Describe the Issue or Situation.

Each year CPC hold an annual field day for over 15 years a youth livestock judging contest has been a part of the event.  2024 saw the addition of a dairy cattle evaluation contest as well.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

The participants show a very wide range of skills and overall readiness for such an event.  Some students were well prepared by parents, extension agents, and agriculture teachers prior to the event. Sadly other participants has little or no instruction prior to the event.  Extension professionals facilitating the event did their best to provide instruction and guidance on selection and visual appraisal. 

The event also allowed the seedstock producers an opportunity to display their stock for advertisement purposes.  The stock was in plain view of all those in attendance of the field day, not just the youth practicing in the judging contest.

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

628 youth participants from KY & TN

56 FFA Chapters and 4H clubs represented

9 Extension Agents and Program Assistants representing 2 universities assisted with contest

8 Members of CPC team assisted with contest

6 Seedstock producing families provided the stock to evaluate

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. 

628 you were presented with an excellent set of animals to evaluate.  The animals were brought by top breeders, who have received national recognition for their seedstock.

The classes were officiated by very known and respected official judges.  The dairy official has previously evaluated cattle at the World Dairy Expo.  Both the beef and sheep officials have evaluated at numerous state fairs and the North American International Livestock Exposition.

Post contest, the officials were on hand to discuss and explain the places with teams and individuals.

One of the beef seedstock providers sold 2 of the 4 bulls she brought that day.

One participant remarked that he, “saw the class pretty well correct, but after the official explained the class I saw what I missed.  I won’t do that again.”

Another participant said, “I really didn’t get what I supposed to be doing, but after all the explanations, I think I’m beginning to get it.”

A coach noted, “this is as good a set of animals in contest that you’ll see.  Thank you for putting together a great contest.  My kids really learned somethings today”  (that coach and his team went on to win the TN State FFA contest the next week)

A TN 4H agent, who has bought students to the content for many years said, “this was the best contest yet.  Y’all make sure the kids learn something no matter their skill level.  See you next year.”