Iowa 4-H Youth Excel at National Livestock Competitions

Iowa 4-H members participated in national 4-H livestock competitions at the North American International Livestock Exposition held in Louisville, Kentucky, in November 2023. Additional 4-H youth participated in the National Western Roundup held in Denver, Colorado, during the Western National Stock Show in January 2024.

In Kentucky, Louisa County represented Iowa 4-H in the livestock judging competitions, and Benton County represented Iowa 4-H in the livestock quiz bowl contest.

Louisa County 4-H members Drew Totemeier, Cole Storm, William Hoopes and Cody Messer participated in the livestock judging competition. Wyatt Orr coached the team. This team placed second at the state competition in August, earning their spot to represent Iowa at the national contest.

“The team placed fourth overall out of 32 teams from across the county. This is one of the highest-placing teams Iowa has had,” said Amy Powell, animal science youth education specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

The team was second in beef, fourth in performance cattle, fifth in swine, sixth in oral reasons and 12th in sheep. Individual honors in the contest were awarded to Drew Totemeier for placing second high individual in beef, eighth high individual in performance cattle, seventh high individual in sheep and fourth high individual overall. William Hoopes was recognized for placing seventh high individual in performance cattle and 10th high individual in swine.

Benton County 4-H members represented Iowa in the national 4-H livestock quiz bowl competition. Team members were Steiger Manson, Olivia Hanson, Joshua Wiley and William Kroneman. Maureen Hanson coached the team. Thirteen states participated in this competition, and participants answered questions on beef, sheep, meat goats and swine, as well as current events and general animal husbandry. The team placed third in the nation. Olivia Hanson placed sixth overall high individual, and Steiger Manson placed 10th overall high individual.

Clinton County 4-H members Caleb Kruse, Carter Mommsen, Jentry Johnson and Kyle Deppe, with alternate Grant Wilson, represented Iowa 4-H by participating in the livestock judging contests at the Western National Roundup in Denver. They were coached by Doug Deppe. This team won the state competition in August and earned their spot to represent Iowa at the national contest.

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