4-H members from Henderson, Knox, and Warren Counties competed in the State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest at the Peoria County Fairgrounds on Monday, June 21. Members evaluated and placed 8 classes of livestock, answered questions about the animals they saw, and the senior teams also defended their placings by delivering oral reasons.
The Knox County Junior Team made up of members Ava Johnson, Addyson Link, Abby Cain, and Lauren Johnson dominated the competition placing first overall. The Warren/Henderson County Junior team placed sixth overall, and an additional Knox County Junior team finished in tenth place. Junior contestants placing in the overall top ten were Addyson Link (Knox) - First, Ava Johnson (Knox) - Third, Ruby Gittings (Henderson) - Fifth, and Macy Brooks (Warren) - Seventh.
Taking second place overall and securing an invitation to compete at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado was the Knox County Senior team whose members included Jack Link, Ethan Emken, Dane Hennenfent, and Anna Webel. The Warren County Senior team placed sixth in the competition. Top ten placings for the senior division included Katelyn Engel (Knox) - Forth, Ethan Emken (Knox) - Fifth, and Anna Webel (Knox) - Ninth.
4-H Youth Development Educator, Shelby Carlson said of the team, “The talent these young people possess never ceases to amaze me. Their ability to evaluate the animals in front of them, rank those animals, and then defend that decision is remarkable.” The 4-H livestock judging teams are coached by dedicated volunteers Bill Hennenfent, Lori Engle, and Rob Link in Knox County and Lynn Shimmin in Warren County.
SOURCE: Shelby Carlson, 4-H Youth Development Educator, Illinois Extension
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.
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