MANHATTAN, Kansas - Over the past week eight members of the South Harrison FFA have trekked the Midwest to participate and compete in one of the Nation’s most prestigious Livestock Judging Camps: Kansas State University, College of Agriculture’s Champions Livestock Judging Camp. Over 100 students from across the country traveled to Manhattan to participate in the judging camp put on by Dr. Payton Dahmer professor of animal sciences and the 2024 Kansas State Collegiate Livestock Judging Team.
A three-day, intense judging camp designed for 4-H and FFA members who are seriously interested in enhancing their livestock judging and oral communication skills. Prior livestock judging experience was necessary for the camp. Workouts were conducted similar to those at a collegiate level. The camp focused primarily on the proper format, terminology, and presentation of oral reasons. Camp participants were also exposed to livestock evaluation skills and incorporating performance records in the decision-making process.
Members of the 2023 State Champion Livestock Judging Team attended in their preparation for the National FFA Competition held this Fall in Indianapolis, Indiana. Hope Woods, Team Captain “I feel like this camp really helped to prepare us in the area of oral reasons. It made us a lot more confident in that area of the competition. I know that I personally feel better going into the national contest having had this opportunity.”
Kansas State University recognized nine attendees with awards for their hard work during the duration of the judging camp; outstanding senior campers, outstanding junior campers, most improved campers. South Harrison FFA members Hope Woods was recognized as one of four Outstanding Senior Campers and Neveah Hayhurst was recognized as one of three Outstanding Junior Campers.