Four EWC students participated in UW practice judging contests
October 28, 2002
(Torrington, WY October 28, 2002) Four EWC students, Travis Smith, Torrington; Cole Desenfants, Torrington; Larissa Works, Carson City, NV; and James Mahr, Sioux City, IA, participated in UW practice judging contests on October 18th and CSU on October 19th. Smith posted the highest scores (514/600) for the EWC team at the UW event, while Works posted the highest scores for the EWC team (538/600) at the CSU contest. Placing scores on each class range from 1-50 points. If a student scores 540/600 total points, he/she averages 45/50 points per class.
Both practice contests drew competitive teams from several states to prepare for upcoming national events in Kansas City, KS; Louisville, KY; and Denver, CO. The UW contest had twelve classes (5-sheep, 4-cattle, 3-hog). The CSU contest also had twelve classes (3-sheep, 5-cattle,4-hog). Contestants were also required to give eight sets of oral reasons per contest. The EWC participants opted out of the 'reasons' as they were all judging for the first time.
Tim Walter, EWC instructor and Judging Club sponsor, explained that livestock judging is a valuable tool in youth education as it requires decision-making, organizational and public speaking skills. Tim also said that many of the breeding classes include performance data, i.e. Estimated Progeny Difference's (EPD's) indexes, muscle scores, and weight gains. Performance information makes the judging process more objective than the fairly subjective visual evaluation.
With forty students majoring in Ag, EWC offers two livestock judging related courses and currently has six students in the Practicum class and twelve students in the Judging class. EWC Student Activities Council supports the newly formed Judging Club, while meals and transportation costs are covered by club members when participating in out-of-town activities.
For more information about the Livestock Judging Club contact Tim Walter at 307. 532-8271.
