Virginia 4-H Livestock Program

Stockmens Contest

BACKGROUND - The Stockmens Contest is a comprehensive test of knowledge about livestock. The subject matter covered is information that relates directly to 4H livestock work by members. The state contest is held as part of the State Fair of Virginia. The Stockmens Contest format is used in many events around Virginia, as part of county fairs and regional livestock shows. The contest held at the State Fair is for both 4H and FFA members.

ELIGIBILITY - 4H members must be enrolled in a livestock project in the Extension unit they represent in this contest. FFA members must be enrolled in the chapter they represent. Junior division contestants are 9 through 13 by September 1 of the current year. Senior contestants are 14 - 19 years old by September 1 of the current year. Students are not eligible if they heave begun college prior to June 1 of the current year.

THE CONTEST - Classes in the contest include

1. Written test with 25 questions concerning total livestock industry. 100 points
2. Identification of 10 pieces of livestock equipment. 50 points
3. Identification of 10 breeds of beef cattle, sheep, and hogs. 50 points
4. Identification of 10 feeds 50 points
5. Identification of 10 retail cuts of meat 50 points
6. Five 10 point questions about a class of hogs. 25 points
7. Five 10 point questions about a class of beef cattle. 25 points
8. Five 10 point questions about a class of sheep. 25 points
9. Class of retail cuts. 50 points
10. Class of four cattle. 50 points
11. Class of four hogs. 50 points
12. Class of four sheep 50 points
13. Judging of a class of hay. 50 points

    TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS 625 POINTS

AWARDS - Within each age division there will be ribbons and premium money awarded to the top 20 placing individuals and the top 10 teams, based upon total score. In addition, the top 3 individuals in each age division will receive scholarships to be used in support of any accredited continuing education program after high school graduation. Every contestant will receive a participation award.

ENTRIES - Entries are limited to two senior teams and two junior teams (up to 4 members per team) from each Extension unit or FFA chapter. Entries are sent to the Extension Animal Scientist, 4H Livestock at Virginia Tech.

National Stockmens Contest - A contest similar in format to the Stockmens contest is held in conjunction with the National 4H Livestock Judging Contest at Louisville Kentucky in November. The first place senior team representing a 4H unit will be invited to represent Virginia in this event.

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