Livestock Judging is a competition where youth evaluate various classes of beef cattle, sheep, goats and swine. Participating in 4-H judging teams offers many benefits. Competitors learn teamwork, self-confidence, effective communication skills and decision making.
The Georgia 4-H State Livestock Judging Contest will be March 21, 2026.
Eligibility
- Cloverleaf/Juniors: 4th– 8th grade
- Seniors: 9th– 12th
- Counties cannot mix grade divisions to comprise a team. All members on the Junior team must meet the Junior grade requirements, and all members on the Senior team must meet the Senior grade requirements.
- Counties may bring up to 20 senior team members and 20 non-senior members (Cloverleaf’s and Junior’s). A team must consist of a minimum of three (3) or four (4) participants. Individuals may also participate. A county’s team score will be the sum of the top three scores from that county.
- Eligibility is determined by the grade level during the current school year.
Competition Guidelines
- Study and learn to judge beef cattle, hogs, sheep and goats.
- There will be one statewide contest. In State competition, 4-H members will be required to:
- Seniors competing in the State Livestock Judging Competition will judge eight (8) classes of livestock. These eight classes will include market or breeding beef cattle, swine, sheep, and/or meat goats (does).
- Seniors will give four (4) sets of reasons. One Questions Class will be part of the Senior Contest. A maximum of 10 questions may be answered on each class. Three points will be deducted for incorrect answers.
- All classes are considered eligible for reasons classes.
- Juniors competing in the State Livestock Judging Competition will judge six (6) classes of livestock. These six classes will include market or breeding beef cattle, swine, sheep, and/or meat goats (does).
- Juniors will give two (2) sets of reasons. One Questions Class will be part of the Junior Contest. A maximum of 10 questions may be answered on each class. Three points will be deducted for incorrect answers.
- All classes are considered eligible for reasons and/or questions classes.
- Performance Data may be used in the State Livestock Judging Contest.
Awards
- Each participant will receive an award pin.
- Medals will be given to the top three winning Senior and Junior teams and Senior and Junior Overall High Individuals at the state contest.
- The first-place senior team will have the opportunity to represent Georgia at the National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest in Louisville, KY.
- Members of the State Winning (First Place) Senior Team are ineligible to compete as team members in future years. This applies whether or not they compete in the National Livestock Judging Contest.
- Team members may compete as individuals in State 4-H Livestock Judging Contests and may be recognized as State Winners as High Individuals.
- State Winning High Individuals who are not members of the State Winning (First Place) Team are permitted to compete in future years as either individuals or as team members.
- The first place senior team and the state high individual will be eligible for Master 4-H’er status and will participate in the recognition of Special Events Winners at State 4-H Congress.
If interested in Livestock Judging, contact your local Extension office.
Contest Coordinator
Carole Knight, Georgia 4-H Extension Specialist – Animal Science Programs – clh@uga.edu
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (working cooperatively with Fort Valley State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the counties of Georgia) offers its educational programs, assistance, and materials to all people without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status, and is an Equal Opportunity Institution.