BROOKINGS, S.D. - More than 160 4-H and FFA youth from South Dakota and neighboring states came together on Jan. 28 to compete in the annual Sioux Empire Farm Show Junior Livestock Judging Contest.
This contest was a great way to kick off the 2012 judging year, and allow area 4-H and FFA judging teams to practice judging quality livestock from South Dakota. The South Dakota State University Collegiate Livestock Judging Team members and alumni were on hand to help officiate and organize the contest along with help from local 4-H volunteers and SDSU Extension staff.
Contestants were able to interact with the officials to capitalize on this excellent learning opportunity and improve their skills for future competitions.
Participants tested their evaluation skills placing beef cattle, sheep, hogs, and market goat classes. Awards, sponsored by the Sioux Empire Farm Show, were presented to top teams and individuals in the contest.
The top five teams recognized were: 1st Dallas County, Iowa 4-H, 2nd Albert Lea, Minn., FFA Chapter, 3rd Grant County, S.D. 4-H, 4th Akron, Iowa-Westfield FFA Chapter, and 5th Emmetsburg Minn., FFA Chapter. The top five individuals were as followed: 1st Emily Ketteler, Hughs County, S.D. 4-H; 2nd Riley VanderWal, Grant County, S.D. 4-H; rd Patrick Arkfeld, Syracuse, Neb., FFA; 4th Dallis VanderWal, Brookings County, S.D. 4-H; and 5th Eric Taylor, Dallas County, Iowa 4-H.
Participating in livestock judging is an excellent way to strengthen youth's knowledge of the livestock industry and develop their critical thinking and communication skills in a team completion atmosphere. Livestock judging also teaches youth the importance of animal structure and industry standards for marketing livestock which they can apply to their own animal breeding projects.
Youth are encouraged to contact their area 4-H or FFA leaders to join a livestock judging team and get more involved in their livestock projects.