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Dennis Murphy

For the students, by the students

Livestock grading and judging events coming to Trowbridge
By Katie Allen, Corner Post staff

In an attempt to improve Missouri’s livestock industry, the 16th Annual Missouri Youth Livestock Grading and Judging Contest and Workshop will allow youth and adults from across the state to learn livestock evaluation skills and US Department of Agriculture standards. The date of the event is March 12 at Trowbridge Livestock Center, Columbia, Mo.

More than 1,000 youth and adults are expected to participate in the event that is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Agriculture, University of Missouri, and the USDA. Other event sponsors include Callaway Livestock Center, Missouri Beef Industry Council, Missouri Pork Association, Farm Credit Services, MFA, Missouri Sheep Merchandising Council and Farm Bureau.

Participants of the contest will learn about traditional livestock judging, comprised of ranking a group of animals from top to bottom. In addition, a member of the MU Livestock Judging Team will provide an oral set of reasons for the ranking for participants. There will be a presentation and competition on USDA slaughter cattle, feeder cattle, slaughter hog and slaughter goat grading, and a keep/cull competition will allow participants to select breeding stock and replacement animals for production herds.

According to Loyd Wilson, Director of Division of Market Information and Outreach at MDA, all participation in the contest portion of the event is done individually. However, organizations can bring an unlimited number of participants for the contest, as space permits.

The top four individuals from any one organization will compete for the high scoring team awards. Individual and team awards include plaques, trophies and jackets. MFA will also donate six $50 gift certificates, drawn for at the conclusion of the contest.

In addition to the contest, a grading and judging workshop will include explanations of USDA grades, traditional judging and keep/cull classes that is designed for participants in the eighth grade or lower.

Adults may also take part in the contest, as anyone over age 21 can qualify to be a certified livestock judge by scoring 80 percent or higher in the adult competition. Participants out of high school will compete as adults.

New to the schedule at this year’s event is an equine workshop that will take place the same day at Midway Exposition Center in Columbia. MDA is working with the Missouri Equine Council for this portion of the event.

“ Horses are a very important part of our state’s rural infrastructure and economy,” Wilson said. “Many Missouri youth are involved with horses, and the same types of evaluation skills are needed for those who plan to be a part of the equine industry.”

With the new horse program and additional goat demonstrations, sponsors hope to make the event more diverse.

“ The number of participants varies from year to year, but due to the popularity of the event, we are able to make the most of the Trowbridge facility,” Wilson said.

Many Mizzou students are expected to assist with the event, as MU donates the facility and majority of the livestock for both the contest and workshop.

“ Block and Bridle typically provides numerous student workers to deal with livestock handling,” said Chip Kemp, MU Livestock Judging Team Coach. “Also, many of the students associated with the Livestock Judging program (at MU) will be on hand to help out in a variety of ways.”

Those interested in participating in the grading and judging contest and workshop must submit a registration form and $6 individual registration fee to MDA. The fee includes lunch at the event. Registration forms and more information regarding the events can be found at http://www.mda.state.mo.us/Market/c5.htm or by calling 573-751-5618. All completed registration forms must be received by February 11.

Other Links:
USDA
Missouri Farm Bureau
Missouri Beef Industry Council
Missouri Pork Association
Farm Credit Services
MFA

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