Seventy young participants took part in the State 4-H Livestock Skillathon at the University of Illinois campus on November 4. The event, held in the Stock Pavilion, featured a livestock knowledge quiz, hay judging, wool judging, and identification tasks involving breeds, feeds, meat cuts, and equipment.
Myla Munro, a University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development educator, highlighted the benefits of such events: “Livestock Skillathons are a great opportunity for 4-H’ers who love learning about livestock and the animal agriculture industry. Skillathons allow youth to demonstrate and expand their knowledge through experiential learning while also providing an opportunity to develop life skills like problem-solving.”
In the Junior Division, Abigail Wamsley from Christian County secured first place. Kalen Setterdahl from Knox County took second place, followed by Preston Howell from DeWitt County in third. Lucy DeAth and Lily DeAth from Vermilion County placed fourth and fifth respectively.
The Senior Division saw Jimmy Britz from Sangamon County claim first place. Addison Tebbe from Clinton County came second, Brook Glander from Boone County was third, Claire Kuipers from McLean County finished fourth, and Paige Martin also from McLean County rounded out the top five.
This skillathon serves as preparation for the Superior Young Producers Skillathon at the Illinois State Fair. The event was organized by several groups including the Illinois State 4-H Livestock Ambassador Team and the University of Illinois Department of Animal Science.
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