Livestock Judging

Livestock judging is a process of evaluating, selecting, placing, and learning the various livestock species. Selection of project animals is actually judging livestock, comparing the merits of one animal against the merits of other potential project animals. Livestock producers, breeders, feeders, buyers, and packers evaluate livestock for their potential as either breeding or market animals. In 4-H, livestock judging contests are held to test the knowledge of 4-H members.

Four steps are involved in judging animals:

1. Information - The judge must know the intended use of the animals.
2. Observation - The judge must carefully observe each animal and note how it meets or fails to meet the requirements of its intended use.
3. Comparison - Each animal must be compared with all others to establish differences and similarities.
4. Conclusion - After completion of the first three steps, the judge must arrive at a logical placing for the animals.

State Livestock Judging Contest

The Livestock Judging Contest that serves as the California 4-H State Qualifier will be held at California State University at Fresno. There is still a livestock judging contest held at the UC Davis Ag Science Field Day, but it is not the California 4-H State Qualifier.

The first place team in the State 4-H Livestock Judging contest shall be eligible to represent the State of California in the official National 4-H Livestock Judging competition in Louisville, Kentucky.  The second place team may participate in the American Royal, November, Kansas City, MO.  The third place team may participate in the National Western Stock Show, January, Denver, CO.

A county may enter more than one livestock judging team. A judging team typically consists of 4 members and in calculating the team’s scores the lowest individual score is dropped. A club or county may also enter a 3-person team. If you do not have enough members to make a team, 4‑Hers may compete as “individuals”. They will be eligible for individual awards, but cannot qualify to go to the National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest.

Contest Chairperson: Mitch Ylarregui at 559.706.3988 or mylarregui@ucmerced.edu

California State 2009 Livestock Judging Contest
April 18, 2009 at CSU Fresno

A Registration Form and the Rules and Regulations for the contest are enclosed. Photo identification of team/individual members must be submitted with the registration form.  The photo must be clear.  Registration must be postmarked no later than February 1, 2009 and mailed along with the entry fee to the:
California State 4-H Office
UC Davis
DANR Bldg, One Shields Ave
Davis, CA 95616-8575.
Late or faxed registration for the California State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest will not be accepted.

Special Note: Participating members in the 2009 contest must be enrolled in 4-H by January 1, 2009. CONFIRMATION OF NATIONAL 4-H JUDGING PARTICIPATION MUST BE CONFIRMED TO STATE 4-H LIVESTOCK JUDGING CHAIRPERSON BY MAY 30TH FOLLOWING THE STATE FINALS.

Information and Registration Form (Word) (PDF)

The California 4-H Youth Development Program gratefully acknowledges the following for their support:
The Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation
Madera Ag Boosters
Madera County 4-H Program