Describe the Issue or Situation.

The goal of the Kentucky 4-H State Livestock Quiz Bowl Contest is to not only test youth on what they know about the livestock industry, but provide, a greater understanding of the issues, practices, and facts surrounding animal agriculture. Furthermore, instilling a sense of confidence, decision making, and teamwork into the minds of young people, along with the ability to research topics and make logical conclusions based on their findings, better prepares them for success in later life. 

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

Depending on their county's program and practice regiment, some teams were invested in learning and preparing for the contest almost a year in advance. Youth in the Cloverbud (5-8 yr.), Junior (9-13 yr.), and Senior (14-18 yr.) divisions participated in the event. While the Cloverbud division's activities were tailored to be instructional, the Junior and Senior division questions promoted intense competition. Junior questions revolved around each team's ability to grasp basic animal agriculture concepts such as breeds, current events, and animal care, while the Senior division was tempered with a mix of deeper understanding concepts such as genetics, animal health, and quality assurance. Of course, with the senior division ultimately vying for a chance to compete at the epitome of progressive experiences in what is known as the National Junior Livestock Quiz Bowl Contest at the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) in November, competition was fierce. Beyond learning about the livestock industry, this activity creates disciplined, dedicated, and driven young people who can serve as advocates for animal science, agriculture, and 4-H in their communities. This exercise educates youth who will serve as a vessel for information, translating knowledge to peers and public entities that don't have exposure to animal agriculture. This program is building a generation of teachers and researchers that are willing to dive deep into a content rich environment, in order to share their facts and findings to the masses. In turn, this creates a more informed public and closes the gap between urban and rural life. 

Once more, in an effort to cater to youth, agents, and adult volunteers competing in similar events, Kentucky 4-H Youth Livestock Programs decided to hold a double header weekend with the State Livestock Quiz Bowl Contest taking place on Friday February 14th and the State Livestock Skillathon Contest taking place on Saturday February 15th. This provided added convenience to those who would have been competing in both competitions to begin with, but it also served as an experiment to increase participation in both events. The prior year (2024), a total of five teams, across all divisions had competed at the State Livestock Quiz Bowl Contest. This year a total of 20 teams competed, reflecting an astonishing 300% increase from 2024.  

Finally, Benchmark Graphic and The Boot Store of Nicholasville were integral in providing awards for these hard-working young people. 

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

The contest consisted of 20 teams, representing nine counties from across Kentucky. There were a total of four registered Cloverbuds, 37 Juniors, and 32 Seniors in attendance. There were 11 junior teams and nine senior teams in the competition. Additionally, 22 registered adult volunteers and agents coaching their teams and serving as officials for the contest. At the helm were four five 4-H Staff Members, and two University of Kentucky faculty helping facilitate the event. The event was held at L.D. Brown Exposition Center at Western Kentucky University.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.

With a 300% increase in participation, the Kentucky 4-H State Livestock Quiz Bowl Contest is thriving. Livestock Quiz Bowl encourages youth hungry for a deeper understanding of animal sciences to invest in a progressive experience that can help develop educators who can serve in both rural and urban environments.