Oliver Schwebach, right, and Christina Turner identify insects at the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service Northeast and Northwest District Contest June 25 in Union County. (NMSU Photo by Jordan Hamill)
Source: NMSU News Release
DATE: July 11, 2024
WRITER: Jordan Hamill, 575-646-3015, jhamill@nmsu.edu
As the New Mexico Statewide 4-H Conference wraps up this week on the campus of New Mexico State University, the youth participants first had a chance to test their skills at district conferences across the state, including the Northeast and Northwest District Contest in Clayton, New Mexico.
Excitement buzzed in the air as kids gathered from miles around, ready for a day filled with friendly competition and learning. The annual event is a beloved tradition, bringing together novices and juniors to test their skills in various contests at the Union County Fairgrounds.
Contests include horse judging where eager participants carefully evaluate the horses’ conformations. In livestock judging young contestants scrutinize cattle, sheep and pigs, determining which animals best exemplified their breeds. Entomology enthusiasts examined their insect collections and evaluated the correct name, class and order of each insect.
At the meat contest, novices and juniors meticulously identified different cuts and grades and, in the Family and Consumer Sciences area, kids displayed their culinary creations and sewing projects.
As the day progressed, the excitement built toward the awards ceremony. For the novices and juniors in 4-H this is their state contest and helps show everything they have learned over the year. For the seniors that competed it was a practice contest to help prepare them for the State 4-H conference in Las Cruces.
After the ceremony, Oliver Schwebach, a young contestant with a keen eye for entomology and horse judging, said with his eyes full of excitement, “I learned so much today. I didn’t win, but I can’t wait to come back next year and try again.”
His words captured the spirit of the day – one of camaraderie, learning, and the joy of participation.
“The Northeast and Northwest District Contest in Clayton, New Mexico, was more than just a competition; it was a place where young minds were nurtured, skills were honed, and dreams were achieved,” said Christina Turner, Extension Northern District department head.
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