Judging Contests
The primary objective of a 4-H judging contest is to provide an opportunity for youth enrolled to demonstrate their knowledge of the related subject matter. Below are study resources for a variety of subject matter areas that may help you prepare for 4-H judging contests.
Kansas 4-H offers a variety of events and activities which include a judging contest component. Details about the contests are on each event website.
If you are working to prepare for a judging contest related to a 4-H project, and have resources to add to the list, please reach out to a Post Rock District office. We appreciate it!
Local/Northwest
Many county fairs include livestock, life skills, and other judging contests. Sometimes the contest is only open to youth in the respective county, and other times it is open to others. If you are interested in county fair opportunities, contact your local Extension Office and we can help research opportunities near you. Travel and fees are the responsibility of the participant.
Extension 4-H professionals in Northwest Kansas counties collaborate each year to provide judging classes related to valuable life skills and project areas. If you are interested in incorporating life skills judging into your 4-H club's experience, please contact your local Extension Office. Advance notice is needed so we can help select the appropriate focus areas and prepare all materials.
Judging Extravaganza is a Post Rock District event where youth can challenge themselves through judging contests related to popular project areas as well as contests related to life skill development. Judging Extravaganza is a come-and-go experience. There is no pre-registration required. This experience takes place alongside both 4-H Day events in Post Rock District. Find out more information and study for the current year's event by visiting the Judging Extravaganza website.
Smith Center FFA invites 4-H members to participate in their annual livestock judging contest each spring at the Smith County Fairgrounds. Contact Monica Wagner at mwagner@usd237.com for details. Travel and fees are the responsibility of the participant.
The Northwest 4-H Judging Event, "Super Saturday" takes place each spring. The location rotates between Hays and Colby, based on the year. There are contests for entomology, photography, crops, life skills, horticulture, and livestock. Most contests will take place in the morning, with the livestock judging taking place in the afternoon. Afternoon Project Workshops are be available for those who wish not to participate in livestock judging. Super Saturday is open to youth 7-18 years old. 4-H membership is not required. Travel and fees are the responsibility of the participant.
Let your local office know if you are interested and we can help connect you to registration and complete details once they become available each year. Information is also posted each year on the Walnut Creek District’s website under 4-H Youth Development.
Kansas 4-H
The Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes take place in August on the K-State campus in Manhattan. It includes the state 4-H livestock judging contest, meat judging contest, livestock skill-a-thon, and livestock quiz bowl in one action-packed weekend.
You can find all event details and study materials posted on the K-State Youth Livestock Program’s Livestock Sweepstakes website. Many resources can be helpful for livestock related contests at any level.
There is a pre-entry requirement, as outlined in the event rules. You must communicate with your local Extension Office if you are interested in registering!
Additionally, the State 4-H Photography Judging Contest takes place the first Sunday of the Kansas State Fair. The contest will consist of six classes of photographs, one problem class and a knowledge test. Contest details are shared in the Kansas 4-H State Fair Book. There is a pre-entry requirement for teams and individuals, as outlined in the fair book. You must contact your local Extension Office if you are interested in registering. Learn more at the State 4-H Photography Judging Contest website.
The State 4-H Family and Consumer Science Judging Contest takes place at the Kansas State Fair. Contest details are shared in the Kansas 4-H State Fair Book. The contest is planned each year to focus on life skill development related to family and consumer sciences. Study resources and other helpful information are shared on the Kansas 4-H FCS Judging Contest website.
There is a pre-entry requirement, as outlined in the event rules. It is important to communicate with the Post Rock District Family and Community Wellness Extension Agents if you are interested in this experience for assistance and support with preparations and studying. This will ensure that all requirements are met. Please contact your local Extension Office if you are interested.
The State 4-H Horse Judging Contest provides youth an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of equine-related subject matter, including structure and movement, in a competitive setting. This contest will provide an educational experience for all participants. The state event takes place as part of Equifest of Kansas. Find information about his experience on the Kansas 4-H Horse Judging Contest website.
You can find all event details and study materials posted on the Kansas 4-H Horticulture Judging Contest website. Many resources can be helpful for horticulture and plant science related contests at any level.
There is a pre-entry requirement, as outlined in the event rules. It is important to communicate with the Post Rock District Horticulture Extension Agent if you are interested in this experience for assistance and support with preparations and studying. This will ensure that all requirements are met. Please contact your local Extension Office if you are interested.
he primary purpose of the poultry judging contest is to develop 4-H club members. Participation in judging and other competitive events helps 4-Hers learn to make and defend decisions and to speak in public. Poultry judging provides an excellent opportunity for 4-Hers to learn about live chickens and the basis of grade and quality of poultry products.
The State 4-H Poultry Judging Contest takes place during the Kansas State Fair. You must communicate with your local Extension Office if you are interested in registering!
Study Resources for Poultry Judging
National 4-H Poultry Judging Contest Manual
Market Poultry Grading