KANSAS CITY, Mo.. – The Illinois 4-H Livestock Judging team took ninth in the nation at the American Royal 4-H Livestock Judging Contest. The contest is one of the premier events regarding education and competition for youth involved in livestock evaluation programs. The contest is held in conjunction with the American Royal Livestock Show.
Team members all hail from Boone County and include Kendall Boatman, Kade Boatman, Morgan Richardson, and Tyler Lee.
The Illinois 4-H livestock judging program teaches youth to identify breeds of livestock and helps them make decisions which improve their local herds.
“The training that this competition requires helps to create stronger future agricultural leaders,” says Dan Jennings, University of Illinois Extension 4-H animal science educator. “The skills and training make for fun competition now, but it’s knowledge they can use for a lifetime.”
The Boone County team also took additional honors in the livestock categories, placing fifth in beef, sixth in swine, eighth in oral reasons, and 10th in sheep and goats.
Individual honors went to Kendall Boatman who placed fifth in beef cattle, ninth in swine, and 16th in oral reasons and overall. Morgan Richardson placed 17th in swine, 26th in beef cattle, 28th in oral reasons, and 22nd overall. Tyler Lee ranked 16th in beef cattle, 25th in sheep/goats, and 27th overall. Kade Boatman placed 27th in oral reasons, 38th in beef cattle, and 41st overall. The team is coached by Kathy Richardson of Boone County.
The Illinois 4-H Foundation provides support for this program.
Source: Dan Jennings, 4-H Animal Science Educator, djjennin@illinois.edu
Writer: Carissa Nelson, 4-H Media Communications Manager, carissa7@illinois.edu
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.
About Extension: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.