The market and breeding quality of livestock determines their value to the producers, the packers and eventually the consumer. Understanding what goes into making a good market or breeding sheep, beef or swine is a valuable decision every livestock producer has to make. During livestock judging, you and your teammates will rank breeding and market classes of beef, sheep and swine. And, as in other evaluation CDEs, you will give oral reasons to back up your decisions.
To better prepare you for the livestock evaluation contest, we have put together a list of usable resources gathered from various FFA programs across the state and country. Simply click on the links below to explore and study!
PLEASE NOTE: Students must qualify at a regional contest to participate at the State CDE Contest.
- UW-Platteville Livestock CDE Contest
- WI Livestock CDE Contest
- Live Animal Evaluation – SDSU
- Live Steer Practice – Florida
- Live Hog Practice – Florida
- Livestock Evaluation – University Kentucky
- Livestock Judging Techniques – MU
- Basics of Livestock Evaluation – Iowa State
- Livestock Evaluation Practice – Utah State
- Scoring Judging Placing (ppt) – Florida
- More Teaching Aids – Florida
- Powerpoint on Reasons – Former KSU Student
- Reasons Terms for Market Lambs – TX A&M
- Reasons Terms for Market Steers – TX A&M
- Using EPDs and Scenarios in Judging – Texas
- Understanding EPDs Lesson – UMN
- Understanding EPDs – Arkansas
- Understanding EPDs – Virginia
- EPDS – Balancing Traits & Profits – UIUC
- Developing & Giving Oral Reasons – Texas 4-H
- Oral Reasons Guide – MSU
- Sample Livestock Oral Reasons – TAMU