Keith Martin
Livestock Production
Forage Production
uch time was focused on 4-H livestock judging this month.
On June 14, the district had a beginner’s camp at K-State Research and Extension’s Southeast Area Research & Extension Center in Parsons. We had 12 participants, most had never given reasons prior to the camp and and for some this was their first livestock judging experience. The purpose of the camp was to introduce participants to the basics of livestock judging and reasons. I feel that it was a success due to the fact three of the participants attended our regular camp the following week and seven of those who attended the beginner's camp judged at the area contest the following Thursday in Yates Center. Those assisting with the camp included: Jeri Geren, Cheri Nelson, and two team members from last year Andrew Anderson and Dalton Flatt.
On June 18 – 20, we had our annual livestock judging camp. Thanks to Messner Farms, Caney; Bill Mein, Girard; and Larry McNickle, Cherryvale for providing livestock classes for our camp. Our average attendance for the three days was over 25 participants per day, with participation from every county in the district. We worked on judging classes in the morning and oral reasons on those classes in the afternoon. Tim Hubbard, the livestock judging coach at Northern Oklahoma College was our lead instructor. Team members from last year's team also assisted.
We participated in the Southeast Area Contest on June 21 with six seniors and 17 juniors participating. We earned third place Senior team and fourth place Senior team. Our members also participated in Skillathon and Meats judging as well.
Three of our senior members also went to K-State's livestock judging camp.
In addition to livestock judging, I spent time working on soil test reports. I also dedicated time to social and mass media as well as planning for upcoming events, including county fairs.
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Brush Control
Harvest Timing