Provincial 4-H Judging held in Moosomin

Advancing from six regional competitions held between April and July, 38 4-H members from all corners of the province met in Moosomin, on August 23-24, 2019 for the Saskatchewan 4-H Provincial Judging competition, presented by title sponsor: Viterra.
 
Despite over two inches of rain pouring down, it didn’t dampen their spirits, and the weekend was a success. Participants learned a lot as they competed in seven different judging classes over the two days. Competitive judging is a great opportunity to develop critical thinking skills and to help train and educate future judges for the livestock industry!

The program began on Friday evening with a supper, orientation, and the first judging class: Cheddar Cheese sponsored by Saputo. On Saturday, the majority of the competition was held at Second Wind Stables where our participants judged yearling beef bulls, market lambs, performance quarter horses, native pasture grasses, grain, and a mystery class: cut flowers. Participants also completed a quiz testing their knowledge on all of the categories. 

After the judging was complete, participants attended an awards banquet held at the Moosomin Legion Hall with a meal sponsored by Plains Midstream Canada. During the program, top judges in each category were recognized.

• Cheddar Cheese - Jessica Davey
• Grains - Justin Harcourt
• Beef - Wyatt Dyck
• Market Lamb - Wyatt Millar
• Grass - Emily Letendre
• Horse - Doug Sroka 
• Cut Flowers - Leah Libke
• Quiz - Ellen Keys

Finally, the top place competitors were announced (aggregate scores). The top eight finalists will form Team 4-H Saskatchewan. They will move on to compete against other provincial 4-H and collegiate teams at Canadian National 4-H & Youth Judging Competition during Agribition in November. 

Top Place Overall Competitors: 

1. Kyle Kirzinger, Viscount 4-H Beef Club
2. Faith Stevens, Catherwood Beef & Sheep 4-H Club
3. Doug Sroka, Maidstone Gully Multiple 4-H Club
4. Justin Harcourt, Tisdale 4-H Beef Club
5. Leah Libke, Prime Cuts 4-H Beef Club
6. Wyatt Dyck, Wymark Drylanders 4-H Club
7. Calvin Murphy, Whitewood 4-H Beef Club
8. Brock McGonigal, Rockglen Multiple 4-H Club

 
​Alternates
9. Cadence Haaland, Hanley 4-H Beef Club
10. Kennedy Libke, Prime Cuts 4-H Beef Club
11. Shelby Robinson, Lomond 4-H Beef & Homecrafts Club
12. Erin Casey, Abbey-Lancer 4-H Beef Club  

The top eight finalists will form Team 4-H Saskatchewan. They will move on to compete against other provincial 4-H and collegiate teams at Canadian National 4-H & Youth Judging Competition during Agribition in November. 

There were many people who made the weekend a success:

• Thank you to the Whitewood Hosting Committee June Mebs (Chairperson), Carolyn McCormack, Lenora Griemann, Darlene Fisk, Lori-lynn Brehaut, Jennalee Beutler, and the many volunteers who helped make the day a success.  
• Thank you to all competitors for traveling to the event, and for our team chaperones: Louise Sroka, Charlene Fox, Christine Runn, André Mailloux, Carolyn McCormack and Kimberly Simpson.
• Thank you to our judges and livestock providers Jared McTavish (Yearling Beef Bulls),Kayla Englot (Light Horse), John Lewis (Market Lambs), Brad Lindahl (Grains), Etienne Soulodre (Native pasture), Melodi Hawkesford-Lee (Cheddar Cheese, Cut Flowers).   ​
• Thank you to our title sponsor Viterra and Cheddar Cheese class sponsor, Saputo. Thank you to all of our 4-H Saskatchewan provincial program partners, and local sponsors (Gold: Plains Midstream Canada; Silver: Zoetis Animal Health Canada, Ottenbreit Meats, and Borderland Co-op). We're fortunate to have generous supporters.

Lastly, thank you to SAASE (Saskatchewan Association of Agriculture Societies and Exhibitions) and the hosting committees in Swift Current, Saskatoon, Weyburn, Whitewood, Prince Albert and Lloydminster for partnering with 4-H to offer competitive judging events.  Judging is a great way to develop critical thinking skill. All 4-H members are encouraged to attend regional judging in the spring/summer of 2020 for their chance to move on to provincials next year. ​