Fauquier 4-H Livestock teams have been busy the past few months. At the end of February, three teams travelled to Blacksburg to compete in the Virginia Tech Block & Bridle Livestock Judging and Stockmen's Contests.

Livestock Judging consists of classes of 4 animals of the same species and age, hogs, goats, sheep, and cattle are all included. The Senior Advanced Livestock Judging team was made up of Megan Day, Ryann Bradshaw, Salem Sifford, and Madison Sifford. Madison placed 7th overall in cattle and 5th overall in reasons. The team placed 7th in cattle and reasons, and 9th overall. Our senior team was made up of Ayden Saffer, Meredith Lawrence, and Meredith Day. Our junior team of Gracie Campbell, Brian Figgins, Caroline Lawrence, and Aaron Locke placed 9th in swine, 2nd in cattle, 7th in sheep and goats, and 2nd overall. Gracie Campbell placed 2nd in Cattle and 4th overall. Brian Figgins placed 4th in swine and cattle and 7th overall.

In the Stockmen's Contest teams complete a team problem, a quiz, judge livestock classes and answer questions on those classes, identify meat, equipment, feed, and judge meat and hay. Our junior team of Gracie Campbell, Aaron Locke, Brian Figgins, and Caroline Lawrence placed 2nd in judging and questions, with Caroline placing 4th in the same category. Our senior teams were: Team A: Salem Sifford, Meredith Lawrence, and Megan Day. Senior Team B: Ryann Bradshaw, Meredith Day, and Ayden Saffer.

On March 27th, many of the same kids competed in the Regional Cattle Working Contest. A timed event that challenges teams of three to process 3 feeder calves. They are judged on their ability to perform the required tasks, complete and follow their processing plan, and of most importance is the safe and sound handling of the cattle. Our teams were Ryann Bradshaw, Meredith Lawrence, and Caroline Lawrence. Our team of Sammy Leach, Salem Sifford and Madison Sifford placed third in the contest with the second fastest time.

We could not compete in these contests without the continued support from local producers who take time out of their weekends to help with cattle working or livestock judging practice. We thank all those who helped us in the past few months and look forward to continuing to practice for the State Stockmen's Contest on April 18th and the State Livestock Judging Contest in June.