Jasper County youth participate in 2022 Missouri 4-H State Livestock Judging Contest

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The 2022 University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest was held on Saturday, September 10^th at the University of Missouri Trowbridge Livestock Center in Columbia, Missouri.  This contest brought together 147 4-H youth from across the state to apply their evaluation and communication skills.

Youth involved with the livestock judging program develop key life skills to aid in their future career success. Through involvement in a 4-H judging team, members must make rapid, logical decisions and defend their decisions via oral reasons. Over half of the participants responded that compared to before participating in this event, they now have more knowledge in the areas of identifying visual and genetic characteristics of an animal, comparing their perception of an animal against the ideal, judging classes, using livestock judging terminology, and giving reasons. Over 90% of them consider themselves educated consumers of agricultural products, are comfortable sharing their knowledge of agriculture with others, see themselves as an advocate for the industry, and are planning to pursue a career in agriculture.

Participants competed in one of two age division, junior (8-13) and senior (14-18), with the top 10 8 – 10 year olds being recognized.  The top ten 8 – 10-year-old competitors were Kade Jackson, Clinton County, 1^st; Colton Hawkins, Bates County, 2^nd; Korbin Walrod, Vernon County, 3^rd; Izzy Haley, Linn County, 4^th; Aubree Sloan, Clinton County, 5^th; Rance Greiman, Marion County, 6^th; Carlie Kleeman, Clinton County, 7^th; Chaney Hahs, Cape Girardeau County, 8^th; Nalayni Bock, Cedar County, 9^th; and Caroline Thompson, Linn County, 10^th.

The top ten junior competitors were Corbin Neil, Vernon County, 1^st; Carson Coram, Linn County, 2^nd; Nolan Dehn, Clinton County, 3^rd; Savannah Miller, Warren County, 4^th; Wyatt Copenhaver, Lafayette County, 5^th; Maggie Reed, Pettis County, 6^th; Kelsey Sparks, Linn County, 7^th; Emma Bourgeous, Jasper County, 8^th; Braden Stimpson, Livingston County, 9^th; and Olivia Walrod, Vernon County, 10^th.  The top four junior teams represented the following counties: Vernon County, 1^st; Linn County, 2^nd; Clinton County, 3^rd , and Jasper County 4^th.

The top ten senior individuals were Brayden Gas, Vernon County, 1^st; Isabel Lowe, Bates County, 2^nd; Gage Swindler, Caldwell County, 3^rd; Annamarie Stone, Audrain County, 4^th; Jorja Ebert, Caldwell County, 5^th; Rylee Anderson, Livingston County, 6^th; Cole Burch, Vernon County, 7^th; Clayton Ferguson, Bates County, 8^th; Mason Forkner, Vernon County, 9^th; and Brycen Mobray, Dent County, 10^th.  The top four senior teams represented the following counties: Vernon County, 1^st; Bates County; 2^nd; and Caldwell County, 3^rd; and Andrew County, 4^th. The top four senior teams will go on to represent Missouri 4-H at national competitions.

Programs offered by Missouri 4-H would not be possible without support from our partners.  Major support for Missouri 4-H Agriculture and Natural Resources programs is provided by the Missouri 4-H Foundation in partnership with Bass Pro Shops, Corteva Agriscience, Crader Distributing Company, FCS Financial, Missouri Association of Meat Processors, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Holstein Association, Eunice Campbell, and Robert E. “Bud” Hertzog, DVM.

About 4-H

More than 55,000 members strong, Missouri 4-H is an active, dynamic organization of young people who are learning, growing and preparing to be the leaders of today and tomorrow – making a real difference in their community, country and world. 4-H is the youth development program of the University of Missouri and the nation’s Cooperative Extension System.  For more information on Missouri 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu.