Over New Year’s weekend, San Luis Valley Valley 4-H members traveled to Arizona to participate in the prestigious Arizona National Livestock Judging Contest. The event challenged participants to evaluate eight classes of livestock: Market Steers, Breeding Heifers, Market Lambs, Breeding Ewes, Market Goats, Wether Dam Does, Breeding Gilts, and Market Hogs.
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Over New Year’s weekend, San Luis Valley Valley 4-H members traveled to Arizona to participate in the prestigious Arizona National Livestock Judging Contest. The event challenged participants to evaluate eight classes of livestock: Market Steers, Breeding Heifers, Market Lambs, Breeding Ewes, Market Goats, Wether Dam Does, Breeding Gilts, and Market Hogs.
Three Junior Teams (ages 8-13) represented the San Luis Valley, competing against 39 other teams at the Junior level.
Tynnley Burh, Ashley Entz, Elly Entz, and Macklie Sims earned fifth overall Junior Team, third in Swine, and fifth in Reasons, a significant achievement in a highly competitive field.
Rorie Tillman, Syrie Tillman, Mckenna Shawcroft, Tonni Wells, and Rachel Seger also represented SLV 4-H.
The Senior Team (ages 14 and older) consisted of Elena Escobedo, Durae Naranjo, Emily Seger, and Darian Vance. The team was 14th out of 52 teams.
Durae Naranjo was 10th Overall High Point Individual out of 140 contestants — a remarkable accomplishment.
Teams are coached by Eric Hinton and Janae Naranjo. Thank you to our sponsors Jean Ann Consaul Foundation, Bountiful Meats and Processing, EGE Products, Eric Budge Custom Homes, Mountain Skills Excavating, Steve Cordova, Worley Family Farms, Kelley Show pigs, Naranjo Sisters MagnaWave, Poole Chemical and World Kinect/ Alta Fuels, and S5 showstock.
Livestock judging is a cornerstone activity in 4-H, equipping young participants with essential skills that extend beyond agriculture. Through this hands-on experience, members develop critical thinking, observation, communication, evaluation, and decision-making skills. These activities deepen their understanding of animal care, and breeding, while also fostering leadership, teamwork, and communication abilities.
This activity prepares youth to contribute meaningfully to society with strong decision-making skills, polished communication skills, time management and an unmatched work ethic.
Livestock judging is just one of the many exciting opportunities available in 4-H. Enrollment for 4-H closes on Jan. 26. Call the SLV Area Extension Office at 719-852-7381 to join.
