November was a BUSY month for Sheridan County 4-H, and it looks to be even busier come this winter with judging season kicking off in January.

Sheridan County 4-H members held the Turkey Trot fun run at the beginning of November. This event was open to anyone to participate in and get those steps in for the day. Several young Cloverbud 4-H members showed everyone with their quick and steady pace to finish the 1 mile run ahead of the rest of the group.

The holidays can be tough for some in our community, so the Sheridan County 4-H members did their annual food drive in McClusky in November. The 4-H members distributed grocery bags around the town to gather non-perishable food items. 4-H members and volunteers gathered and sorted the items to donate to the Sheridan County Food Pantry. These two activities that our 4-H members participated in aligned the 4-H values we strive for; my hands to larger service and my health to better living.

At the end of November, we held a 4-H Orientation. This was an opportunity for our community to learn more about the 4-H program in Sheridan County. Whether families were exploring the possibility of joining 4-H, were a new family just starting out, or a family that has been in 4-H for several years, they were all invited to come check out what 4-H had to offer that evening.

The Sheridan County Extension office introduced the Sheridan County 4-H Council officers for the current 4-H year. We explained the basics of 4-H, explained the definitions to 4-H specific terms, provided resources for families, and gave a timeline of activities throughout the 4-H year. Families had the opportunity ask questions, and there was a lot of great discussion. The crops, range, land, and hippology judging coaches talked about their area of expertise and the contests they coach to gauge interest and recruit for the upcoming year. The evening concluded with an adult and youth interest survey to identify the project areas and activities of interest to better serve our 4-H families.

Sheridan County 4-H members are getting anxious for the upcoming judging season. Practices will begin in January for three contest areas: livestock, crops, and hippology. We have some great 4-H volunteers who help coach, assist, provide transportation, and all the necessities to have a successful judging season. By participating in these judging contests, 4-H members can follow their passion and even turn what they are learning into a career someday.

North Dakota 4-H has a wide range of state contests.  4-H members can continue to compete past local and regional competitions as they gain valuable experience in leadership. Winners of some competitions are invited to compete nationally. I am going to explain in further depth the current contests that 4-H members in Sheridan County participate in during the winter months; crop judging, livestock judging, and hippology.

North Dakota crop judging participants evaluate crops for seed and factors affecting market quality, identify crop and weed seeds and plants, identify machinery and equipment, identify crop insects, and judge several “pan” classes in the contest. There are two age divisions for crops judging: juniors are ages 8 to 13 and seniors are 14 to 18 years of age. The State 4-H crops judging event takes place during the ND Winter Show in March usually. 4-H members will participate at contests starting in February on the weekends across the state to prepare them for the state contest.

The North Dakota 4-H livestock judging contest provides an opportunity for youth to enhance their livestock evaluation and selection skills. Additionally, a judging contest improves their communication and decision-making skills, giving them invaluable life skills toward career development. The purpose of the 4-H livestock judging contest is to teach youth how to evaluate livestock, and how to make and defend their decisions through oral reasons. Participants will judge classes that include beef cattle, boer goats, sheep and swine. Participants then will prepare sets of oral reasons and meet one-on-one with an official to describe the reasons for their class placement. Competition in livestock judging fosters self-confidence, organization, critical thinking, teamwork skills and oral communication skills. Just as important, this contest advances their knowledge of the livestock industry. There are also two age divisions for livestock judging; juniors are ages 8 to 13 and seniors are 14 to 18 years of age. 4-H members will participate at livestock judging contests starting in February on the weekends across the state to prepare them for the state contest which is usually held at the beginning of March.

The North Dakota 4-H hippology contest provides an opportunity for youth to demonstrate their knowledge of equine science-related subject matter in a competitive setting where attitudes of friendliness and fairness prevail. Hippology is an activity that can make learning fun for 4-H members by letting them exhibit their knowledge and understanding of equine science and husbandry. This is an excellent way to further involve 4-H’ers interested in equine activities. Youth build their knowledge of equine science, management, safety, welfare, and ethics as they prepare for this contest. They then apply this knowledge in practical ways through hippology contests and hands-on learning. Youth are tested on all aspects of the horse and equine industry. Competition in hippology encourages 4-H members to develop a more complete knowledge of animals and related subjects and is an excellent way to develop self-confidence and excellent teamwork skills. Teams compete in four different phases: examination phase, station phase, judging phase, and team problem. There are three age divisions for the hippology contest; juniors are ages 8 to 10, intermediate are ages 11 to 13, and seniors are 14 to 18 years of age. 4-H members will participate at hippology contests on the weekends across the state to prepare them for the state contest, which is usually held at the beginning of April. I am the coach to the Sheridan County Hippology team, and this will be our third year of competing. I can’t wait to get started with this great group of kids. They have a true passion for our equine industry and the drive to succeed.

Sheridan County 4-H has a long history being involved in these winter judging contests. This year looks to be a great year with over 18 4-H members being interested in at least one of the judging teams. The Sheridan County judging season practices will get started at the end of this month and after the new year. Safe travels and good luck to all North Dakota 4-H members that are competing this year on a judging team.

If learning about these judging teams has sparked your interest or sounds like something you would be passionate about, make sure you contact your local NDSU Extension Office today to find out how you and/or your youth can join 4-H to be part of a judging team. It’s never too late to join.

**Information regarding the contests was compiled from the NDSU ND 4-H Youth Development website.