Livestock Evaluation

Course Details

Length: Trimester

Credits: 1 (Elective) 

Grades: 9-12

Description

Those who compete in livestock judging contests and practice for a livestock judging contests, through youth organizations such as FFA have a higher correlation to developing skills highly sought after in the workplace, such as: ability to verbally defend a decision, decision-making, oral communication, organizational skills, problem solving, self confidence, self-discipline, self-motivation, teamwork, and also animal industry knowledge. In this course, students will develop an understanding of the major livestock species that dominate the Ag industry and apply basic livestock evaluation skills to competitions and mock contests. Students in this course will need to expect to miss a few days for competitions that will be held throughout the trimester.

Areas of Study:

1. History of Livestock in the U.S. 5. Placings and Oral Reasons

2. Criterion Based Selection/Scoring 6. Performance Data and EPD's

3. Anatomy of Cattle and Swine 7. Meat Evaluation

4. Anatomy of Sheep/Goats & Poultry 8. Putting it all Together