Think you can pick the best animal in the class? Put your livestock knowledge and decision-making skills to the test with Sevier County 4-H Livestock Judging!
Livestock judging gives 4-H members the opportunity to learn how to evaluate livestock while developing valuable skills in decision-making, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and public speaking.
You DO NOT have to own or show livestock to participate! Whether you’re completely new to livestock judging or already have experience, everyone is welcome to come learn, practice, and have fun!
Please note that if school is canceled due to inclement weather, any 4-H event, club meeting, or workshop scheduled for that day is also canceled.
What Is Livestock Judging?
Livestock judging teaches youth how to evaluate and compare animals based on characteristics that are important to livestock production.
4-H members learn to evaluate:
- Beef Cattle
- Swine
- Sheep
- Meat Goats
During a contest, participants evaluate a group, or class, of four animals and rank them from first to fourth based on the characteristics they have learned during practices.
Depending on the age division and contest, youth may also answer questions about the classes they judged and give oral reasons explaining and defending their decisions.
What Will You Learn?
Livestock judging is about much more than picking your favorite animal! Throughout the season, 4-H members will learn how to:
- Identify desirable characteristics in livestock
- Evaluate structure, muscle, balance, and overall quality
- Compare animals within a class
- Place livestock classes from first through fourth
- Make confident decisions
- Take organized notes
- Answer questions about classes
- Prepare and deliver oral reasons
- Explain and defend their decisions
- Improve public speaking and communication skills
- Work as part of a team
The skills developed through livestock judging can benefit youth in school, future careers, agriculture, and everyday
oin us every Thursday beginning September 17, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 PM for Livestock Judging!
Grades: 4–12
When: Every Thursday beginning September 17, 2026
Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
Location: Sevier County Extension Office
Experience Required: None!
During practices, youth will learn how to evaluate livestock, improve their decision-making and communication skills, and gain hands-on knowledge of the livestock industry.
Whether you’re brand new to judging or have competed before, we’d love to have you join us!
Inclement Weather Policy: If school is canceled due to inclement weather, any Sevier County 4-H event, club meeting, practice, or workshop scheduled for that day is also canceled.
Team members may have opportunities to put their skills to the test at regional, state, and invitational livestock judging contests throughout the year.
Opportunities may include:
- Eastern Region 4-H Livestock Judging Contest
- Agribition Livestock Judging Contest
- Bob Moncier Invitational Livestock Judging Contest
- Tennessee State Fair Livestock Judging Contest
- Tennessee State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest for qualifying Senior High teams
Contest opportunities, dates, and locations may vary from year to year. Information about upcoming competitions will be shared with team members as it becomes available.
Advancing in Livestock Judging
Senior High 4-H members have the opportunity to advance beyond regional competition.
The top four Senior High teams from each Tennessee 4-H region are eligible to advance to the Tennessee State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest.
At the state level, qualifying teams may have opportunities to advance to national competition and represent Tennessee 4-H.
Looking for more information or want to practice your judging skills at home?
The Eastern Region 4-H Judging Teams website provides current contest information, rules, practice materials, judging cards, and results.
The Tennessee 4-H Livestock Judging website provides additional information about livestock judging guidelines, eligibility, and state-level competition.
Ready to Join?
Come give Livestock Judging a try!
Join us every Thursday beginning September 17 from 6:00–8:00 PM at the Sevier County Extension Office.
For more information or questions about Livestock Judging, contact:
Diana Majors
📧 dmajors1@utk.edu
📞 865-453-3695
No livestock? No experience? No problem! Come ready to learn, practice, compete, and have fun with Sevier County 4-H Livestock Judging! 🐄🐖🐑🐐🍀