This information just in from The OSU Extension Office in Fulton County.
Once again junior beef, sheep and swine exhibitors will have a chance to compete in the Youth Skillathons that contribute to the Overall Market Exhibitor (OME) Award. This year’s skillathons will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 4 to 8 p.m. in Spangler Arena on the fairgrounds.
Youth wishing to be eligible for the OME Award in their project’s species, must compete in the skillathon. Registration is on-site and first come, first serve. There is no cost to participate and all youth, clubs and chapters are encouraged to participate and demonstrate their knowledge of the livestock industry.
Youth need to bring project record books to the event and they will be worth four points of the total score. Youth can best prepare for the skillathons by completing their project books, which will be graded plus reviewing the livestock learning kits either at the club level or at the Extension Office or using university web resources and by working with the 4-H club advisor. Cash awards will be granted to first ($50), second ($30) and third place ($20) Skillathon winners in each division.
Beef, Sheep Divisions
Junior Division – Ages 8 to 13
Senior Division – Ages 14 to 18
Swine Divisions
Junior Division – Ages 8 to 11
Intermediate Division – Ages 12 to 14
Senior Division – Ages 15 to 18
All age groups are based on the age attained as of Jan. 1, 2015.
Furthermore, the skillathon score makes up exactly one-third of the total Outstanding Market Exhibitor Award along with the placing in one’s showmanship and market classes. If there are multiple market classes (Beef and Dairy Beef– Saturday’s market classes only; Sheep – Jr. market or Born-n-Raised; Swine – barrow or gilt), a youth’s highest ranking will be used.
If there are multiple showmanship opportunities (Beef and Dairy Beef, steers and feeder calves), a youth’s highest ranking will be used. The Outstanding Market Exhibitor for Beef, Sheep and Swine will sell third in the sale order (behind Grand and Reserve Champion) and will receive an industry-sponsored gift and monetary award. Tie breaker for the OME will be determined with the following format:
1) Skillathon Age Division Placement
2) Total score of common Skillathon Stations
3) If total score is tied, then skillathon tiebreaker rules will be followed
4) Showmanship class placement
5) Market class placement
6) Interview (if necessary)
