By Carissa Nelson
llinois 4-H members headed to the showring for the 2023 State Livestock Judging Contest held at the University of Illinois campus. Instead of leading animals, these young members were acting as judge, evaluating groupings of cattle, hogs, and sheep against a standard for breed characteristics, physical conformation and structure, and gain efficiency.
“This is absolutely my favorite 4-H event,” says University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development educator Shelby Carlson, who was on-site support at the event. “I think it’s amazing what these kiddos can do, and how hard they work, how they practice, and how they exhibit so much professionalism.”
Team coaches help teach technical judging skills, and positive youth development is also a continued focus during the year-round preparation.
“We worked out three times a week with hogs, then cattle, then sheep “ says Charlie Thurman of Warren County, third high individual overall. “My goal next year is to win it.”
Members of the State 4-H Livestock Team will advance to national competition at the North American International Livestock Expo in November. Members of that team will be selected in additional tryouts this summer.
“These youth are developing an area of expertise that is just so remarkable and impressive,” says Carlson. “Most of them have the chance to go on and compete, even on to the college level, possibly earning scholarships.”
The results of the 2023 Illinois 4-H Livestock Judging Contest include:
Junior Division Top 10 Individuals Overall: Alexa Turner, Champaign County, first place; Isabel Stohlquist, Kane County, second place; Charlie Thurman, Warren County, third place; Logan Suits, Champaign County, fourth place; Travis Rhode, McLean County, fifth place; Connor Suits, Champaign County, sixth place; Morgan Huls, Champaign County, seventh place; Anna Link, Knox County, eighth place; Jayla Lebford, Washington County, ninth place; and Landon Loschen, Ford County, tenth place.
In the Junior Division High Team Overall, the Champaign County #1 Team of Morgan Huls, Connor Suits, Logan Suits, and Alexa Turner took the top placing.
Senior Division Top 10 Individuals Reasons: Kashen Ellerbrock, Henry County, first place; Emma Pistorius, Christian County, second place; Carter Hoge, McDonough County, third place; Drew Mickey, Christian County, fourth place; Olivia Shike, Champaign County, fifth place; Audrey Curtin, Christian County, sixth place; Anna Webel, Knox County, seventh place; Chloe Grant, Christian County, eighth place; Waylon Paulek, Christian County, ninth place; and Brant Hedden, Christian County, tenth place.
Senior Division Top 10 Individuals Overall: Emma Pistorius, Christian County, first place; Clay Wadlow, Jersey County, second place; Kade Boatman, Ogle County, third place; Waylon Paulek, Christian County, fourth place; Karly Reel, LaSalle County, fifth place; Kashen Ellerbrock, Henry County, sixth place; Olivia Shike, Champaign County, seventh place; Slone Windish, Peoria County, eighth place; Carter Hoge, McDonough County, ninth place; and Brant Hedden, Christian County, tenth place.
In the Senior High Team Overall, the Henry-Stark County Team of Kashen Ellerbrock, Slone Windish, Kylie Gillespie, and Brayden Hardin took the top placing.
The Illinois 4-H Foundation and Illinois Farm Bureau supports livestock judging teams participating in national competition.
Source: Dan Jennings, 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator, Animal Systems, djjennin@illinois.edu
Writer: Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, 4-H State Office, carissa7@illinois.edu
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.
Source : illinois.edu