Jessamine County Livestock Challenge

The Jessamine County 4-H Program has partnered with the Jessamine County FFA to put on the Livestock Fitting show for many years.  This show dates back to the 1970’s, and used to be solely run by our FFA department as a way for Beef exhibitors to share their knowledge with non ag youth.  The fitting show was just a showmanship show to give youth a chance to practice and start out the show season. As youth livestock numbers have continued to increase, a need for a more substantial event came to light.

The Jessamine County 4-H and FFA Livestock Challenge encompasses a skill a thon contest, a showmanship show and a fitting contest.  Youth could chose to participate in one or all of the activities.  42 youth were present at the livestock challenge including 95% of the 4-H livestock membership. The 4-H and FFA program partnered with the Jessamine County investment in Youth Livestock sale Committee to be able to provide $2500 to go toward prizes and a meal for this event.  Youth who participated in the inaugural livestock challenge stated it was a great way to start the season, and that their prizes allowed them to buy much needed supplies to show for the summer. One youth commented that the improvements to the old fitting show allowed for youth without animals to participate in the livestock program through skill a thon. Overall this program change has allowed us to offer our county youth a great opportunity