Jackson County 4-H Livestock Club Hopes to Bring Judging Dynasty Full Circle

Members of the Jackson County 4-H Livestock Club and their coaches Brad and Stacey Ditty Warden, will travel to Gainesville, Florida on April 11, 2015 to compete in the 2015 4-H State Livestock Judging Contest (State Livestock Judging Contest http://animal.ifas.ufl.edu/youth/livestock/livestockJudgingState.shtml) and again on April 18, 2015 to compete in the 2015 4-H State Meats Judging Contest. (State Meats Judging Contest http://animal.ifas.ufl.edu/youth/livestock/meatsJudging.shtml)
It has been nearly 15 years since Jackson County 4-H fielded a Livestock or Meats Judging team or competed at the State level. Two members of one of the last teams, Brad and Stacey Ditty Warden who are now the club leaders and coaches for this year’s State competing teams, hope to once again bring Jackson County 4-H into the State and National spotlight with the entry of a team from Jackson County 4-H into this year’s 4-H State Judging Contests. Members attended a two-day clinic on January 9 and 10, 2015, and have been practicing weekly in preparation for this year’s competition.

The club has also held multiple fund-raisers to cover the costs of their entry fees, vehicle rental, fuel, hotel reservations, and club shirts. Club members, their parents and club leaders Brad and Stacey, are to be commended for their hard work and dedication in not only their preparation for these competitions but for raising the money needed to make this all possible.

I hope that the community will continue to support not only the efforts of this 4-H Club, but all the efforts of the 4-H Clubs in Jackson County as we work together to bring the best possible 4-H programs and opportunities to the youth of Jackson County. I would also encourage you to consider contributing your time and/or your financial support to their efforts. Jackson County 4-H is very proud of the hard work and determination of our youth and volunteers! Jackson County 4-H would also like to thank Washington County 4-H for the loan of smocks and hard-hats. We are currently looking for someone to sponsor the purchase of smocks and hard-hats for the Jackson County 4-H program.

meats judging with coaches — Back row – Lila Caraway, Emma Caraway, Garrison Glass and Ashbey Woodall. Middle row-Bethany Sistrunk, Savannah Capps, Caitlin Caudill and Case Birge and Coach Stacey Ditty Warden. Front row -Hayden Warden and Bud Basford. Kneeling – Coach Brad Warden.

The livestock team that will be competing at state includes: Emilee Foran, Bethany Sistrunk, Savannah Capps and Case Birge.

The meats judging team that will be competing at state includes: Hayden Warden, Emma Caraway, Ashbey Woodall, Anslie Yoder (not pictured), and one senior individual Nathlie Yoder (not pictured).

Then……

ditty warden state champion team — Jackson County 4-H Livestock Team from 1995.

Young Stacey Ditty Warden and Brad Warden.

Now….

The Jackson County 4-H program is growing more and more every day. If you or someone you know would like to learn more about the Jackson County 4-H Youth Development program, please visit the 4-H Youth Development page at https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/jacksonco/. You may also contact the 4-H Office at (850) 482-9620 or email amgranger@ufl.edu.