COLUMBIA, Mo. – More than 100 youths competed at the 2021 University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest on Sept. 11 at the MU Trowbridge Livestock Center in Columbia. This contest brought together 122 Missouri 4-H members to apply their evaluation and communication skills.

The top 10 competitors ages 8-10: 1. Carlie Kleeman, Caldwell County; 2. Lane Pollard, Shelby County; 3. Marlee Massey, Jasper County; 4. Natalie Miller, Marion County; 5. Aiden Wimmer, Callaway County; 6. Elyse Cooley, Pettis County; 7. Scarlett Miller, Carroll County; 8. Hadley Corbin, Clinton County; 9. Rance Greiman, Marion County; 10. Makennah Lavy, Lincoln County.

The top 10 junior division (ages 8-13) competitors: 1. Trenton Edwards, Warren County; 2. Elliott Cooley, Pettis County; 3. Olivia Walrod, Vernon County; 4. Kenton Merrifield, Bates County; 5. Dillon O’Dell, Livingston County; 6. Savannah Miller, Warren County; 7. Callie Ferguson, Bates County; 8. Cass Kleeman, Caldwell County; 9. Emma Borgeous, Jasper County; 10. Carlie Kleeman, Caldwell County. The top three junior division teams: 1. Bates County; 2. Pettis County; 3. Vernon County.

The top 10 senior division (ages 14-18) competitors: 1. Stetson Wiss, Vernon County; 2. Mason Forkner, Vernon County; 3. Tannah Cassatt, Jasper County; 4. Isabel Lowe, Bates County; 5. Clayton Ferguston, Bates County; 6. Cole Burch, Cedar County; 7. Brayden Gast, Vernon County; 8. Gage Swindler, Caldwell County; 9. Jaycie Stimpson, Livingston County; 10. Annamarie Stone, Audrain County. The top three senior teams: 1. Vernon County; 2. Bates County; 3. Cedar County. The top three senior teams will go on to represent Missouri 4-H at national competition.

Youths 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. More than half of the participants reported that responded that compared to before participating in this event, they now have more knowledge of applying what they know about one species of livestock to another, identifying visual and genetic characteristics of an animal, judging classes, and giving reasons. All participants reported that they are seeking to learn more about agriculture, while more than 90% of them consider themselves educated consumers of agricultural products, are comfortable sharing their knowledge of agriculture with others and see themselves as advocates for the industry; 89% are planning to pursue a career in agriculture.

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 Co., FCS Financial, Missouri Association of Meat Processors, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Holstein Association, Eunice Campbell and Robert E. “Bud” Hertzog, D.V.M.

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.

Photos available:

https://extension.missouri.edu/media/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2021/20210915-lj-1.jpg
Youths evaluate market lambs at the 2021 Missouri 4-H Livestock Judging Contest.

https://extension.missouri.edu/media/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2021/20210915-lj-2.jpg
Youths evaluate market hogs at the 2021 Missouri 4-H Livestock Judging Contest.