The Iowa 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl and Skillathon contests were both held at the Iowa State University Department of Animal Science. This was the fifth year for the quiz bowl competition where 4-H members used a buzzer to answer questions about beef, sheep, meat goats, swine and current events. Teams competed in a double elimination format by giving oral answers to questions posed by a moderator and were then evaluated by a judge. Each match contained individual and team questions.
The senior winning team, from Benton County, will represent Iowa at the National 4-H Quiz Bowl contest at the North American International Livestock Exposition held in Louisville, Kentucky, this November. Team members Gabriel Hanson, Josh Wiley, Olivia Hanson, Steiger Manson and William Kroneman were coached by 4-H volunteer leader Maureen Hanson. The second-place team, from Franklin County, will represent Iowa at the National Western in Denver, Colorado, in January. Team members were Natalie Dohlman, Paula Jorgensen and Jackson Wohlford. Jackie Dohlman, Franklin County youth coordinator, coached the team.
The mixed division teams are comprised of youth from all grades rather than just high school like the senior division. The winner was the Adair-Plymouth County team, with team members Brady Allen, Tucker Rohrig, Taylor Rohrig and Melanie Kilborn. The second-place team was from Marion County and team members were Raegan Decious, Riley Reid, Sarabeth Decious and TR Putz. Levi Collins coached the team.
This was the second year for the Skillathon contest where participants completed a 25-question written test as well as five individual skillathon stations where they took part in livestock breed, equipment and meat identification, wool judging and hay evaluation. The final portion involved team exercises. Each team worked together to solve four different scenarios involving live animals and animal management concepts. This phase helps youth learn problem solving, critical thinking and teamwork.
The senior quiz bowl winner also received top honors in the skillathon contest and will represent Iowa in the National Contest in Louisville, Kentucky. The second-place team, from Franklin County, included team members, Erin Christensen, Macy Christensen and Teaghan Bird. The mixed division top honors went to the Adair-Plymouth team and the second-place team was from Marion County.
These events were organized and facilitated by Amy Powell, animal science youth education specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and many staff and students from the Department of Animal Science. Funding was provided through a grant from the Iowa 4-H Foundation.
For more information about the Iowa 4-H livestock quiz bowl and skillathon contests, please contact your ISU Extension and Outreach county office or visit the Iowa 4-H website.
Categories: Iowa, Livestock