COLUMBIA, Mo. — The 2020 University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest was held virtually Saturday, September 12th to Sunday, September 13th. Nearly one hundred and fifteen 4-H youth from across the state applied their evaluation and communication skills in this contest.
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. Students improve their ability for critical thinking and accurate communication. In addition, students become organized and self-disciplined, learn to accept criticism, develop self-confidence and become leaders. Alumni from the program have reported success in the livestock judging competition has translated to employment opportunities, internships and scholarships.
Participants competed in one of two age division, junior (8-13) and senior (14-18), with the top ten 8 – 10-year olds being recognized. The top ten 8 – 10 year old competitors were Scarlett Miller, Carroll County, 1st; Michaela Miller, Carroll County, 2nd; Stetson Stone, Audrain County, 3rd; Ty Murphy, Saline County, 4th; Kaston Pitt, Carroll County, 5th’ Addie Honan, Nodaway County, 6th; Faith Calvin, Jasper County, 7th; Tyler Meier, Cape Girardeau County, 8th; Kenton Merrifield, Bates County, 9th; and Thomas Hulse, Marion County, 10th.
The top three junior competitors were Corbin Neil, Vernon County, 1st; Scarlett Miller, Carroll County, 2nd; and Trenton Edwards, Warren County, 3rd. The top junior teams was from Carroll County.
The top three senior individuals were Jessie Lowe, Bates County, 1st; Quincy Wiegand, Randolph County, 2nd; and Brayden Gast, Vernon County, 3rd. The top senior team was from Audrain County.
Successful and meaningful programs, like the State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest, would not be possible without support from the Missouri 4-H Foundation. Please click the link to find out more information about the Missouri 4-H Livestock Judging program.
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.
— Maria Calvert, State 4-H Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator
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