Contest gives youth the opportunity to judge
COSHOCTON – The general livestock judging contest at the Coshocton County Fair gives area youth the opportunity to experience being a judge.
Contestants judge sheep, hogs, and beef cattle in market and breeding classes at the fair. There are four animals in each class and they place them in order from best to worst.
Emily Adams, the OSU Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources County Extension Director, Coshocton County, said each participant is given a score card where they order the animals and are able to write down questions. There also is an official judge who judges the animals and compares his thoughts to the participants in the contest.
“The kids have to look at the animals, observe them and make decisions,” Adams said. “I think it’s a great contest because of the decision making process. It’s good for those who show animals to help them understand what the judges are looking for. It also helps them learn about other species.”
She added that the contestants have about 12 minutes to judge each class and that volunteers hold the sheep, steers and heifers and help control the hogs.
Any 4-H or FFA member can compete even if they don’t have a livestock project at the fair. Plus there is no fee to take part thanks to sponsors. Participants will be divided into a junior and senior division.
“We have prizes for all who participate and place,” Adams said. “They will get things such as brushes, halters, feed buckets and other useful items especially for kids who have livestock.”
Anyone interested in participating in the general livestock judging contest on Tuesday, Oct. 3 is asked to meet at 3:30 p.m. at the open class dairy barn. Rules will be discussed at 4 p.m. and contestants will be given time to write questions on their score cards. The contest will officially start at 4:30 p.m. in Hunter Arena.
Category: Arts & Entertainment
