Three Shelby County 4-H members competed in the 2025 Cattle Working Contest offered by the Kentucky Junior Cattlemen’s Association. These three young men have exhausted their eligibility in Kentucky 4-H Livestock Contests but still have the drive to compete. Looking for opportunities from other organizations for them to demonstrate their skills is not easy with so few opportunities being made available. Competing in livestock associated contests that do not involve showing is becoming more popular throughout the state. These contests allow youth who do not have the means to show, time or interest but still have a passion for agriculture the ability to express their interest, learn new skills and grow as a livestock producer.

The KJCA Cattle Working Contest gives youth an opportunity to display their knowledge and ability to work three calves based on a producer’s scenario. The team of three must work together to correctly process the calves following proper Beef Quality Care Assurance practices. They are also timed and give a quiz. All the elements of this contest are taught through our county’s livestock skillathon practices along with practices on the youth’s family cattle operations. It’s not only about the technical skills but also the soft skills they have. They must use their communication, time management, and ability to delegate tasks to accomplish the tasks given. It’s a great full circle experience for the youth who have learned by doing and are now competing in different avenues.

There were 22 teams who competed in the qualifying event and 10 teams who made it to the state contest. These contests offered through other organizations, and the youth who compete in them, are a great example of the progressive experience that can happen.