Livestock Judging | Tennessee 4-H Youth Development

The Tennessee 4-H Livestock Judging Contest helps youth develop knowledge and skills in evaluating livestock for production and performance. Participants judge classes of beef cattle, swine, sheep, and meat goats based on structure, muscle, balance, and other key traits. They also present oral reasons and answer questions to explain their decisions.

Livestock Judging Guidelines

About the Contest

This contest is open to 4-H members in grades 4–12 as of January 1 of the current year. The top four senior teams from each region will advance to the state contest. Please check your regional calendar for the exact date and location.

Teams consist of three or four members.
The top three individual scores are combined for the team total.
Each member works independently

The contest includes:

Placing Classes: Eight classes worth 50 points each (total 400 points), where contestants rank four animals per class.
Oral Reasons: Four sets of oral reasons (typically one per species) worth up to 200 points.
Questions: Two sets of questions, five questions each, worth 50 points total.

Contestants should dress neatly and professionally. Oral reasons should be organized, accurate, and complete.

Ties are broken by: (1) highest oral reasons score, (2) highest tiebreaker class score, (3) if still tied for a team award, highest alternate’s score.

The State Livestock Judging Contest is traditionally held on the first Tuesday of June.

The winning team representing Tennessee at the National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest in November in Louisville, Kentucky.