LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Braydon DeCounter's journey from animal- loving, little boy to a member of the Reserve National Champion livestock judging team is an inspiring tale of dedication, mentorship, and a passion for agriculture. Today, the Fulton County 4-H member stands tall as a member of the Illinois State 4-H Livestock Judging Team and prepares to compete on the international stage in at the Royal Highland Show in Scotland.
Braydon's father began teaching him about livestock judging when he was about 5 years old. Braydon’s seemed to have a keen eye for ranking cattle, swine, sheep, and goat. He was able to hone his skills through local 4-H and FFA competitions.
His talent caught the eye of Robyn Hendel, Fulton County 4-H Livestock Judging Coach, who became a pivotal mentor in Braydon's journey. Under Robyn's guidance, Braydon refined his judging abilities and set his sights on the Illinois State 4-H team.
Last year, Braydon's dream became reality when he received the call he'd been waiting for – an invitation to join the team. This achievement led him to the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) in Louisville, Kentucky, where he placed in the top ten for cattle reasons and, along with his teammates, secured the Reserve National Champion title in the National 4-H Livestock Judging contest.
Braydon's story doesn't end there. His dedication to livestock judging continues at Lincoln Land Community College, where he is a member of the college's judging team. He encourages all young people with a passion for agriculture to explore the world of livestock judging, highlighting the valuable skills and experiences it offers.
"Livestock judging has brought me out of my comfort zone and made me the person I am today," says Braydon. He has grown to be a better public speaker and confident person.
Braydon's journey is a testament to the power of mentorship and the transformative potential of 4-H programs. His upcoming trip to Scotland in the early summer of 2024 is a chance not only to compete on the international stage and learn more about different livestock breeds from around the world.
To learn more about how young people ages 5 to 18 can become members of the 4-H program in Fulton County, contact Krista Gray or Rachel Van Cleve at University of Illinois Extension at 309-547-3711.
Picture Caption: Slone Windush, Carter Hoge, Anna Webel , Cole Freebrin, and Braydon DeCounter take on the NAILE 4-H Livestock Judging Contest.
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. Illinois Extension is part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.