Animal Science Hosts Multi-State Livestock Judging Camp

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Students learn about the ideal structure of a pig.

Each year, the University of Arkansas Department of Animal Science hosts a livestock judging camp at the Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Center. Youth from all over Arkansas and surrounding states have the opportunity to learn about the priorities in livestock selection, update themselves on current industry trends, and improve communication skills through oral reasons workshops and presentations.  Fifty-one students ranging in age from 6 to 17 participated in this year's camp, which was held Monday, June 4, through Thursday, June 7.

Students were divided into three divisions based upon on knowledge level and experience. The students worked tirelessly to learn all they could about sheep, cattle, hogs, goats and the reasons and terminology that accompany each species. 

The second day of the camp ended with fun activities at Altitude Trampoline Park in Fayetteville. The students' knowledge was tested on the last day of the camp in the form of a livestock judging contest that consisted of six classes with three sets of oral reasons. The camp concluded with an awards presentation for first, second, and third place winners in each division of the livestock jugding contest.

Arkansas Livestock Judging Camp was hosted by the Division of Agriculture and University of  Arkansas.