AMES, Iowa – Iowa 4-H members joined youth from 18 other states as they participated in the American Royal Judging Contest in Kansas City, Missouri, on Oct. 21. Competing against 15 top teams and 68 individuals from across the nation, Clinton County represented Iowa 4-H and demonstrated exceptional skill and preparation across various categories, earning high marks in both team and individual divisions.
Team members were Kyle Deppe, Caleb Kruse, Kalloway Whitman and Ryan Olson. Doug Deppe coached the team. This team had placed third at the state competition, earning their spot to represent Iowa at the national contest.
In livestock judging, participants evaluated 10 various classes of market and breeding cattle, goats, sheep and hogs, based on specific criteria such as conformation, muscling and structural correctness. They also gave six sets of oral reasons. Their keen eye for detail and ability to discern quality were on full display as they carefully analyzed each animal presented to them.
“My favorite part of this contest was the moment after the last set of reasons. At the American Royal, we gave six sets of reasons, which we rarely do at the high school level,” said Kyle Deppe. “Once you give that last set, it is a rush of emotions, both feeling nervous and relieved. This rush is something that I can’t find anywhere else than with livestock judging.”
“The delegates who represent Iowa at the American Royal Livestock Judging Contest have the opportunity to develop critical life skills such as self-confidence, organization, critical thinking and teamwork,” said Celine Beggs-Shoemaker, 4-H animal science education specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “They also gain a deeper understanding of the livestock industry, including animal selection, evaluation, breed characteristics, production factors and marketing, while connecting with young people who share similar interests.”
“This [American Royal] is a national contest where we see teams from all over the country, which should gear me up for my college career in livestock judging,” Deppe said.
The team finished sixth overall, received fifth place in oral reasons, sixth place in the swine breed, sixth place in sheep and goats, and ninth place in cattle. Caleb Kruse placed 19th overall in the contest, with recognition as the fourth-place individual in oral reasonings and fifth-place individual in cattle based on the total of class placings and reason scores in cattle classes.
Kyle Deppe placed 18th overall; Kalloway Whitman placed 22nd overall; and Ryan Olson placed 28th overall individual.
“The Iowa delegates’ accomplishments mark yet another milestone for the Clinton County 4-H team and highlights this team’s dedication to excellence, teamwork and mastery in livestock judging,” said Beggs-Shoemaker. “I’m proud of how they represented Iowa 4-H on the national stage.”
“I have participated in livestock judging contests since I was 8 years old. Iowa has some of the best and most competitive livestock judges in the country, some of which are on my team. This form of competition is a great steppingstone into these national contests,” Deppe said.
Funding support for 4-H youth participation in the American Royal trip is provided by the Iowa 4-H Equine Endowment, held by the Iowa 4-H Foundation.
For more information on the Iowa 4-H Youth Development program, please contact your ISU Extension and Outreach county office or visit the Iowa 4-H website.
–ISU Extension
