Describe the Issue or Situation.

Each year CPC holds an annual field day and 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 assisted with contest

6 Seedstock producing families provided the stock to evaluate

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. 

Over 600 youth attended the days contest to evaluate livestock from progressive seedstock producers across the region.

The classes were officiated by very known and respected official judges.

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

After completion of the contest numerous participants noted that they appreciated the officials explaining the placings and learned from that interaction.

The previous statement was an example from participant saying, “I really didn’t get what I supposed to be doing, but after all the explanations, I think I’m beginning to get it.”