By participating in judging teams youth learn skills and knowledge and apply them to scenarios. Youth have interaction with specialists and industry professionals in the related areas. Weekly practices are held prior to each contest. Practices include lectures, hands-on lessons, quizzes, and other forms of contest preparation. Judging teams are offered throughout the year.
Here are the areas currently offered in Putnam County:
Consumer Decision Making/FCS Skillathon
Youth learn about everyday consumer skills such as reading food labels, and selecting products such as jeans, toothpaste, laundry detergent.
Forestry
Youth learn about trees, insects and diseases that affect trees, using a compass and pacing for distance.
Horse
Youth learn to judge horses based on body conformation and performance, also learn about different breeds.
Youth will learn more about horse breeds, nutrition, tack, and equipment.
Land
Youth learn about soil characteristics, land use and conservation practices.
Livestock
Youth learn about selecting swine, sheep, goats and beef cattle based on body conformation and purpose.
Outdoor Meat Cookery
Youth learn grilling safety, food safety and creating recipes.
Youth learn about selecting live birds, candling eggs, and parts of the chicken.
Wildlife
Youth learn about native species, their food sources and habitat, also how to manage habitat.
