Scotten places first in livestock grading contest

Spencer Scotten, a member of the Nevada FFA chapter, placed first in the slaughter cattle grading portion of the Missouri Department of Agriculture's Youth Livestock Grading and Judging Contest in Columbia, March 13.

A four-student Nevada FFA team of Ty Peckman, Kerbee Tyler, Hailee Miller and Mercedes Barker also placed fifth in traditional livestock judging events at the competition.

One of the largest events of its kind in the nation, the day-long contest and workshop teaches youth and adults to evaluate livestock using USDA grade standards for feeder and slaughter cattle. Participants also learn criteria for deciding whether to keep or cull cattle, swine and sheep. Traditional livestock judging rounds out the competition, which was held at the University of Missouri's Trowbridge Livestock Center.

"This is a great event that combines competition and a valuable educational experience," said Department of Agriculture Director Dr. Jon Hagler. "To see so many young people turn out to learn about grading and judging livestock is really exciting. The skills they develop at this workshop will serve them well as they continue to participate in livestock events and, hopefully, move into careers in agriculture. We are certainly proud of Spencer and the Nevada FFA."

The Missouri Youth Livestock Grading and Judging Contest and Workshop was sponsored this year by the Agriculture Business Development Division of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, University of Missouri-Columbia Animal Sciences Department, University Extension, USDA Livestock and Grain Market News, FCS Financial of Missouri and the Missouri Sheep Merchandising Council. Central Missouri livestock producers and a University of Missouri research farm provided the animals used in the contest and workshop.

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