The Eastern Region 4-H Beef Expo was held at the Walter State Expo Center in White Pine, Tennessee, on June 15. 4Her’s from across the region brought their entries to compete against other youth from counties all across eastern Tennessee. The day started off at 8:00 a.m. sharp, as entries were check in and sorted into their appropriate classes. 4Her’s competed individually and as teams with Commercial and Registered Heifers and Dairy Feeder and other Steers, each divided into age categories. A Beef Showmanship class, including both market and breeding animals, was held with five divisions: Explorer (4th grade as of Jan. 1, 2023), Junior (grades 5th-6th), Jr. High (grades 7th-8th), Senior Level I (grades 9th-10th), and Senior Level II (grades 11th-12th). 4Her’s entered in these classes were evaluated on their showmanship skills, and the judge gave ample feedback to every entry, discussing aloud for the audience and competitors how and why he placed the classes. He thoroughly described for each participant what he or she could work on to improve placings at future shows, making it a very educational opportunity for those interested in enhancing their show skills.

This Expo also included a Beef Skill-a-thon contest, which is a hands-on educational opportunity wherein facilitators offer “learning stations” for youth to gain knowledge and demonstrate the what all they have learned through their livestock project work. Doing well requires critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills, and it helps build self-confidence and self-esteem. It is a great way for participants to earn recognition for all of the hard work that goes into showing livestock.

Union County exhibitors, Max and Van Richardson of Maynardville, came away with some impressive placings. Max won Reserve Champion Senior Showmanship and Reserve Champion Red Angus Heifer. Van won Reserve Champion Jr. High Showmanship and Grand Champion Red Angus Heifer. Together they won Reserve Champion in the County Group of 3 class. Both came away with honors as Top 5 Premier Exhibitors, which is a program that was implemented in the 1900s as a way to place less emphasis on the animal and more emphasis on a youth’s project learning. Placings in this event are determined by combining exhibitors’ scores in Skill-a-thon, Showmanship, and animal placing. Congratulations to Van and Max for their hard work and accomplishments!

Approximately 1,000 youth currently participate in county, regional, and state level beef, sheep and swine Skill-a-thons across Tennessee. The Skill-a-thon activities are often fun, game-like, and interactive learning challenges on topics like: breeds, quality assurance, health, management, showmanship, feed and nutrition, selection and judging, product (i.e. meat or carcass) evaluation, and equipment. These events are actually open to all 4H members and are a terrific way for youth to participate in a livestock project activity without the expense and responsibilities of owning a show animal. The Skill-a-thon generally takes about 30 minutes to complete 5 stations, and the top 2 individuals in grades 11 and 12 qualify for the Tennessee Sate 4-H Livestock Skill-a-thon Team. Six individuals (2 each in beef, sheep, and swine) practice with coaches to represent Tennessee at the National 4-H Livestock Skill-a-thon Contest. Anyone interested in learning more about showing beef or other livestock or in participating on any of the Skill-a-thon events are encouraged to contact the Union County Extension office at (865) 992-8038.