Are You Smarter than a Livestock Kid?

Hundreds of North Carolina youth gather in Raleigh for three contests. These competitions test their knowledge of all things livestock. They practice. They study. They bring their game face. There’s nothing quite like it, and so many come back year after year to compete. Trust me. I was one of them several years ago. Here is a glimpse into each of these livestock competitions: Skillathon—A contest of knowledge, identification, and evaluation Tables are lined in rows. On each table is spread items waiting to be identified. There are four categories—feed, meat, breeds, and equipment. Youth are assigned groups are directed…

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Heat doesn’t stop youth from competing in livestock contests

Following is a guest post from Marisa Linton. Marisa grew up showing and raising livestock, and currently lives on her family’s small farm in Mount Olive. She has shown animals at the N.C. State Fair for the past 14 years and is a past youth livestock scholarship recipient. She is an N.C. State University graduate, agricultural photographer and blogger. It was hot. The kind of hot that North Carolina summers are known for, where the humidity envelops you like clothes. It’s the kind of hot day where air conditioning is preferred. However, more than 100 youth gave up a few…

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North Carolina youth compete nationally in livestock judging and skillathon contests

Following is a guest post from Marisa Linton. Marisa grew up showing and raising livestock, and currently lives on her family’s small farm in Mount Olive. She has shown animals at the N.C. State Fair for the past 14 years and is a past youth livestock scholarship recipient. She is an N.C. State University graduate, agricultural photographer and blogger. Skillathon Team competed at Keystone Left to Right: Mary Dunn, Sierra Sockwell, Mary Beth Tyndall and Stefani Garbicek Every year, youth from across the state come to Raleigh to compete in livestock judging and skillathon contests. The competition is heated, and…

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