Three teams of Iowa 4-H members received honors from the Western National Roundup held in Denver, Colo. These members, ages 14 through 19, earned the opportunity to compete nationally through state competitions and events held throughout the year.
The Western National Roundup provides a place for youth to compete nationally while encouraging teamwork, self-confidence and leadership through participation in animal science educational events. Youth also participate in educational tours that provide community-based and service-learning opportunities.
Livestock Quiz Bowl -- Benton County Quiz Bowl Team.Benton County competed in the livestock quiz bowl contest, advancing to the semifinals and placing fourth overall. Steiger Manson earned the high individual award, answering more questions than any other contestant.
“4-H has done so much for me over the past nine years. It has led me to find things that I am incredibly passionate about, many of which I would never have been able to experience without 4-H,” said Steiger Manson. “4-H has led me everywhere from Denver, to Louisville, to Phoenix, to Washington, D.C.! I will be forever grateful for the experiences 4-H has given me, and I hope it impacts others as positively as it did for me.”
The quiz bowl tests students’ knowledge of beef, dairy, poultry, meat goats, sheep and swine. Team members were Gabriel Hanson, Joshua Wiley, Olivia Hanson and Steiger Manson. Maureen Hanson coached the team.
Meat Judging -- O’Brien County represented Iowa in the meat judging. Team members Hudson Oolman, Leo Sells, Claire Wagner and Kyan Kruse placed fifth overall, fourth in placings, fifth in retail ID and sixth in reasons. Eric Kumm coached the team.
Top 10 individual placings included Hudson Oolman – eighth overall, eighth in retail ID and 10th in placings; Kyan Kruse – sixth in placings.
Meat judging included evaluating six classes of beef, pork and lamb products; presenting oral reasons on three of the classes; identifying 30 retail cuts and grading beef carcasses.
Livestock Judging -- Louisa County was Iowa’s representative in livestock judging. Team members were Cody Messer, Madeleine Howell, Drew Totemeier, Cole Storm and Will Hoopes. The team had been coached by Irv Meir, who suddenly passed away just before the contest.
The team evaluated 12 classes of livestock, including beef cattle, sheep, swine and meat goats, and presented oral reasons on six classes. The team placed ninth in sheep and 13th in cattle, with a 15th overall out of 27 teams.
“I had a great time judging at the National Western Stock Show. Being on the floor evaluating top-notch livestock with kids from across the nation was an experience I won’t forget,” 15-year-old Drew Totemeier said. “Not many 4-H youth get this experience, and I am grateful to have been able to participate.”
The Western National Roundup is held annually in early January. Competitions are for both teams and individuals. The competitions held at Western National Roundup were horse and livestock judging, meat judging, public speaking, horse bowl, family consumer sciences presentations, hippology, fashion revue, livestock quiz bowl, horse demonstrations, parliamentary procedure, family consumer sciences presentations, a skill-a-thon and consumer decision making.
Categories: Iowa, General