April 17, 2018
By: Leigh Fuson, 4-H Agent
Seventeen DeKalb County 4-H members recently traveled to the Tennessee Livestock Center in Murfreesboro to compete in the largest Central Region 4-H Livestock Judging contest on record with around 400 contestants.
The Junior division team of Ian Barnes, Izayah Dowell, Tyler Dunn, Chaylea Lunsford, and Brooklyn Ponder took top honors out of 23 teams. Tyler placed 2nd individually while Izayah placed 4th. The Junior High team comprised of Jenna Cantrell, Colby Barnes, Elizabeth Seber, and Marissa Clark placed 7th and the team of Ansley Cantrell, Riley Fuson, Luke Magness, John Iervolino, and Caley Taylor placed 15th. Luke Magness was 8th high individual. There were 32 total teams in that division. Payton Cantrell, Clayton Crook, and Caleb Taylor competed in Senior High division and also represented us well placing 17th with only a three man team.
Livestock Judging teaches 4-H members decision-making skills while they learn more about the livestock industry. Beef cattle, sheep, goats, and hogs are evaluated to know which animals would be best in a farm’s breeding program or would make the most profit at market. 4-H’ers also learn how to read and use genetic information (EPDs) to assist in the selection of livestock. This is very useful knowledge if these young people ever buy livestock of their own. It also gives them a better understanding of where their food comes from. Eight total classes of animals are judged at the contest. The Senior division also must give two sets of oral reasons to explain why they placed the class the way they did. This improves their communication skills, as they must think under pressure while still using good presentation techniques.
These teams had a great time learning about livestock animals and made new friends along the way. They represented DeKalb County very well in this highly competitive contest! For more information about the 4-H livestock group, please contact the UT/TSU DeKalb County Extension Office at 615-597-4945.
Photo Caption:
Team: The DeKalb County 4-H Livestock Judging Teams at the regional contest in Murfreesboro. (Front) Chaylea Lunsford, Brooklyn Ponder, Izayah Dowell, Riley Fuson, Ansley Cantrell, Ian Barnes, & Tyler Dunn. (Back) Luke Magness, Marissa Clark, Clayton Crook, Payton Cantrell, Caleb Taylor, John Iervolino, Colby Barnes, Jenna Cantrell, and Elizabeth Seber.
Tyler:Tyler Dunn studies a pen of goats before winning 2nd place in the region.