The Richland County 4-H Livestock Judging Team has been busy competing around the area; at a Livestock Judging Competition in Bowman, ND, February 20th, the team placed 5th overall in a competition of about 90 kids.
February 4th the team went to Miles City, MT and took 1st place overall, with all four of the participating members placing in the top 10. Garrett Larson placed 2nd, Grady Larson placed 5th, Emma Torgerson placed 6th, and CJ Nevins placed 10th. The team then competed in Dickinson, ND the following day with the team taking third overall and CJ Nevins placing 2nd.
The Richland County Livestock Judging Team has between 12 and 15 members ranging in ages of 9 to 17 years old. Laura Schieber has been the team coach for the last 7 years and originally became involved with livestock judging in high school FFA. Schieber received a Livestock Judging Scholarship and attended Northwest College in Powell, WY and later transferred to Oklahoma State University where she continued livestock judging at a collegiate level. Schieber notes that many Junior Colleges and Universities offer scholarships to compete on livestock and meat judging teams and provide great travel experiences and offer phenomenal opportunities especially for those who are pursuing a career in agriculture.
Shortly after moving to the Sidney area, Schieber was contacted by the parents of 4-H members who were in need of a coach and asked if she was interested.
“Richland County has always had an active Livestock Judging Team and I have really enjoyed getting to know the kids, watching them improve, and getting to witness their success,” Schieber said.
The Richland County 4-H Livestock Judging Team practices as often as their schedules will allow and have been very fortunate to have many local ranchers volunteer their beef, sheep, hogs, and goats to be judged during practice classes. Classes are set up on private, volunteered land and team members can come and practice their judging skills as well as their reasons for judging the way they did. Otherwise, the team meets at the Extension Office and Schieber will make up a class scenario for students to practice with.
“I love the fact that kids are learning without even realizing it by working on their critical thinking and decision making skills,” said Schieber of her involvement. “It gives them a chance to present their opinion in a positive and professional way. They’re also learning a lot about the livestock industry in general and specifics about the breed and species of the animal. It’s a unique experience.”
The team has livestock judging competitions coming up this spring in Miles City, MT, Powell, WY, and Big Timber, MT.
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