Youth Livestock/Meats Events

Livestock Judges

Check here for information and backgrounds of judges available to judge Livestock Shows and Fairs.

Hog 'n Ham

Participants experience the total process of pork production from beginning to end. Youth select a feeder pig and grow it to harvesting weight, keeping records on feed amounts and costs, health care, expenses, weights, etc. They harvest the hog, process it into wholesale or retail cuts, cure the hams, and prepare bacon and sausage for smoking. To finish the program, they do a retail comparison project, complete a record book, and present a demonstration or illustrated talk.

Livestock Evaluation

Livestock Evaluation includes educational activities related to the production and marketing of cattle, sheep, and swine. Along with the typical "placing four animals" classes, events include breeding cattle and swine selection classes, market hog evaluation, and feeder and fed cattle evaluation. Youth gain confidence in their decisions by defending them orally.

Meats Judging

Much of the information learned in Meats Judging is applicable to day to day life, even if the youth pursues a career outside of agriculture. Not only do youth evaluate and compare beef, pork, and lamb carcasses and their wholesale cuts, but also learn retail cut identification and factors affecting meat quality.