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Friday, April 8th, 2022 | 11:00am
WVU Jackson's Mill

Eligibility

The contest is open to all 4-H, FFA, and other youth between the ages of 8 and 18 as of January 1, 2022. Contestants must be enrolled in school to compete, and college students are not eligible.

Format

• The contest will consist of two divisions—junior and senior.
  
• Contestants age 8-13 as of Jan. 1, 2022 will compete in the junior division. All other contestants will compete in the senior division.
  
• Each division will consist of both an individual and team contest.
  
• A team must consist of four (4) 4-H or FFA members, but may consist of all junior, all senior, or a mix of junior and senior contestants.
  
• Mixed teams will compete in the senior division, and all members of mixed teams will compete individually in the senior division.
  
• All four (4) team member’s scores will be used to calculate team scores.
  
• Individuals (4-H, FFA, or other) may participate when four (4) contestants cannot be assembled for a team.   
  

Registration

Pre-Registration by April 1st is mandatory!

The registration process has changed. Registration is now completed online at www.judgingcard.com Each county extension office and FFA chapter has a username and password to register for events through judgingcard.com If you have questions, please contact Sarah Owen. The registration link will close on April 1.

Registration fees are $10/team or $2/individual contestant. Please make checks payable to WV Beef Expo. Payment (checks are preferred) must be made at contest check-in, and payment must be received prior to distribution of team packet.

Contest check-in and distribution of team packets will begin at 9:00 AM in the new barn on the airport. Please check-in as soon as possible after you arrive.

Classes:

The contest will consist of 10 classes worth 50 points each for a total possible score of 500 points. There will be four (4) live animal evaluation classes—three (3) placing classes (50 points each) of four animals each and one feeder cattle grading class (50 points) with five animals.

Performance Data and EPDs

At least one placing class will utilize performance data and EPDs. Birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, milk and other EPDs such as calving ease direct (CED), maternal calving ease (CEM), scrotal circumference, heifer pregnancy, etc. will be used. Performance data may include adjusted measurements and ratios.

Feeder Cattle Grading

For the feeder cattle grading class, contestants will assign a USDA feeder cattle frame and muscle score to each animal. Contestants must mark their score sheet for both muscle and frame. For example, if animal # 1 is a medium frame score and a number 2 muscle score, then the contestant should mark both the medium and number 2 spots for animal # 1. Each correct answer is worth 5 points for a total of 10 points possible per animal.

Cattle Placing

There will be one (1) class of 5 questions pertaining to a cattle placing class. Questions will be posted at the class and will need to be answered during the evaluation of the class. Each correct answer is worth 10 points for a total of 50 possible points.

Quiz Class

There will be one (1) quiz class. This class will consist of ten (10) questions worth five (5) points each and take place in the arena. Contestants will be expected to answer questions without the use of notes. Contestants will be allowed adequate time to answer each question before the next is asked. Each question will be repeated at least once. All parents, coaches, and others will be asked to remain outside.

Quality Assurance

There will be one (1) quality assurance related class where contestants will answer five (5) multiple choice questions about an animal health product (vaccine, dewormer, antibiotic, ionophore, etc.) Questions will be worth 10 points each.

Sire Selection

There will be one (1) sire selection class. Contestants will be provided a scenario along with performance data and EPDs for four sires. Using the information provided, contestants will either answer five (5) multiple choice questions or place the class. (50 points)

Retail Meat Identification & Forage Species Identification

There will be one (1) class of retail meat identification (50 points) and one (1) class of forage species identification (50 points). Contestants will be asked to identify five (5) to 10 samples per class, which may include but are not limited to items from the following lists. Each identification class will be multiple choice with (4) choices per sample.

Forage species may include:

Scoring:

Contestants will record their answers using a scantron sheet. Please make sure each contestant has at least two (2) #2 lead pencils and a clipboard. Further details will be explained prior to the start of the contest.

Awards:

Junior Division

1. First Place Team $100 & trophies
   
2. Second Place Team $75 & trophies
   
3. Third Place Team $50 & trophies
   
4. Fourth Place Team $25
   
5. First Place Individual $50 & trophy
   
6. Second through tenth place individual
   

• 2nd $40
• 3rd $30
• 4th $20
• 5th-10th $10 each

Senior Division

1. First Place Team $300 & trophies
   
2. Second Place Team $200 & trophies
   
3. Third Place Team $100 & trophies
   
4. Fourth Place Team $50
   
5. First Place Individual $100 & trophy
   
6. Second through tenth place individual
   

• 2nd $90
• 3rd $80
• 4th $70
• 5th $60
• 6th $50
• 7th $40
• 8th $30
• 9th $20
• 10th $10

Individual contestants are eligible for individual awards only. Individual awards become the property of the individual. Team awards become the property of the 4-H organization or FFA Chapter represented.

Awards will be presented in the show arena at approximately 4:45 PM on the contest date.

Questions:

If you have questions or would like to request a copy of the scantron sheets used for scoring, please contact:

Sarah Owen | (304) 293-2708
Bruce Loyd | (304) 269-4660
Ronnie Helmondollar | (304) 293-9464
Debbie Friend | (304) 765-2809

Kevin Shaffer | (304) 293-2669