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Mid-Atlantic Live Market Cattle Evaluation Contest
Livestock Update, June 2008
Farmers Livestock Exchange, Winchester, VA
Kiera Finucane, Coordinator, Beef/Dairy Extension Activities, MD
The Mid-Atlantic Live Market Cattle Evaluation Contest will be held on October 11, 2008 at the Farmers Livestock Exchange in Winchester, Virginia. The contest will begin at 2:00 pm. Entry Forms are available at the website shown below. Entries are to be returned by September 25, 2008.
ELIGIBILITY:
An invitation is extended to all 4-H, FFA, Junior Breed Association members, adults and livestock judges to participate in a contest to evaluate live finished cattle and receive the actual carcass data. The divisions will be broken into three divisions: Junior, Senior and Adults. Juniors will be under 14 as of October 11, 2008. Seniors are 14 to 21 as of October 11, 2008. Adults are older than 21 as of October 11, 2008.
ENTRY:
A team will consist of no more than four members. The three members with the high scores will be counted for the team points, however, all individuals are eligible for individual awards. The Junior and Senior divisions will be able to enter as a team and individual. Adults will be as individual only. There is no entry fee. All entries are due by September 25, 2008. Use the attached forms to register.
CONTEST:
There will be at least 10 live cattle to evaluate for quality and yield grade according to the USDA market grades. Rib-eye area and backfat thickness will be recorded as well. Ties will be broken on hot carcass weight. There may be an assortment of breeds. All cattle will be less than 30 months of age. Contestants will be given 5 minutes per animal to make their calculations and mark on their card. Calculators may be used but contestants must bring their own. There will be assigned seating.
AWARDS:
Within each age division there will be awards presented on October 22, 2008 at the Farmers Livestock Exchange.
WEBSITE:
More information may be found at http://ansc.umd.edu/extension/beef/mabclive.cfm
Schedule of Events
Farmers Livestock Exchange, Winchester, Virginia
Saturday, October 11, 2008
11:30 AM Cattle Evaluation Demonstration
11:30 AM -1:30 PM Check in for the Evaluation Contest
12:00 PM Lunch provided
12:30 PM Ultrasound Demonstration – Jim Pritchard, West Virginia University
1:30 PM Factors Affecting Carcass Quality, Dr. Scott Updike, University of Maryland
1:45 PM Instructions for Evaluation Contest
2:00 PM Evaluation Contest
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
5:00 PM Dinner provided
6:00 PM Results and Awards for both the Evaluation and Carcass Contest