DENVER By the narrowest of margins, one point, the Southwind Extension Districts 4-H livestock judging team missed on a national championship Saturday.
Even so, the youngsters from Allen County still have an opportunity to embark on a trip to the United Kingdom over the summer.
The Southwind team of Jillian Keller, Piqua, Brody Nemecek, Iola, Haydon Schaaf, Uniontown, and Clay Brillhart, Fort Scott, was named reserve national champion, falling by one point to a team from Texas at the National Western Stock Show in Denver.
The Southwind squad, which won the state livestock judging championship in August, was the only team to represent Kansas against 24 teams from across the country.
In addition to being the second team overall, they were also third in reasons, second in sheep and second in goals. Individually, Nemecek placed third in swine and eighth overall; Keller placed second in sheep and second in goats; Brillhart was fourth in hogs, eighth in goats and ninth overall; Schaaf was seventh in sheep and eighth in reasons.
Livestock judging consists of analyzing beef cattle, sheep, swine and meat goats and measuring them against a standard. Competitions are designed to help youth develop life skills in the areas of decision making, critical thinking, oral reasoning, self-confidence and problem solving.
The Southwind squad is coached by Carla Nemecek, and assisted by John Emmerson, a former Southwind team member who previously competed at the National Western competition.
AS a reward for their talents, the top two teams in Denver are invited to compete internationally at the Royal Highland Show in Scotland and at the Charleville Show in the Republic of Ireland in June.
The trip will include agriculture seminars and opportunities to enhance leadership skills through interaction with the citizens of the UK and Ireland, Carla Nemecek noted.
The trip is limited to only nine American teams each year. This is the first time a combined Southwind District team will participate.
In 2005, a Neosho County 4-H team of Ryan Page, Trent Page, Clem Neely and Bailey Shaw competed in Scotland.
But the opportunity carries a steep price tag.
Organizers figure the cost to attend at about $6,500 per person.
Fundraising efforts will soon be underway, Carla Nemecek said. Those interesting in donating are encouraged to contact the Southwind Extension District at 365-2242.
