The Smith County 4-H Livestock Judging Teams competed in the Central Region Contest on April 6, 2023, in Murfreesboro. Ten 4-H members successfully participated in this contest.

Livestock Judging teaches 4-H members decision-making skills while they learn more about the livestock industry. Beef cattle, sheep, goats, and hogs are evaluated to determine which animals would be best in a farm’s breeding program or would make the most profit in a market situation. 4-H’ers also learn how to read and use genetic information (EPDs) to assist in the selection of livestock. This is useful knowledge if these young people ever buy livestock of their own.

Eight classes of animals were judged at the contest. The senior division also gave two sets of oral reasons to explain why they placed the class the way they did. This improves their communication skills as they must think under pressure while still utilizing their best public speaking skills.

The Junior Division (4^th-5^th grades) participants were 5^th grader Jay Driver and 4^th graders Clay Driver, Charlotte Driver, and Aubrey Hicks. The Junior Team placed 1^st overall with Aubrey placing 6^th individually and Jay placing 3^rd individually.

The Junior High Division (6^th – 8^th grades) participants were 6^th graders Tana Harville and Kara Brooks and 7^th grader Turner Harville. Their team placed 4^th overall.

The Senior Division (9^th-12^th grades) participants were 10^th graders Gabe Harville and Kynlee Davis and 11^th grader Courtney Dickens.

Tana and Turner Harville also competed earlier in the day in the Central Region Meats Judging Contest where they had to identify different retail cuts as well as judge classes. Tana placed 8^th and Turner placed 2^nd individually in the Junior High Division.

All Smith County 4-H’ers performed exceptionally well, and we are proud of their hard work and commitment!

For more information about the livestock group or any of our 4-H activities, please call 615-735-2900.

The 4-H Youth Development Program delivers programs through cooperative efforts of the University of Tennessee, Tennessee State University, and public and private sector volunteers.  4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades 4-12, on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability.