Monday, June 10, 2013
2013 TN 4-H Livestock Judging Contest
Lawrence County 4-H, Champion Livestock Judging Team!
Through commitment and dedication four Lawrence County youth came together as a team to bring home the hardware. On June 4th, 2013 the Lawrence County 4-H Livestock Judging team was named the champion team at the state contest.
The trip to the TN 4-H livestock judging contest in Knoxville, TN was not an easy one.
In fact, Tori Bryant, John Calvin Bryant, Amanda Whitfield and Bryant Gobble have been studying and practicing for years in preparation of this opportunity.
Since the fourth grade these youth have been involved in 4-H. They have exhibited and judged animals along with giving speeches and attended camps.
After winning at Tennessee’s Western Region 4-H livestock judging contest in November 2012, these youth have been preparing more earnestly than ever.
Livestock judging is much more than simply placing animals in order as to which is the best.
During any given livestock judging contest there will be at least one class of beef cattle, sheep, goats and hogs. The competitors must understand good traits of the animals they are judging and be able to defend their choices with oral reasons.
This team event is very competitive, just like other team sports. It requires practice both
as a group and individually on the member’s own time. Those who succeed display responsibility, integrity and perseverance.
On “game day” these young leaders encouraged each other prior to the contest.
Individuals on the team also stood out as high points leaders.
Tori Bryant attained the position of high scoring individual with the most points overall. Her brother, John Calvin Bryant, claimed the 4th high individual spot.
The team is very appreciative of Volunteer Leader Candace Hartsfield and Extension Director Calvin Bryant for the coaching and guidance received to help them reach this goal.
They would also like to thank the various livestock producers who have taken time to assemble practice judging classes and provided meaningful insight.
This win has transformed the Lawrence County 4-H Livestock judging team into the 2013 Tennessee 4-H Livestock judging Team.
The next level of competition will be in November at Louisville, KY during the North American International Livestock Exposition.
The variety of positive experiences allowed to these 4-H members will help them continue to grow as informed and engaged citizens. I look forward to their future accomplishments.
Please encourage any youth, 4th through 12th grade, interested in livestock to join the 4-H livestock project group.
There are many fun opportunities to be involved with animals without owning any. For More information contact Paul Kelly at 762-5506 or pkelly7@utk.edu.
Programs in agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences, and resource development. Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.
