Thirty-eight individuals from nine counties competed in the 2020 State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest Aug. 29 at the Hansen Ag Student Learning Center on the Iowa State University campus in Ames.

This year’s contest included only a senior age division for youth due to COVID-19 and safety precautions. Depending on the national contest schedule and offering, Iowa teams may compete in upcoming contests in Kansas City, Mo; Denver, Colo; and Louisville, Ky.

“The objectives of the Iowa 4-H Judging Contests are for the 4-H’ers 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,” says Mike Anderson, Iowa 4-H youth program specialist.

Jackson County takes first

The Jackson County 4-H team captured first place this year with a score of 1,746 out of the possible 1,950 points. Team members were Miranda Peters, Nick Deppe, Wade Schwager and Austin Hager. The team was coached by Steve Schroeder. Typically, the winning team represents Iowa at the National 4-H Contest in Louisville.

Benton County captured second place and scored 1,693 points. Team members were Gabriel Hanson, Alex Ludeking, Jacob Ludeking and Steiger Manson. The team was coached by Robert Hanson.

Taking third place overall was Sac County with a score of 1,642 points. Larissa Rupnow coached team members Justin Rupnow, Cale Niehaus, Josh Wernimont and Aden Vondrak.

Individually, Nick Deppe from Jackson County was the top overall evaluator with a score of 603 points out of a possible 650. Close behind in second place was Gabriel Hanson from Benton County with 600 points, and third with 583 points was Miranda Peters of Jackson County.

Rounding out the top 10 overall individuals were Josh Wiley of Benton County, Justin Rupnow of Sac County, Iris Peterson of Washington County, Austin Hager of Jackson County, Wade Schwager of Jackson County, Josh Wernimont of Sac County and Steiger Manson of Benton County.

Helping youth develop skills

“Being a participant in a judging team helps youth to develop life skills in the areas of decision-making, critical thinking, oral reasoning, self-confidence and problem-solving,” Anderson says. The youth evaluate a class of livestock and then answer questions, or orally defend their placings. Livestock judging consists of analyzing beef cattle, sheep, swine and meat goats, and measuring them against a standard.

It is the study of the relationship between an animal’s form and function, he notes. Livestock judging has two primary components:

The Iowa 4-H Foundation Animal Science Endowment sponsors awards for the contests. More results from the contest can be found at ISU Extension.

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