The goal of the 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET) Initiative is to address America's critical need for more scientists and engineers by engaging 150,000 youth by 2013. 4-H SET activities and projects combine non-formal education with hands-on, inquiry-based learning in a positive youth development context to engage youth in improving their SET knowledge, skills and abilities. 4-H SET activities and projects combine the strengths of 4-H Youth Development non-formal experiential-based delivery modes and strong youth-adult partnerships to address SET content as defined by the National Science Education Standards.

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 and Dairy Judging Contests

The Livestock/Dairy Judging Contest that serves as the California 4-H State Qualifier will be held at California State University at Fresno. The contest date is Saturday, April 17, 2010. 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.

Livestock: The first place team in the State 4-H Livestock Judging contest shall be eligible to representthe 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.

Dairy: The top placing county team in the State 4-H Dairy Judging contest shall be eligible to representthe State of California in the official National 4-H Dairy Judging competition at the World Dairy Expo inMadison, Wisconsin.

National 4-H Competitive Event Rules (PDF)

California State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest Rules and Regulations (PDF)

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

California State 2010 Livestock Judging Contest
April 17, 2010 at CSU Fresno

Deadline: February 19, 2010

Entry fee is $20.00 per team or $5.00 per individual. Registration forms must be postmarked no later than February 19, 2010. Photo identification of team/individual members must be submitted with the registration form.  The photo must be clear.  Registration must be 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 2010 contest must be enrolled in 4-H by January 1, 2010. 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 (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