Urbana, Ill. — Seventy 4-H youth participated in the State 4-H Livestock Skillathon held in the Stock Pavilion on University of Illinois campus on Nov. 4. Participants went through the contest and then participated in a learning workshop to better prepare for next year’s contests in the summer and fall.

The contest included a livestock knowledge quiz, hay judging, wool judging, and the identification of breeds, feeds, meat cuts, and equipment.

“Livestock Skillathons are a great opportunity for 4-H’ers who love learning about livestock and the animal agriculture industry,” says Myla Munro, University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development educator. “Skillathons allow youth to demonstrate and expand their knowledge through experiential learning while also providing an opportunity to develop life skills like problem-solving.”

Winners in the Junior Division included Abigail Wamsley of Christian County in first place, Kalen Setterdahl of Knox County in second place, Preston Howell of DeWitt County in third place, Lucy DeAth of Vermilion County in fourth place, and Lily DeAth of Vermilion County in fifth place.

Winners of the Senior division included Jimmy Britz of Sangamon County in first place, Addison Tebbe of Clinton County in second place, Brook Glander of Boone County in third place, Claire Kuipers of McLean County in fourth place, and Paige Martin of McLean County in fifth place.

This skillathon event serves as a preparation event for the Superior Young Producers Skillathon, which is held annually at the Illinois State Fair. The contest was hosted by the Illinois State 4-H Livestock Ambassador Team, Champaign, Ford, Iroquois, Vermilion Counties, and the University of Illinois Department of Animal Science.

Source:  Dan Jennings, Illinois 4-H Educator, djjennin@illinois.edu

Writer:  Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, 4-H State Office, 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.