A senior team of McLennan County 4-H members claimed overall first place in last month’s Worldwide-District 8 livestock judging contest at Tarleton State University in Stephenville.

The squad combined for 1,689 points to top an Ellis County team, which was runner-up at 1,639 points.

Another group of McLennan County seniors finished third with 1,617 points.

McLennan County 4-H members pose with their awards from the recent Worldwide-District 8 livestock judging contest at Tarleton State University.
McLennan County Extension Service photo

Three teams of juniors also competed, along with two seniors and two juniors, who vied in individual brackets.

The age range of the senior team is 14-18 years old. Participants on the junior squad are 9-13 years old.

The competition had student ranking classes of livestock, said David Groschke, a McLennan County extension agent.

The two categories used at the Tarleton State event — market and breeding — consisted of four animals each in swine, sheep, goats and cattle.

Competitors ranked the animals from best to last. In short speeches using no notes, participants then defended their findings before judges, who were industry leaders, professors and breeders.

Juniors ranked market steers. Seniors had to support their reasoning in the ranking of breeding bulls, market hogs, lambs and steers.

Groschke said the 4-H competitors spent long hours preparing for the event with him and county agents Shane McLellan and Sarah Chudalla.

The 4-H group has attended 12 contests since last September, including the national event in Kansas City, Mo.

It also held several practice sessions.

Groschke said students learn life skills in the process. They get to observe, form opinions and make decisions about their observations, as well as gain confidence in public speaking.

“They learn professionalism by having to dress the part and look like professionals,” Groschke said.

He said the competition helps prepare them for one of life’s biggest challenges — the job market.

Members on the winning senior team were Laramie Priest (second individually overall); Emily Jackson (third); Taylor Haliburton (fifth); and Dalton Meurer (seventh).

The third-place senior team had Brant Embry (sixth); Connor Jackson; Austin Cook; and Emmali Pankonien.

The junior teams finished third, fifth and 12th.

Third-place team members included Kourtney Gardner (fourth individually overall); Haley Herzog (sixth); Kyle Fitch; and Jolee Meurer.

The fifth-place squad was comprised of Kyle Bajer, Lexi Gardner, Blaike Pankonien and Lane Scott.

The 12-place team members were Katlyn Gardner (eighth); Payton Herzog; Travis Lilley; and Bailey Teter.

Other participants were Heath Tull, Mabree Haliburton, Colton Schmedthorst and Olivia Pankonien.

For more information about the competition, visit the website at www.judgingcard.com/Results/Events.aspx?ID=1588.

kwilson@wacotrib.com

757-5701