Welcome to the 2020 Frederick County 4-H Livestock Judging Program! Over the summer months we will learn how to evaluate beef cattle, sheep, swine and meat goats.
4-H members will learn how to:
• evaluate the livestock for preferred characteristics
• prepare a set of reasons to defend why they placed the class accordingly
• use industry terms for describing livestock
• will tour local farms and meet breeders in the area with beef, sheep, swine and meat goats. (when MD 4-H allows)
• learn tips and suggestions from Professional Livestock Judges

Participant Expectations:
• Members will participate in a minimum of 60% of the practices to be eligible for consideration on the Frederick County livestock judging team at Maryland State Fair.
• Participants will complete their own work and submit their opinion for class placings.
• Participants will follow the Maryland 4-H behavior expectations and animal science code of ethics while participating in practices.
• Participants will present themselves in a respectful manner to each other as well as to the coaches and volunteers assisting with the program

Expectations of the Coach:
As your coach I, Donielle Axline, will:
• Provide a schedule for the 2020 season. This will include a virtual learning schedule as well as a face to face schedule when MD 4-H opens programing with times and directions to the different practices.
• Provide classroom and Hands-On lessons to help teach beginner and experienced judgers.
• Provide information for virtual livestock judging camps over the summer which is optional for families to participate.
• Keep track of participation and judging scores as well as attendance to determine eligibility for participation at the Maryland State Fair.
• Accompany participants to contest and practices. However parents are expected to stay during practices and are encouraged to volunteer with listening to reasons / recording scores.