The State 4-H Livestock Judging contest was held on Friday, July 26 in Huron, in conjunction with the South Dakota Summer Spotlight. Youth from across the state competed in the prestigious event. Local county 4-H teams sent their best and brightest to capture the state title.
Sanborn County junior, Nathan Linke placed 22nd in the individual placings and was fourth in the beef judging category.
Sanborn County senior member Jonathan Linke placed 41st, Aaron Linke was 58th and Riley Schmiedt was 72nd.
Also in the senior division Maria Olsen of Aurora County placed 40th as an individual and her teammate Justin Krell placed 52nd.
In the beginner age division Mason Schelske, son of Aaron and Melanie Schelske of Wessington Springs placed second overall in Livestock Judging. Mason was the only beginner from the four county unit to judge, and a first year 4-H member. To qualify for the state team you must have competed in two county contests and be in the top four individuals in each age bracket.
In the junior division, the Jerauld/Buffalo took fifth place in overall team honors. Team members included Riley Larson – sixth place individual, Wesley Linke – 31st place individual, Carter Linke – 44th place individual, and Cadee Schelske 72nd place individual. This team placed third in Sheep/Goat judging category.
Aurora County 4-Hers Weston and Colton Tobin placed 48th and 62nd respectively.
“Congrats to these youth and the work they put into livestock judging this year. Overall we need to work on oral reasons and see some more hogs at our local judging contests. Practice makes you better and the collegiate judging/scholarship opportunities that are out there are tremendous if these kids need to find a way to pay for college,” – stated Audra Scheel, 4-H Advisor for Buffalo, Aurora, Jerauld and Sanborn counties.
For complete result listings go to www.igrow.org.