AMES, Iowa – More than 170 4-H members from 34 counties participated in the 2023 State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest. Participants were asked to evaluate eight classes of cattle, sheep, swine and meat goats, reviewing breed characteristics, physical conformation and structure, and gain efficiency.
The contest was held Aug. 26 at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center on the Iowa State University campus.
“The contest provides an opportunity for youth interested in livestock and animal science to enhance their evaluation and selection skills,” explained Celine Beggs-Shoemaker, ISU Extension and Outreach 4-H animal science specialist. “More importantly, participation in the contest allows youth to develop their communication and decision-making skills, all invaluable life skills.”
Junior Division Winners
- High Individual in Questions – Brock White (Buena Vista County).
- High Individual Overall – Kale Schmidt (Clinton County).
- Second High Overall Individual – Brock White (Buena Vista County).
- Third High Overall Individual – Tyler Beitz (Delaware County).
- Fourth High Overall Individual – Gabbie Mash (Dallas County).
- Fifth High Overall Individal – Adylyn Petersen (Worth County).
Champion Junior Team: Gabbie Mash, Nash Droppert, Jaylee Zika and Breanna Schlieman (Dallas County).
Senior Division Winners
- High Individual in Reasons and Questions – Caleb Kruse (Clinton County).
- High Individual Overall – Jentry Johnson (Clinton County).
- Second High Overall Individual – Will Hoopes (Louisa County).
- Third High Overall Individual – Emily King (Muscatine County).
- Fourth High Overall Individual – Caleb Kruse (Clinton County).
- Fifth High Overall Individal – Carter Mommsen (Clinton County).
Champion Senior Team: Jentry Johnson, Caleb Kruse, Carter Mommsen and Kyle Deppe (Clinton County).
Second Place Senior Team: Will Hoopes, Drew Totemeier, Cole Storm and Cody Messer (Louisa County).
Third Place Senior Team: Riley Nothwehr, Emma Hanson, Chandy Nothwehr and Sydney Hanson (Page County).
The winning 4-H senior team has the opportunity to represent Iowa at the national 4-H livestock judging contest at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky, in November. Second and third-place teams have the option to compete at the Western National Roundup in Denver or the American Royal in Kansas City.
For more information on the Iowa 4-H Youth Development program, contact your ISU Extension and Outreach county office or visit the Iowa 4-H website at www.extension.iastate.edu/4h.
Sharable photo: Champion Senior Team: (left to right) Carter Mommsen, Caleb Kruse, Jentry Johnson and Kyle Deppe.
