AMES, Iowa — The Iowa 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl and Skillathon contests were both held on Saturday, Sept. 18 at the Iowa State University Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center. This was the fourth year for the quiz bowl competition, where 4-H members answered questions about beef, sheep, meat goats, swine and current events. Teams competed in a double elimination format by giving oral answers to questions posed by a moderator and were then evaluated by a judge. Each match contained individual and team questions.
The senior winning team, from Plymouth County, will represent Iowa at the National 4-H Quiz Bowl contest at the North American International Livestock Exposition held in Louisville, Kentucky, this November. Team members Mason Peters, Regan Peters, Wade Fisher, Mia Haage and Jace Fisher were coached by Jodi Fisher, 4-H volunteer leader. The second-place team, from Franklin County, will represent Iowa at the National Western in Denver, Colorado, in January. Team members were Isaac Vosburg, Paula Jorgensen and Jackson Wohlford. Jackie Dohlman, Franklin County Extension youth coordinator, coached the team.
The mixed division teams are comprised of youth from all grades rather than just high school like the senior division. The winner was the Pig Whisperers, with team members Brady Allen, Tucker Rohrig, Taylor Rohrig and Jackson Sterle. The second-place team was from Plymouth County and team members were Hunter Norberg, Jack Ten Napel, Jayde Berknpas and Olivia Spenner.
This was the first year for the Skillathon contest, where participants completed a 25- question written test as well as five individual skillathon stations where they took part in livestock breed, equipment and meat identification, wool judging and hay evaluation. The final portion involved team exercises. Each team worked together to solve four different scenarios involving live animals and animal management concepts. This phase helps youth learn problem solving, critical thinking and teamwork.
The senior winning team that won the quiz bowl contest also received top honors in the skillathon contest and will represent Iowa in the National Contest in Louisville, Kentucky. The Franklin County team received second-place recognition.
The mixed division top honors went to the Pig Whisperers and the second-place team was the team from Franklin County. Team members included Cooper Bird, Eva Dohlman, Natalie Dohlman, Matthew Dohlman and William Vosburg.
These events were organized and facilitated by Amy Powell, animal science youth education specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and many staff and students from the Department of Animal Science. Funding was provided through a grant from the Iowa 4-H Foundation.
For more information on livestock skillathons, please contact Amy Powell at ampowell@iastate.edu.
— Amy Powell, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
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