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Details Released on WV Stockman's Contest

The 2019 West Virginia Beef Expo Stockman’s Contest will be held Friday, April 12, 2019 at 11 a.m., at WVU Jackson's Mill. The contest is open to all 4-H, FFA, and other youth between the ages of 8 and 18 as of January 1, 2019. Contestants must be enrolled in school to compete, and college students are not eligible.

The contest will consist of 10 classes worth 50 points each for a total possible score of 500 points. There will be four (4) live animal evaluation classes—three (3) placing classes (50 points each) of four animals each and one feeder cattle grading class (50 points) with five animals.

At least one placing class will utilize performance dataand EPDs. Birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, milk and other EPDs such as calving ease direct (CED), maternal calving ease (CEM), scrotal circumference, heifer pregnancy, etc. will be used. Performance data may include adjusted measurements and ratios.

For the feeder cattle grading class, contestants will assign a USDA feeder cattle frame and muscle score to each animal. Contestants must mark their score sheet for both muscle and frame. For example, if animal # 1 is a medium frame score and a number 2 muscle score, then the contestant should mark both the medium and number 2 spots for animal # 1. Each correct answer is worth 5 points for a total of 10 points possible per animal.

There will be one (1) class of 5 questions pertaining to a cattle placing class. Questions will be posted at the class and will need to be answered during the evaluation of the class. Each correct answer is worth 10 points for a total of 50 possible points.

There will be one (1) quiz class. This class will consist of ten (10) questions worth five (5) points each and take place in the arena. Contestants will be expected to answer questions without the use of notes. Contestants will be allowed adequate time to answer each question before the next is asked. Each question will be repeated at least once. All parents, coaches, and others will be asked to remain outside.

There will be one (1) quality assurance related class where contestants will answer five (5) multiple choice questions about an animal health product (vaccine, dewormer, antibiotic, ionophore, etc.) Questions will be worth 10 points each.

There will be one (1) sire selection class. Contestants will be provided a scenario along with performance data and EPDs for four sires. Using the information provided, contestants will either answer five (5) multiple choice questions or place the class. (50 points)

There will be one (1) class of retail meat identification (50 points) and one (1) class of forage species identification (50 points). Contestants will be asked to identify five (5) to 10 samples per class, which may include but are not limited to items from the following lists. Each identification class will be multiple choice with (4) choices per sample.

Extension staff have knowledge to share about beef cattle, forage quality, hay sales and pasture management.

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Wayne County 4-H members interested in participating in this state contest should contact our office at 304-272-6839 to learn about practice dates and times. The deadline to register is April 1, 2019.