4-H and FFA Youth Showcase Sheep Knowledge at Missouri State Fair

Youth Sheep Skillathon winners stand with Sarah Glendening of LU’s Small Ruminant Program at the Missouri State Fair.

4-H and FFA participants at the Missouri State Fair put their knowledge to the test during the Youth Sheep Skillathon, a competition focused on sheep production.

Hosted by Lincoln University Cooperative Extension, the competition included three divisions: ages 8-10, 11-13 and 14 and over.

“After a year away, it was exciting to bring the Skillathon back," said Extension Associate Sarah Glendening with Lincoln’s Small Ruminant Program. "Many of them remembered it from previous years and were excited to see it return." 

Each participant completed an individual 10-question multiple-choice quiz tailored to their age group. The Skillathon covered topics such as sheep breeds, feed ingredients, humane handling and management practices.

Scores determined the winners, with completion time serving as a tiebreaker when multiple participants earned perfect scores.

The event drew about 30 participants, many of whom signed up the day of the competition.

Winners in the 8-10 and 11-13 divisions received $50 gift cards for first, second and third place, while two winners were recognized in the 14-and-over division.

Sarah Glendening with LU’s Small Ruminant Program talks with young Missouri State Fair visitors about sheep.

Beyond the Youth Sheep Skillathon, the Missouri State Fair gave Lincoln’s Small Ruminant Program another opportunity to connect with families and livestock producers. Glendening and Extension State Specialist Mohan Acharya, Ph.D., shared information about the program and its research-based education and outreach on sheep and goat health, nutrition and management. Parents and producers also stopped by the booth to ask questions and learn more about Lincoln Extension resources.

Winners included:

Ages 8-10

1. Izzy Myers — Lincoln County
2. Clara Saffo — Lincoln County
3. Odette Braungardt — Lincoln County

Ages 11-13

1. Gage Schmidt — Audrain County
2. Pete Bradley — Shelby County
3. Penelope Moore — Adair County

Ages 14 and over

1. Jaecy Heisey — Caldwell County
2. Charlotte Thompson — Callaway County

For more information about LU’s Small Ruminant Program, please contact Homero Salinas, Ph.D., at Salinas-GonzalezH@lincolnu.edu.