PULLMAN, Wash. — The 2008 Pacific Northwest Livestock Judges and Show Management School is scheduled June 26-28 at Washington State University.
The school, sponsored by Washington State University, the University of Idaho and Oregon State University, is an excellent learning opportunity for new and experienced judges, show managers, fair superintendents, livestock sale committee volunteers, 4-H Leaders, FFA advisors, parents, producers, and livestock enthusiast to enhance their understanding of exhibition food animal evaluation and positive youth development.
The event has been organized to improve the livestock industry by developing participants’ skills to effectively and accurately evaluate exhibition food animals; promote positive youth development; and showcase the benefits of animal agriculture and youth development programs.
Participants can select either the Judges or Show Management Track. Individuals completing the Show Management Track will gain many helpful tools to improve the quality of their fairs and livestock shows. The show manager’s track will focus on financial management and accounting of the sale of market animals, emergency planning, show management and livestock sale software, and expectations of the turned animal buyers. The show management section will feature state and national experts on the above topics.
The Judge’s Track will focus on beef, meat goats, sheep, and swine. The sheep and meat goat section will feature. Frank Craddock, extension sheep and goat Specialist from Texas A & M. Craddock has coached a national champion collegiate livestock judging team, a national champion collegiate wool judging team (five times) and a state champion 4-H livestock judging team.
The swine and beef cattle evaluation section will be led by Mark Boggess, director of Animal Sciences with the National Pork Board. Boggess has owned and operated purebred cattle and swine operations. Both Boggess and Craddock are recognized for their excellent communication skills and their knowledge of both the show and production livestock industries.
Completion of the livestock judges track will certify the person as a livestock judge and contact information will be distributed to shows and other livestock events throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Registration for the Livestock Judge’s Track costs $175 for three full days. The fee includes a judge’s notebook, three lunches, a banquet, and refreshment breaks. Registration for the Show Management Track is $100 for two days. The fee includes a notebook, two lunches, a banquet, and refreshment breaks. Registration deadline is June 1. Registration for the Livestock Judges Track is limited, register early to secure your spot.
For more information and to register, contact Sarah M. Smith, WSU Grant/Adams Extension, at (509) 754-2011, ext. 413 or smithsm@wsu.edu; Jerry Newman, WSU 4-H Livestock Program, at (509) 338-5938 or newmanj@wsu.edu; or Tiffany Boswell, 4-H Program Assistant, at (509)335-4128 or tiffany_boswell@wsu.edu. Complete registration information is also available at the following websites http://animalag.wsu.edu or http://4-h.wsu.edu/news/index.htm.
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