Describe the Issue or Situation.

The Kentucky 4-H State Livestock Skillathon Contest allows participants to apply learned animal science principles in simulated real-world situations. From meats evaluation to quality assurance and wool judging to breeding scenarios, this contest challenges youth to be well rounded stockmen and women that can perform the daily tasks required to be successful contributors in the field of animal agriculture. Not to mention, in preparing for, and competing in, this competition, youth develop communication, critical thinking, and time management skills that can prove priceless in their future endeavors. Finally, the skills and knowledge that these young people obtain in preparation for competition equip them with the ability to both explain and demonstrate animal agriculture practices to those in urban settings, which in turn extends the land grant mission beyond rural borders. 

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

Conducting the 2025 Kentucky 4-H State Livestock Skillathon Contest was a collaborative effort, made possible by 44 agents and adult volunteers, two State 4-H Office Staff, and two University of Kentucky Animal Science faculty. The contest was part of a State 4-H Livestock Program's double-header weekend, with the Kentucky 4-H State Livestock Quiz Bowl Contest taking place on Friday February 14th, and the Kentucky 4-H State Livestock Skillathon Contest taking place on Saturday February 15th. Both individual and team stations demanded students to be prepared for a vast variety of topics, including retail meat identification, livestock breeds Identification, livestock equipment identification, quality assurance, breeding scenarios, meats evaluation, animal reproduction, livestock marketing, animal nutrition, and feeding. This all-day contest had participation from Cloverbuds (5-8 yr.), Juniors (9-13 yr.), and Seniors (14-18 yr.), with the champion senior team earning the right to represent Kentucky at the National 4-H Livestock Skillathon Contest at the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) in Louisville, Kentucky in November. 

The contest awards were made possible by Farm Credit Mid-America, Benchmark Graphic Company and The Boot Store of Nicholasville. 

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

In total there were 259 participants. There were 44 agents/adult volunteers, 23 Cloverbuds, 107 Juniors, and 85 Seniors. Of the 259 registered attendees, 26 counties from across the commonwealth were represented.  Additionally, there were around 30 spectators for the event who came to support the youth competing. 

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.

A follow-up survey still needs to be conducted to draw more conclusions regarding participation, demographics, and knowledge retention.