The 2021 University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest was hosted on Saturday, Sept. 11 at the University of Missouri Trowbridge Livestock Center in Columbia, Missouri. This contest brought together 122 4-H youth from across the state to apply their evaluation and communication skills.
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.
Participants competed in one of two age divisions, junior (8-13) and senior (14-18). The Pettis County 4-H junior livestock judging team consisted of Elliott Cooley, Elyse Cooley, Maggie Reed and Megan Rice. Elliott Cooley placed second overall of individual junior competitors.
The top three junior teams represented the following counties: Bates County, first; Pettis County, second; and Vernon County, third. The top three senior teams represented the following counties: Vernon County, first; Bates County, second; and Cedar County, third. The top three senior teams will go on to represent Missouri 4-H at national competition.
Programs offered by Missouri 4-H would not be possible without support from our partners. 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 Company, FCS Financial, Missouri Association of Meat Processors, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Holstein Association, Eunice Campbell, and Robert E. “Bud” Hertzog, DVM.
