Delaware County 4-H Compete in State Livestock Judging Contest

Thirteen 4-H members represented Delaware County 4-H at the State Livestock Judging Contest on Saturday, April 13th in Ames. Youth have been preparing for the State Contest for months by attending weekly practices and competing in several contests.

Livestock judging consists of analyzing beef cattle, sheep, swine, and meat goats and measuring them against a standard. It is the study of the relationship between an animal’s form and function. Livestock judging has three components 1) placing a group of animals, 2) answering questions on placing classes, and 3) orally justifying your decision.

Livestock Judging helps youth to develop life skills in the areas of decision making, critical thinking, oral reasoning, self-confidence, and problem solving.

Delaware County’s Junior Team finished in 2^nd place overall. Members of the Junior Team were Gloria Hemann, Ethan Eschen, and Caleb Broghammer. High scoring members were Gloria Hemann earning Champion Junior Individual and Ethan Eschen earning 7^th place as an individual. This was their first State Competition.

In the Intermediate Division, Delaware County had two Livestock Judging teams. The first team consisted of Alison Schulte, Cooper Schulte, and Nolan Hemann. This team walked away with a 2^nd place finish overall. Leading the way was Alison Schulte as the Champion Intermediate Individual, earning 1^st place in questions, 1^st place in swine judging, and 5^th place in reasons. Nolan received 7^th place as an individual and 6^th place in questions. Cooper came in at 8^th place in reasons and 8^th place in swine judging.

Caroline Hemann, Hunter Rave, and Nolan Gaul made up the second intermediate team. The team finished in 10^th place overall with Caroline Hemann earning 10^th place in reasons and placed 10^th as an individual in sheep and goats judging. Nolan placed 9^th in sheep and goats, and 10^th in swine as an individual.

Delaware County’s Senior Team consisted of Miles Bockenstedt, Cooper Eschen, Trudy Loecke, and Holly Gudenkauf. They finished in 10^th place overall in a highly competitive division and earned 4^th place as a team in sheep and goats judging. Holly received 6^th place as an individual in sheep judging and Trudy earned 8^th place as an individual in beef judging.

Jacob Hinshaw and Craig Schulte coach the Delaware County Livestock Judging Team. Thank you for your time, knowledge, and dedication to our youth.

Livestock Judging is open to Delaware County 4-H members in 4^th -12^th grade. Youth who are interested in learning and competing in judging beef, swine, sheep, and goats should contact Coach Jacob Hinshaw or call the Delaware County Extension Office at 563- 927-4201 to learn more.

 

photo courtesy of ISU Extension & Outreach