The Dallas County 4-H livestock judging team is in full swing and has had a very successful winter, placing ninth-highest among teams at the Jan. 27 Sioux Empire contest in Sioux Falls, S.D.
Successful results were also attained at the Iowa Beef Expo, held Feb. 11 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, where Dallas County 4-H team was represented by 19 team members ranging from fourth to 11th grade.
Dallas County teams were the fourth- and sixth-highest teams in oral reasons. They were first-, sixth-, 10th-, 15th- and 21st-highest teams in placings and the third- and sixth-highest teams overall out of 22 4-H teams.
The Dallas County team is coached by Emily Wynn and Eric Taylor. Assistant coaches are Cody Jimmerson and Danielle James.
“Livestock judging is alive and well in Dallas County,” Wynn said. “Every week, 21 kids meet to discuss and judge livestock. This is the most participation we had in the past 12 years. These kids all love livestock judging, and I am so proud of each and every one of them.”
Wynn said the Dallas County program has a strong tradition of continuity in coaching the judging contests.
“As a coach,” she said, “is it nice to have former 4-H judging team members come back and help out each week as assistant coaches. We are very excited for a fun and successful year ahead!”
Iowa 4-H Judging Contests give 4-H’ers an opportunity to learn modern livestock and meat evaluation methods, practice decision making and communication skills and develop the ability to select livestock appropriate for a defined production purpose.
Wynn said participation on a judging team enhances a student’s ability to think reason and make decisions, and to communicate with others.
For questions, contact Aleta Cochran at aleta@iastate.edu or 515-993-4281.
