More than 1,200 rural Oklahoma youths received strong support from Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers program when the farm group sponsored livestock judging contests at this year’s Oklahoma State Fair and Tulsa State Fair.
“We believe these contests are a good opportunity for young people to evaluate livestock and learn public speaking skills,” said Brent Straub, Hobart young farmer and chairman of the OFB YF&R committee.
Competitors judge the livestock based on the animals’ market and breeding qualities.
“Anybody who wants to be involved in agriculture needs these skills,” Straub said.
Contestants competed in different age brackets for both team and individual categories. Winners received plaques, cash awards and jackets. The Tulsa contest served as a qualifying event for the National Western Livestock Show contest in Denver in January.
-30-
