to “market hogs.” Contestants also gave multiple sets of oral reasons where they gave 2-minute presentations explaining the logic behind their placings for the respective classes.

According to Alabama 4-H program leaders, this year’s contest was one of the larger state livestock judging events in recent history. The contest included 92 4-H members from 13 counties across the state.

This year’s contest also contained the first representatives from Dallas County in more than a decade. Dallas County Senior team members include Eryn Dunkin, Casey Yeager, Lilian Yeager and Sarah Smith. Dallas County Junior team members are Mikale Hale, Gunner Dunkin, Mary Latham Durden, Drew Godbee, Abigail Lewis, and Cade McHugh. The Senior and Junior teams finished 7th and 8th respectively in their contest divisions with Casey Yeager (Sr.) and Cade McHugh (Jr.) being their high scoring individuals.

These 4-H team members have practiced at several farms since February of this year and have logged many hours learning about animal agriculture and preparing for competition. This year’s Dallas County teams will have their final contest of the season in late July at the annual Alabama Junior Cattleman’s Round Up in Montgomery.

Youth livestock Judging reinforces decision making, communication, and critical thinking skills. The activity also helps youth learn about animal agriculture and how to evaluate livestock based on industry standards. Dallas County Extension / 4-H would like to thank the parents; local livestock farmers and volunteers who’ve helped make this opportunity possible for Dallas County youth.