Delivering Livestock Judging Reasons By Neal Smith Extension Area Specialist – 4-H

Reasons for Reasons “ Giving Reasons is NOT Punishment For Being on the Livestock Judging Team”

Reasons for Reasons Improvement of Livestock Will Make You a Better Judge Analyze Classes More Closely Improve Communications Skills Gain Experience In: Forming decisions Justifying decisions Expressing one’s ideas Persuasive manner

Important Points Accuracy Delivery Completeness Terms Organization

Points to Consider Short and to the point Avoid unnecessary words, phrases or comments Discuss in a logical order Use comparative terms Use descriptive terms when criticizing animals Tell the truth Learn parts of the animal Vocabulary of terms Desirable traits Undesirable traits

Suggestions Accuracy Pleasant to Hear Clear & Easy to Follow Use Correct Grammar Establish a System & Stick With It Words & Phrases Not to Use At this point, use flip chart to demonstrate a Note-Taking System.

Taking Notes Small Notebook & Writing Utensil Have a System Prepare Pages Prior to Contest Use Abbreviations Avoid Paragraphs List Important Items Compare Pairs DON’T FORGET TO MARK YOUR CARD!

Taking Notes Good Set of Notes Should Contain: Class number & name Memory aids Notes are brief Relate to class criteria Notes are understandable Final class placing

Class Name: _____________________ Animal #1 List descriptive terms for each animal Animal #2 Animal #3 Animal #4

Class Name: _____________________ Placing: ________ Opening Statement:

Organizing Reasons Opening Statement (The placing for this example is 4 – 3 – 2 -- 1) Opening Statement Step 1 – Give class name and placing Step 2 – Superlative statement of top animal Step 3 – Descriptive criticism of top animal 4

Organizing Reasons Top Pair Step 4 – Give reasons for placing 4 over 3 (The placing for this example is 4 – 3 – 2 -- 1) Top Pair Step 4 – Give reasons for placing 4 over 3 Step 5 – Grants for 3 over 4 Step 6 – Criticism of 3 4 3

Organizing Reasons Middle Pair Step 7 – Reasons for placing 3 over 2 Step 8 – Grants for 2 over 3 Step 9 – Criticisms of 2 3 2

Organizing Reasons Bottom Pair Step 10 – Reasons for placing 2 over 1 Step 11 – Grants for 1 over 2 Step 12 – Criticism of 1 2 1

Class Name: Crossbred Market Lambs Shortest-sided Narrow top Lightest muscled Structurally correct Course shoulder Smallest framed Large frame Medium in muscle dimension Clean fronted Weak top Long neck Buck-kneed Blue lamb More correctly finished Heavy-muscled Strong top and loin Meaty leg Hampshire influence Thick top Deep Bodied, bold ribbed Longest hindsaddle Heaviest muscled Meatiest leg Largest framed Extra condition Lamb #1 Lamb #2 Lamb #3 Lamb #4

Class Name: Crossbred Market Lambs Placing: 4-3-2-1 Opening Statement: 4/3 3/4 3/2 2/3 2/1 1/2 “Good” “Bad”

Middle or Intermediate Class Name: Crossbred Market Lambs Placing: 4-3-2-1 Opening Statement: 4/3 3/4 3/2 2/3 2/1 1/2 “Good” “Bad” “I Grant . . .” “However . . .” Top or Initial “I Realize . . .” Middle or Intermediate “I Admit . . .” Bottom or Final

Words to Avoid Don’t Use Use Animal or Individual It “I would like to see . . “ “I placed number 2 steer over number 3 steer” Placing Criticizing Barrow, Gilt, Wether, Ewe, Steer, Heifer He or She “I criticize 2 because . . .” Omit “number” & “steer” “I placed 2 over 3” “I placed . . .” “I criticized . . .”

Presentation Make a Positive Impression Dress Like a Professional Judge Clean and Neat No Gum or Tobacco Remove Hat Be Ready When Called Never Use Notes

Presentation Stand Approx. 10 ft. Away Stand Tall, With Feet Shoulder Width Or, One Foot In Front of Other Hands Behind Back Show Confidence Look Judge In Eye Convincing Tone Minimal Movement

Presentation Relay Identifying Marks Maximum of Two Minutes Try to Visualize the Class Follow a Logical Order Talk Pairs Opening Statement Top Pair Middle Pair Bottom Pair Closing Statement

Scoring Criteria Accuracy – tell the truth Relevancy – talk the important points Organization – talk pairs Terminology – use comparative livestock terms Presentation – speak pleasantly with confidence

Speaking Characteristics Speed – normal conversational speed Volume – normal conversational volume Flow – smooth & continuous Grammar – correct English grammar Confidence – tone of voice & poise Time – two-minute time limit

Good Luck!

Market Lambs 1 2 3 4