LOUISVILLE, Ky. — From identifying livestock to barbecuing turkey, Kentucky youth competed in national 4-H contests held at the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) in November.

NAILE, held annually at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, is the largest all-breed, purebred livestock show in the country and includes general and species-specific competitions for 4-H youth. Nearly 30,000 entries from 48 c states competed, 1,800 more entries than the previous year. Species included beef cattle, dairy cattle, equine, goats, llama/alpacas, sheep and swine.

“We welcomed the thousands of exhibitors, their livestock and their competitive spirit to Louisville,” said David S. Beck, President and CEO or Kentucky Venues. “We’re witness to a record growth and interest in our exposition. It’s great to showcase the best of the breeds as well as recognize individuals in the industry who dedicate their livelihood to the betterment of agriculture and others.”

 During this four-day event, national 4-Hers competed in a Livestock Contest, 4-H Dairy Judging, Dairy Quiz Bowl, Skillathon and Livestock Quiz Bowl.

 During the Livestock Quiz Bowl participants used a buzzer to answer questions, testing their knowledge of beef, sheep, swine and meat goats.

 “These competitions are a shining example of how 4-H is continuing to cultivate generations of agricultural leaders, equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead in a world of change,” said Rachel Guidugli, assistant Extension director for Kentucky 4-H Youth Development. “Not only do these youth exhibit high levels of content knowledge in an area they’re passionate about, but they also expand marketable skills for work and life, like critical thinking, communication, goal setting and resilience.”

 Kentucky’s Livestock Quiz Bowl team from Scott County, Ky., coached by Alison Smith, competed against 18 other state teams and earned second place. Each member of this reserve national championship team (Cate Noe, Creighton Smith, Sophia Smith and Pollyana Vaske) earned All-American status. In the individual competition, Creighton placed fifth while Sophia finished eighth nationally.

 “These competitions have given me a foundation of real-world knowledge and experience that will allow me to be successful in a future ag career or in life,” Smith said.

  During the National 4-H Livestock Skillathon, students were tested on their knowledge and skills in various aspects of livestock production and management. On contest day, participants were tasked with a variety of exercises that challenge their ability to recall different breeds of livestock, livestock equipment, feedstuffs used in livestock diets and animal health information.

Kentucky’s Livestock Skillathon team was from Woodford County and coached by Theresa Vanzant. The team of Stockton Stivers, Sarah Vanzant, Ellea Were and Hayden Westfall finished eighth overall and first in the identification category.

 “There is a unique feeling when the judge congratulates you and hands you the banner,” said Stivers, who individually placed ninth overall and second in identification. “It’s a feeling of ‘wow, I’ve put in the work, and this was the payout,’”

 Vanzant finished as the High Individual in the identification category.

 “I’ve been a part of Livestock Skillathon my whole live and being able to represent Kentucky at this contest is such an honor,” Vanzant said.

 The National 4-H Livestock Judging involved the evaluation, comparison and selection of beef cattle, sheep, goats and swine for particular physical characteristics. Participants must not only make quick decisions about the quality of livestock but also give a verbal explanation of their evaluation.

 Kentucky team members in this event included Colton Kearns (Boone County), Daniel Laurent (Caldwell County), Clayton Laytart (Harrison County) and Klaber Wolfe (Pendleton County). The team was coached by Wyatt Banks, Agriculture Extension associate senior for 4-H livestock. This team  finished 19th overall and eighth in the swine category.

 “Livestock judging to me is more than just evaluating animals,” Wolfe said. “It’s given me the confidence to speak in front of people, the discipline to study and prepare in an efficient manner, with a team that feels like family.”

The National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference was held during NAILE. This contest offers national-level activities and contests designed to introduce participants to poultry and the poultry industry.

 Competitor events included Poultry Judging Team, Avian Bowl, Cookery Categories, Egg Production and Market Poultry.

 The Texas team was the overall winner in the judging contest. Ohio finished ninth and Indiana finished 10th.

 Luke Baker (Montgomery County, Ky.) placed first in Turkey Barbecue while Adam Blanford of Marion County was second in this category. Cecilia Huggins (Simpson County) placed third in Egg Chef Challenge.

The NAILE event turned 50 this year. The event was once held at Union Stock Yards in Chicago, but when the Stock Yards closed in 1971, many were concerned that the expo would end as well.