PASE Contests

Livestock Judging Contest

The Livestock contest has three divisions: junior, intermediate, and senior. Within each division, a county may enter a maximum of 8 individual youth who will potentially constitute a final team score. The top 3 overall individual scores from those youth will count for team awards. Each county can have an unlimited amount of youth judge as individuals. All individuals, regardless of final ranking, are eligible for individual awards. Youth are only eligible to compete on a team in their primary county or in combination with an adjacent county. Multi-County teams are considered to be affiliated with those particular counties and will count against the maximum number of teams that may be entered by any given county. If a county does not have enough youth to complete a team, youth may enter to compete as individuals. Every effort should be made to keep counties separate if possible.

A junior division contestant is age 8 to 10 as of January 1 of the current year. An intermediate division contestant is age 11 to 13 as of January 1 of the current year. A Senior division contestant is 14 years of age or older before January 1 of the current year. If a unit does not have a minimum of 4 senior members who are 14 years or older, they may designate a member of the team who typically would be in the intermediate division. This individual will have scores only counted for the Senior Division and will not be eligible for any individual and/or team awards in the Intermediate Division. If a Senior Division team has one or more members who are under 14 years of age, that team will be ineligible to qualify for National competition. Eligible Senior teams must meet all the qualifications established by the Regional and National contests.

Components

10 Placing Classes: Classes can consist of any combination of breeding and/or market classes within beef, swine, sheep, and goat species. Performance data (EPD’s and/or actual data) may be provided on breeding livestock classes along with production scenarios. 

Reasons/Questions: Senior contestants will give reasons for 4 classes and answer questions in 2 classes. Intermediates will give reasons in 3 classes and answer questions in 2 classes. Juniors will give reasons in 1 class and answer questions in 2 classes. Questions will be asked in a group format after the completion of all placing classes. 

Judges are required to furnish their own notepads and pencils. Prepared judging aids are not allowed. No contestant is allowed to hold any card or paper that will assist in giving oral reasons before officials, except a card bearing the contestants placing in the class. If such a card is used it will result in a deduction in score.

Awards

Junior Individual Awards

• 1st place: gold medal, ribbon, certificate
• 2nd place: silver medal, ribbon, certificate
• 3rd place: bronze medal, ribbon, certificate
• 4th – 5^th place: ribbon, certificate
• 6th – 10^th place: ribbon

Intermediate Individual Awards

• 1st place: gold medal, ribbon, certificate
• 2nd place: silver medal, ribbon, certificate
• 3rd place: bronze medal, ribbon, certificate
• 4th – 5^th place: ribbon, certificate
• 6th – 10^th place: ribbon

Senior Individual Awards

• 1st place: scholarship, gold medal, ribbon, certificate
• 2nd place: silver medal, ribbon, certificate
• 3rd place: bronze medal, ribbon, certificate
• 4th – 5^th place: ribbon, certificate
• 6th – 10^th place: ribbon

Junior, Intermediate and Senior Team Awards

• 1st and 2nd place: medal, ribbon, certificate (one per top 3 member)
• 3rd- 5th place: ribbon, certificate (one per top 3 member)

Scholarships

The top placing Senior Livestock Judging individual will receive a $500 scholarship from the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. To use the scholarship, 4-H members must be enrolled in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources in their freshman year or a transfer student to UNL. The top placing Senior Livestock Judging individual will receive an additional $500 scholarship from the Animal Science Department. To use the scholarship, 4-H members must be enrolled in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and declare an Animal Science major in the first semester of their freshman year or a transfer student at UNL. Youth cannot be awarded more than one CASNR & Animal Science Department scholarship for participation in PASE.

National Representation

Eligibility for the national competition is limited to participants in the senior division. All team members competing in the national contest must meet age requirements dictated above. All team members on a national team roster must have competed in the Livestock Judging contest at PASE. Choices of these contests will be determined in order of their placing in the state contest.

1st Place Senior Team - Choice of the following national livestock judging contests:

• National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest (Louisville, KY)
• American Royal 4-H Livestock Judging Contest (Kansas City, MO)
• National Western Roundup (Denver/Fort Collins, CO)

2nd and 3rd place Senior Teams will have the choice of the remaining trips in their respective finishing order. For example: If the 1st place team chooses to attend the National Western Roundup the 2nd place team will have the choice between the National 4-H Contest or the American Royal 4-H Contest. The 3rd place team would then have the option of attending the contest not chosen by the 2nd place team.

The opportunity to attend either the National 4-H Contest in Louisville, The American Royal, or the National Western Roundup contests will be extended only as far as the 5th place team, if declined by higher placing teams. Under this format, it is possible for Nebraska to not have representation at one or more of these national competitions.

Participation in the National 4-H Contest in Louisville, KY will prohibit team members from competing at the State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest for team awards and other national contest trips in future years, providing they are still eligible for competition based on age. However, they will still be eligible to compete and receive individual awards. Participation in the American Royal Livestock Judging Contest or National Western Roundup will not deem a team and its individual members ineligible for team awards in future years. Additionally, teams that have chosen to attend either the American Royal Livestock Judging Contest or National Western Roundup in previous years will not be allowed to return to the same national competition in future years, per the rules put forth by those respective contests.

In the event that a county declines a trip, the next highest ranking eligible team will be offered the trip. However, a team must rank no lower than 5th overall in the State contest to be offered a national trip.

Determination of qualifying individuals for a national livestock judging event are the responsibility of a county unit. All individuals competing at PASE on the 8-person team are eligible to attend a national event. Most national events have a maximum of 4 team members allowed. Parents, volunteers, and youth should be made aware of a county’s criteria and expectations to qualify for a national event prior to PASE. Final decisions on individuals that will represent a county at a national livestock judging event will rest with a 3 person committee made up of the 4-H Educator, the team coach and the 4-H Council President. If any individual shares more than one of these roles, the Vice President of the Council will serve as the third person. Recommended criteria include: 1) attendance at practices prior to PASE and ability to commit to practices leading up to the national contest, 2) participation and/or placings in additional contests and 3) the placings at the PASE livestock judging contest.

Meats for Consumers Judging Contest

Superintendent

Bo Garcia, Extension Assistant Professor

bgarcia18@unl.edu

402-472-3404

Day, Time and Place

Thursday, Registration at 7:00 am, Contest at 7:30 am, Room B101, Animal Science Complex.

Contest Description

The meat judging contest has three divisions (junior, intermediate, and senior).  

• Junior division contestant: 8 to 10 years of age as of January 1 of the current year. 
• Intermediate division contestant: 11 to 13 years of age as of January 1 of the current year. 
• Senior division contestant: 14 to 18 years of age as of January 1 of the current year. 

(If a county team does not have a minimum of 4 senior members who are 14 to 18 years of age, they may designate a member of the team who typically would be in the intermediate division. This individual will have scores only counted for the senior division and will not be eligible for any individual and/or team awards in the intermediate division.)

Within each division, a county may enter a team of three (3) to four (4) 4-H members. Each county may enter up to 2 teams. Each county can have an unlimited amount of youth judge as individuals. All individuals, regardless of final ranking, are eligible for individual awards.

The top ranking team may qualify for the National Meats Judging Contest. However, if the qualifying team has one or more members who are under 14 years of age, that team will be ineligible for the national competition. Eligible senior division teams must meet all the qualifications established by the Regional and National contests.

Judging Conditions

Participants should prepare to be in 35-40 degree F conditions for most of the competition. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Hard hat, closed toed shoes, and long pants are required for all youth contestants.
• Warm clothing and clean white cotton gloves are highly recommended. 

Contest Materials:

• At least two sharpened No. 2 pencils and a clipboard are required for all youth contestants. 

Other PPE provided by contest host will include hair nets, beard nets, shoe covers (if necessary).

Other contest materials provided by contest host will include official scantron and blank paper.

Contest Components

Contest components will vary by division:

Contest Components	Junior	Intermediate	Senior
Placing Classes	100 points total ~6 classes from beef, pork, and lamb retail cuts, & beef and pork wholesale cuts, and carcasses will/can be evaluated. Only 2 classes will count toward total points. These will be identified to participants and coaches the morning of the contest and remined to participants throughout contest.	200 points total ~6 classes from beef, pork, and lamb retail cuts, & beef and pork wholesale cuts, and carcasses will/can be evaluated. Only 4 classes will count toward total points. These will be identified to participants and coaches the morning of the contest and remined to participants throughout contest.	300 points total ~6 classes from beef, pork, and lamb retail cuts, & beef and pork wholesale cuts, and carcasses will be evaluated. All 6 classes will count toward total points.
Retail Cut Identification	30 points total 30 retail cuts will be identified. Only species identification will count toward total points. Juniors may mark their scantrons for Primal identification and Retail ID name but will not be scored.	90 points total 30 retail cuts will be identified. Species identification and Retail ID name will count toward total points. Intermediates may mark their scantrons for Primal identification but will not be scored.	180 points total 30 retail cuts will be identified. Species identification, Primal identification, and Retail ID name will count toward total points.
Written Exam	Not Included	Not Included	Not Included
Lab Practicum	50 points total 10 food safety related scenarios/questions will be answered.	50 points total 10 food safety related scenarios/questions will be answered.	50 points total 10 food safety related scenarios/questions will be answered.
Oral reasons	50 points total 1 sets of oral reasons per contestant Juniors will be asked to only vocalize their placing	50 points total 1 sets of oral reasons per contestant Intermediates may use their notes when giving reasons.	100 points total 2 sets of oral reasons per contestant
Total Points	230	300	630

 

 More information about the individual components of the contest can be found at the link below: 

https://animalscience.unl.edu/pase-and-cde-meats-contest

Awards

Individual Awards – Junior, Intermediate, and Senior

• 1st place: scholarship, gold medal, ribbon, certificate
• 2nd place: silver medal, ribbon, certificate
• 3rd place: bronze medal, ribbon, certificate
• 4th – 5^th place: ribbon, certificate

Team Awards – Junior, Intermediate, and Senior

• 1st - 5th: ribbon, certificate (one per member)

Scholarships

The top placing Meats Judging individual will receive a $500 scholarship from the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. To use the scholarship, 4-H members must be enrolled in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources in their freshman year or a transfer student to UNL. The top placing Meats Judging individual will receive an additional $500 scholarship from the Animal Science Department. To use the scholarship, 4-H members must be enrolled in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and declare an Animal Science major in the first semester of their freshman year or a transfer student at UNL. Youth cannot be awarded more than one CASNR & Animal Science Department scholarship for participation in PASE.

National Representation

The highest ranking eligible team will have the opportunity to participate at the National 4-H Meats Judging Contest. Competition in the national contest will deem that team and its individual team members ineligible for further team competition on the state level. All team members on the National 4-H team roster must have competed in the Meats Judging contest at PASE.

In the event that a county declines a trip, the next highest ranking eligible team will be offered the trip. However, a team must rank no lower than 5th overall in the State contest to be offered a national trip. 

Award Announcement

Meats Judging team and individual placings will be announced on Friday following the livestock judging contest in the Animal Science Arena.

Poultry Judging Contest

The poultry judging contest has three divisions: junior, intermediate, and senior. A junior division contestant is age 8 to 10 as of January 1 of the current year. An intermediate division contestant is age 11 to 13 as of January 1 of the current year. A senior division contestant is 14 years of age or older before January 1 of teh current year.  Within each age division, a county may enter a team of 3 or 4 individuals with total scores of three high individuals making the team score. The top team may qualify for the National Poultry Judging Contest in Louisville, Kentucky. Eligible teams must meet all the qualifications established by the National contest. However, if a team has one or more members who are under 14 years of age, that team will be ineligible to qualify for National competition. Individuals composing a team must be designated as such if they are to enter team competition. Each county may enter 2 teams and can have an unlimited amount of youth judge as individuals. Youth are only eligible to compete on a team in their primary county or in combination with an adjacent county. Multi-County teams are considered to be affiliated with those particular counties and will count against the maximum number of teams that may be entered by any given county. If a county does not have enough youth to complete a team, youth may enter to compete as individuals. Every effort should be made to keep counties separate if possible.

Components

The contest consists of one class of judging hens for past production, one set of oral reasons on a production hen class, grading eggs based on exterior quality, interior quality by candling, and broken-out quality, grading ready-to-cook poultry and identification of ready-to-cook parts. Junior contestants will have a modified version of oral reasons and will be asked to state their name and how they placed the class. "National Poultry Judging" (4H460) will be a reference for this contest.

Awards

Individual Awards – Junior

• 1st place: gold medal, ribbon, certificate
• 2nd place: silver medal, ribbon, certificate
• 3rd place: bronze medal, ribbon, certificate
• 4th – 5th place: ribbon, certificate

Individual Awards – Intermediate

• 1st place: gold medal, ribbon, certificate
• 2nd place: silver medal, ribbon, certificate
• 3rd place: bronze medal, ribbon, certificate
• 4th – 5th place: ribbon, certificate

Individual Awards - Senior

• 1st place: scholarship, gold medal, ribbon, certificate
• 2nd place: silver medal, ribbon, certificate
• 3rd place: bronze medal, ribbon, certificate
• 4th – 5^th place: ribbon, certificate

Team Awards – Overall

• 1st - 5th place: ribbon, certificate (one per member)

Scholarships

The top placing Poultry Judging individual will receive a $500 scholarship from the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. To use the scholarship, 4-H members must be enrolled in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources in their freshman year or a transfer student to UNL. The top placing Poultry Judging individual will receive an additional $500 scholarship from the Animal Science Department. To use the scholarship, 4-H members must be enrolled in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and declare an Animal Science major in the first semester of their freshman year or a transfer student at UNL. Youth cannot be awarded more than one CASNR & Animal Science Department scholarship for participation in PASE.

National Representation

The highest ranking eligible team will have the opportunity to participate at the National 4-H Poultry Judging Contest in Louisville, Kentucky. Competition in the national contest will deem that team and its individual team members ineligible for further team competition on the state level. All team members on the National 4-H team roster must have competed in the Poultry Judging contest at PASE.

In the event that a county declines a trip, the next highest ranking eligible team will be offered the trip. However, a team must rank no lower than 5th overall in the State contest to be offered a national trip.

Livestock Quiz Bowl

NOTE: Due to time constraints on the competition day, 4-H members can either compete in the Livestock Quiz Bowl OR the Livestock Skill-a-thon but not in both.

Eligibility

NOTE: Every county which enters a quiz bowl team must bring one individual to help in a quiz bowl room.

1. The General Livestock Quiz Bowl has three divisions. A Junior Division team consists of four individuals, age 8 to 10 before January 1 of the current year. Intermediate Division team consists of four individuals, age 11 to 13 before January 1 of the current year. A Senior Division team consists of four individuals, 14 years of age or older before January 1 of the current year. If a unit does not have four members who are 14 years or older, they may use members who are Intermediate Division age, but who are not also on an Intermediate Division team. An Intermediate Division team cannot include anyone over age 13 as of January 1 of the current year. 
2. An attempt will be made to increase the difficulty of questions as youth move up in the age division. 
3. There are no individual entries in this contest, only teams. 
4. Team members need not be enrolled in any specific 4-H projects. 
5. A team will consist of four members and up to 1 alternate. An alternate can be substituted at the conclusion of any phase in a round. No substitutions are allowed within a phase unless the moderator deems that an individual cannot continue on in competition. Recommended procedure for Quiz Bowl team member substitution is as follows: 
   • Each team may name a fifth youth as an alternate and the alternate is expected to attend all rounds of competition in which their team participates. 
   • If an alternate enters play, he/she must remain in the contest for the rest of that phase. 
   • Substitution during the contest needs to be approved by the moderator. In the event a four-member team enters the competition and one member is unable to continue, and there is no designated alternate, the resulting three-member team will be allowed to continue; however, they forfeit the Phase I questions directed toward the fourth team member. 
   • A team may also have only three members. This will affect the team score during Phase One during one-on-one questions. The team of three will forfeit the opportunity to answer the 4th question. 
6. Counties should encourage all 4-H members to study and compete for the county team on an open participation basis. County team members may be selected in a manner determined by the county. See reference list for study materials.

Rules

1. Teams will be notified prior to the competition when and where they should report. 
2. Team Captain: A team captain is designated and must be seated nearest the moderator, who is positioned between the two teams. Contestants will wear nametags and/or have cards with their names to provide to the moderator. The captain will remain the captain throughout the contest and will always be seated closest to the moderator. Other team members may change their seating order between matches. 
3. Viewing: Contestants cannot view matches in either division until their team has been eliminated from the competition. After their team has been eliminated, contestants may view matches in either division, but must remain quiet throughout the event. No electronic devices are allowed in the contest room. Other specific rules about public and participant viewing will be announced at orientation, just prior to the Quiz Bowl competition.
4. Contest Equipment: Each contestant will be given the opportunity to test the proper functioning of game equipment. 
5. Timeouts: Team members, coach, moderator, judges, scorers, or Quiz Bowl committee members may call for a timeout for clarification of rules, scoring, question and/or answer, or to allow for unexpected problems. Coaches are also allowed to call for one, thirty (30) second timeout, during the toss-up round (Phase III) or during the Junior Age division, at their discretion. Timeouts may be called only after a question has been answered and before the start of the next question. In general, there should be no timeouts in any game unless called by the moderator or judge. 
6. Protests: When a protest is raised, a timeout will be called by the moderator. The moderator and judge(s) will consider the protest. In all cases, the decision of moderator and judge(s) is final. 
   • A protest of a question or answer may be made only by a team member or coach of either team, and then only at the time a particular question is read or answer given. Once the moderator has begun the next question, the protests are not valid.
   • Coaches are allowed to use reference material to defend a protest but have a maximum of two minutes to find the reference. 
   • If a protest is sustained, the moderator will take one of the following actions as deemed appropriate: 
     1. A question is protested before an answer is given and the protest sustained - discard the question. No loss or gain of points for either team. 
     2. An answer is protested (either correct or incorrect) - at least one judge and the moderator or two judges will determine the validity of the protest. Points will be added or subtracted as appropriate.
     3. A question is protested after an answer is given (correct or incorrect) - at least one judge and moderator, or two judges will determine the validity of the protest question. The question may be discarded at no loss or gain of points or the question may be allowed with the appropriate gain or loss of points as in the situation above. 
   • Abuse of protest provisions may result in one or more of the following: Dismissal of team coach from contest area; dismissal or replacement of the team member; dismissal of entire team with forfeiture of any points or ranking.
   • Spectators, parents and visitors may not protest any question, answer or procedure during the course of play. They may, however, submit in writing to the contest officials any suggestions, complaints or protests at the conclusion of the contest. 
   • No source of information is infallible. There may at times be answers given to questions which are in agreement with recommended sources which are in fact erroneous. Every effort shall be made to eliminate these questions, but in the event of such occurrences, the judges and moderator may challenge the answer to the question, and if there is unanimous agreement, may elect to accept only the correct answer or to discard the question with no loss or gain of points to either team. 
7. Ties: For Intermediates and Seniors, if both teams are tied at the end of a match, the moderator will read a series of three additional toss-up questions until the tie is broken. Questions will be scored as in Phase Three (see below). If still tied after this; the play becomes "sudden death" form with the first team to achieve a higher score becoming the winner. Questions for "sudden death" play will be selected by judges. For Juniors, 3 additional questions will be asked to determine a winner.
8. Final Score: Once the moderator has declared a winner based on the total team point accumulation, there shall be no protests. 
9. Aids and Materials: Teams may not bring or use any prepared aids or other resource materials during a match. Pencils and scratch paper will be provided.

Method of Quiz Bowl Competition Juniors

1. Seating and matches will be done through a randomized system. The exact procedure followed will be determined by the number of teams participating and the time allowed for the contest. 
2. Whenever time and space permit, a double elimination procedure will be used. 

Team Contest

• The team contest will consist of 20 questions.   A question will be read for all contestants.  Contestants will need to buzz-in for their team to have an opportunity to answer the question.  Team members will have the ability to discuss their answer before providing the answer.  Only the team captain can provide the answer.  Once the team captain begins an answer, no additional help may be offered from teammates. If anyone other than the team captain answers or additional help is offered, no points will be awarded. Answers must be started within 20 seconds after the question is read (starting an answer after the 20 second buzzer goes off is not acceptable). Questions shall primarily be fill-in-the-blank, completion, or short answer. When a team fails to answer the question in the allotted time or answers incorrectly, moderator shall offer the question to the opposing team, without re-reading it. The opposing team may discuss the question and shall have 20 seconds (from the time the moderator offers the question) to begin an answer to the question. Correct answers are worth 10 points, with no deductions for incorrect answers. This team may discuss the question only after it has been offered to them by the moderator (not while the team originally asked the question is discussing it). Only the team captain may report the answer.
• If a team member buzzes-in while the question is being read, the moderator will stop reading the question and the team will be given 20 seconds to provide their answer.  If the answer is incorrect, the moderator will reread the question in its entirety and the opposing team will have an opportunity to provide an answer.

Method of Quiz Bowl Competition Intermediates and Seniors

1. Seating and matches will be done through a randomized system. The exact procedure followed will be determined by the number of teams participating and the time allowed for the contest. 
2. Whenever time and space permit, a double elimination procedure will be used. 
3. Each match will consist of three phases as described below. In all phases, only the first answer given is accepted and will be ruled as correct or incorrect. 

Phase One:

• Phase One will consist of eight (8) one-on-one questions. During the one-on-one competition, only one member of each team who the specific question is directed to will be eligible to respond. This eligibility will rotate with each question beginning with the team captain of each team, and rotating to the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th contestants of each team, respectively, until all eight questions have been asked. This means each pair of individuals (one member from each team) will be asked two questions. Correct answers are worth 10 points with no deduction for incorrect answers. If neither contestant buzzes in, the question dies and no points are awarded or lost. No teammate assistance may be offered or received in this phase. A contestant must buzz in within 5 seconds after the question is read and answers must be started within 5 seconds of the contestant being recognized by the moderator (starting an answer after the 5 second buzzer goes off is not acceptable). Answers will consist of multiple choice; fill in the blank, and/or completion type questions. 
• The moderator shall indicate prior to reading of each question which two contestants are eligible to respond. If the first recognized contestant fails to respond or answers incorrectly, the moderator will offer the question to the other contestant. The moderator will read the correct answer if both contestants answer the question incorrectly or no answers are given. 
• Each question shall be addressed to only one member of each team, beginning with the team captain and progressing with subsequent questions to the number 2, 3, and 4 contestants, respectively. If neither contestant buzzes in, the question dies and no points are awarded or lost. The next pair of contestants gets a new question. 
• A contestant must be recognized by the moderator prior to beginning his/her answer. Any member answering a question without being acknowledged will result in the deduction of 10 points from the team score. The opposing contestant has the option of answering the question within 5 seconds after receiving an offer from the moderator. 
• If a contestant buzzes in and fails to respond to the question in the form of an answer, a five point penalty will be assessed. 
• There will be a five point deduction if any contestant, other than the two designated contestants, responds. 
• If the equipment allows a member of each team to buzz in at the same time or locks out both team members because they hit the button at the same time, and the moderator cannot determine which team member buzzed first, the question will be discarded and a new one will be selected by the judges. 

Phase Two:

• Phase Two will consist of eight (8) questions. Each team will have first opportunity to answer four questions on alternating basis. Each team may write the question down on the paper provided to them when it is first read.  Correct answers are worth 10 points, with no deductions for incorrect answers. The team shall discuss questions prior to answering, but only the team captain can report the answer. Once the team captain begins an answer, no additional help may be offered from teammates. If anyone other than the team captain answers or additional help is offered, no points will be awarded. Answers must be started within 20 seconds after the question is read (starting an answer after the 20 second buzzer goes off is not acceptable). Questions shall primarily be fill-in-the-blank, completion, or short answer. When a team fails to answer the question in the allotted time or answers incorrectly, moderator shall offer the question to the opposing team, without re-reading it. The opposing team may discuss the question and shall have 20 seconds (from the time the moderator offers the question) to begin an answer to the question. Correct answers are worth 10 points, with no deductions for incorrect answers. This team may discuss the question only after it has been offered to them by the moderator (not while the team originally asked the question is discussing it). Only the team captain may report the answer.  Teams are not required to buzz in before answering the question.
  

Phase Three:

• Phase Three will consist of regular, toss-up and bonus questions with a possible total of sixteen (16) questions worth 15 points each. During this phase, any team member from either team may buzz in to answer a regular or toss-up question. The first two questions will be regular questions. Every 3rd question will be a toss-up question with a bonus attached. The only difference between a regular and a toss-up question will be that toss-up questions will have a bonus question attached.
  1. Scoring and procedures of regular and toss-up questions with no Violation of Play: After the regular or toss-up question has been read, the first individual from either team to signal will answer the question within five seconds after being acknowledged by the moderator, or will lose 10 points. Ten points will be deducted for incomplete or incorrect answers. If an incorrect answer is given, moderator will offer the question to the other team, who has the opportunity to answer after buzzing and being acknowledged. The second team must buzz in within 10 seconds of being offered the question. The question will not be re-read. If neither team can offer an answer within 10 seconds, the moderator will give the correct answer and neither team will forfeit points.
  2. Scoring and procedures of regular and toss-up questions with Violation of Play: Any member answering regular or toss-up questions without being acknowledged will result in a deduction of 10 points. The moderator will NOT indicate whether the answer was correct or incorrect, but only that it was answered without acknowledgement and will offer to the opposing team. The opposing team has the option of answering within 10 seconds after receiving an offer from the moderator. The question will not be re-read. The second team must buzz in and be acknowledged by the moderator before answering.
  3. Bonus questions: If a bonus question is attached to a correctly answered toss-up question, the moderator reads the bonus question and the team that answered the toss-up question is allowed to discuss the question. The question will not be re-read. Answers must be started within 20 seconds after the question is read. Only the team captain, may answer. Once team captain begins an answer, no additional help may be offered by teammates. If more than one person answers or additional help is offered, no points will be awarded. Correctly answered bonus questions are worth 15 points. All parts of bonus questions must be answered correctly. No points are deducted for incorrect or incomplete answers to bonus questions. The opposing team does not have the opportunity to answer bonus questions.
  4. If a bonus question was attached to an unanswered toss-up question or an incorrectly answered toss-up question, the bonus question dies with no points awarded and the moderator will read the next regular question. 
  5. Pre-mature buzzing: When the buzzer is pushed before a question is completely read, the moderator will stop reading and that person must answer the question after being acknowledged. If the answer is incorrect or incomplete, ten points will be deducted from the team score. Judge(s) will not ask for clarification of answers in these instances. Answers must be complete and correct. In the event that a multiple choice question must be answered before all the possible answers have been read, the contestant's answer must match the moderator's correct answer exactly, either by letter choice or by the corresponding wording of the correct letter. If the answer is not complete and correct, the question will then be completely re-read and offered to the other team. 

4. Questions will not be re-read, except as in (E) above. 

5. The score of both teams will be announced periodically. 

The judge(s) may ask for clarification of answers.

Awards

Team Awards - Intermediate

• 1st place: gold medal, ribbon, certificate (one per member)
• 2nd place: silver medal, ribbon, certificate (one per member)
• 3rd - 5th place: ribbons only (one per member)

Team Awards - Senior

• 1st place: scholarship (one per member), gold medal, ribbon, certificate (one per member)
• 2nd place: silver medal, ribbon, certificate (one per member)
• 3rd - 5th place: ribbons only (one per member)

Scholarships

Each member of the top placing Senior Quiz Bowl team will receive a $250 Animal Science Scholarship from the Animal Science Department. To use the scholarship, 4-H members must be enrolled in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and declare an Animal Science major in the first semester of their freshman year or a transfer student at UNL. Youth cannot be awarded more than one scholarship for participation in PASE.

National Representation

The highest ranking eligible team will have the opportunity to participate in the National 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl in Louisville, Kentucky. Competition in the national contest will deem that team and its individual team members ineligible for further team competition on the state level. All team members on the National 4-H team roster must have competed in the Livestock Quiz Bowl at PASE.

In the event that a county declines a trip, the next highest ranking eligible team will be offered the trip. However, a team must rank no lower than 5th overall in the State contest to be offered a national trip.

Questions References and Resource Links

National 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl Reference Materials List (2023)

Additional References Questions May be Found:

• Neb Guides
  • Find the link at https://extensionpubs.unl.edu/search/?category=AAG
  • Sheep
  • Beef
  • Swine
  • General livestock health, nutrition, management topics
• National Cattlemen's Beef Fact Sheets
• Grazing Systems for Nebraska Sandhills Rangeland (publication) CCS
• UNL Beef Watch TA
• TAMU 4-H Meat Goat Resources
• Fast Facts - American Sheep Inducstry- Sheep USA
• APHIS Fact Sheets
• Animal ID and Record Keeping for Sheep and Goats
• Bovine Sprongiform Encephalopathy
• African Swine Fever Surveillance and Diagnosis
• African Swine Fever-Protect Your Farm
• Daily Observation of Health and Well-being
• Beef It's What's for Dinner.com
• www.beefresearch.org
• Ag Marketing Resource Center AgMRC
• Nebraska Department of Agriculture Fact Sheet
• Nebraska Department of Agriculture Ag Facts Brochure
• YQCA Program

Livestock Skill-a-thon

NOTE: Due to time constraints on the competition day, 4-H members can either compete in the Livestock Quiz Bowl OR the Livestock Skill-a-thon but not in both.

The livestock skill-a-thon contest has three divisions: junior, intermediate, and senior. In each division a team consists of three, four or five individuals. All members of a team work together throughout the contest for one team score. A Junior Division team consists of individual's ages 8 to 11 before January 1 of the current year. An Intermediate Division team consists of individual’s ages 11 or 13 before January 1 of the current year. A Senior Division team consists of individuals aged 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18 before January 1 of the current year. (If a county/unit does not have enough individuals of this age to compose a team, they may use additional members who are Intermediate Division age, but who are not also on an Intermediate Division team. These members will complete the senior division activities with other senior division team members.) If a Senior Division team has one or more members who are under 14 years of age as of January 1 of the current year, that team will be ineligible to qualify for national competitions. The highest ranking eligible team will qualify for the National 4-H Livestock Skill-a-thon Contest at Louisville, KY. Eligible senior teams must meet age and all other qualifications established by the national contest. If the Champion team is ineligible or declines to participate, the opportunity will be offered to the next highest ranking eligible team. However, a team must rank no lower than 5th overall in the state contest to be offered a national trip. 

Components:

Intermediate and Senior Only: The contest will consist of six team stations. Each station is worth 100 points, for a total of 600 points in the contest. Stations will be 15 minutes each.  Team members may work together to complete station activities but should also consider dividing tasks due to time constraints.

To provide greater focus in contest preparation, each station will be assigned a species focus (i.e., beef cattle, swine, sheep/goats).  The species focus will then rotate each year as indicated by the following table:

Participants must furnish their own pencils and clipboards. Worksheets will be provided at each station, along with blank paper if needed. If needed, calculators will be provided at the station.

Junior Only: The contest will consist of 25 questions, with each question allowed two minutes to answer. Teams will work together in a classroom setting to complete a scratch-off test. Once the team has come to a consensus on the answer, they will "scratch off" what they believe to be the answer. If they are correct, a star (*) will appear. If it is blank, they will try again, and again, until the star is revealed.

Question Categories (5 questions per category)

1. Basic feed identification (using pictures) and characterization.
2. Basis breed identification (using pictures) and characterization.
3. Basic equipment identification (using pictures) and usage.
4. Basic quality assurance (YQCA level questions).
5. Basic retail cuts (using pictures).

Scoring:

• 4 points (correct answer on 1st try)
• 2 points (correct answer on 2nd try)
• 1 point (correct answer on 3rd try)

Awards

Team Awards - Junior

• 1st place: gold medal, ribbon, certificate (one per member)
• 2nd place: silver medal, ribbon, certificate (one per member)
• 3rd - 5th place: ribbons only (one per member)

Team Awards - Intermediate

• 1st place: gold medal, ribbon, certificate (one per member)
• 2nd place: silver medal, ribbon, certificate (one per member)
• 3rd - 5th place: ribbons only (one per member)

Team Awards - Senior

• 1st place: scholarship (one per member), gold medal, ribbon, certificate (one per member)
• 2nd place: silver medal, ribbon, certificate (one per member)
• 3rd - 5th place: ribbons only (one per member)

Scholarships

Each member of the top placing Senior Livestock Skill-a-thon team will receive a $250 scholarship from the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. To use the scholarship, 4-H members must be enrolled in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources in their freshman year or a transfer student to UNL. Youth cannot be awarded more than one scholarship for participation in PASE contests.

National Representation:

The highest ranking eligible team will have the opportunity to participate in the National 4-H Livestock Skillathon Contest in Louisville, Kentucky. Competition in the national contest will deem that team and its individual team members ineligible for further team competition on the state level. All team members on the National 4-H team roster must have competed in the Livestock Skillathon contest at PASE.

In the event that a county declines a trip, the next highest ranking eligible team will be offered the trip. However, a team must rank no lower than 5th overall in the State contest to be offered a national trip.

Animal Welfare Judging Contest

Superintendent

Ruth Woiwode, UNL Animal Welfare Judging Advisor

Extension Specialist & Assistant Professor of Animal Behavior and Welfare

Tabulation & Data Management

Karly Anderson, UNL Animal Welfare Judging Assistant Coach

UNL Animal Health, Welfare, & Precision Management Research Assistant 

Morgan Marquardt, UNL Animal Health, Welfare, & Precision Management Research Assistant

Volunteer Coordinator

Brandy Schulze, 4-H Educational Engagement Coordinator

Day, Time and Place

Thursday; Registration from 7:45 am - 8:30 am in the Student Commons area, Animal Science Complex. The Contest will be offered at 3 times, starting at 8:30 AM and running every 60 minutes, ensuring that youth who wish to participate are able to without experiencing a conflict with other Judging Contests.

8:30 AM

9:30 AM

10:30 AM

11:30 AM - Junior Contest Overview

12:30 PM - Official Review

Contest Description

The Welfare Judging contest has two divisions (senior and intermediate). Within each division, a county may enter a maximum of 8 individuals that will potentially constitute a final team score. The top 3 overall individual scores from the 8 individuals identified will count for team awards across the division. Each county can have an unlimited number of youth judge as individuals. All individuals, regardless of final ranking, are eligible for individual awards. Multi-county teams are acceptable. In order to qualify as a multi-county team, individuals need to be registered as such. Counties that border one another are permitted to partner on teams. Every effort should be made to keep counties separate if possible. 

 

An Intermediate division contestant is age 11 to 13 as of January 1 of the current year. A Senior division contestant is 14 years of age or older before January 1 of the current year. (If a unit does not have a minimum of 4 senior members who are 14 years or older, they may designate a member of the team who typically would be in the Intermediate Division. This individual will have scores only counted for the Senior Division and will not be eligible for any individual and/or team awards in the Intermediate Division.

Components

The inaugural contest consists of two classes of scenarios; one focused on welfare of sheep in research, and one focused on welfare of sheep in production agriculture. Senior contestants will place each class and prepare one set of written reasons for each class/scenario.  Intermediate contestants will place each class and answer questions on each class/scenario.

Placing/Ranking: Classes can consist of scenarios involving animals in production agriculture, research, working conditions, exotic or zoo animals, and companion animals.  

Reasons/Questions: Senior contestants will prepare 2 sets of written reasons. Intermediates will answer questions on 2 scenarios. Questions will be asked during the time allotted for scenario assessment, after all placings have been turned in.

Judges are required to furnish their own note pads and pencils. Prepared judging aids are not allowed; scorecards and guidance materials will be provided by Contest staff.

Awards

Individual Awards – Intermediate

• 1st place: Certificate
• 2nd place:  Certificate
• 3rd place: Certificate

Individual Awards - Senior

• 1st place: Certificate
• 2nd place: Certificate
• 3rd place: Certificate

Team Awards – Intermediate and Senior

• 1st and 2nd place: Certificate (one per member)

National Representation

While Animal Welfare Judging is offered nationally and internationally at the collegiate level, it is not currently offered at the national level in 4-H.  In fact, Nebraska Extension is offering the first 4-H Animal Welfare judging opportunity in the nation, in an effort to prepare Nebraska youth to be competitive in every opportunity at the collegiate level.  Participation in this inaugural contest provides Nebraskans with an opportunity to lead and shape this competitive opportunity going forward.

Award Announcement

Animal Welfare Judging contest placings will be announced on Friday afternoon, following the contest and discussion of official placings (provided tabulation is completed).

Companion Animal Challenge

Contest list

• Essay contest
• Demonstration
• Cat Skillathon
• Companion Animal Skillathon
• Art
• Photography

Age divisions for all contests

• Junior: 8-10 years of age as of January 1 of the current year
• Intermediate: 11-13 years of age as of January 1 of the current year
• Senior: 14-18 years of age as of January 1 of the current year

Dress Code

Nebraska 4-H dog/companion animal show dress code is required. Exhibitors must follow dress code regulations as described in the Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Manual (4H421) Rules with the following exceptions: An exhibitor may wear the event t-shirt, any 4-H shirt, or a State Fair t-shirt. Long jeans/pants are required. While hard-soled shoes are not required, exhibitors are required to wear closed-toed shoes with non-slip soles. No hats, caps, or other types of headgear are to be worn. 4-H exhibitors will be judged on the neatness of their appearance. This includes but is not limited to: shirt tucked in, appropriately sized clothing, tied shoelaces, etc.

Essay Contest

Categories

• Persuasive - The essay should argue a point on a topic related to companion animal health, welfare, or a similar subject. The essay must take a definitive side of the argument. Examples include but are not limited to: 
• Declawing cats
• Adopting vs. buying from a breeder
• Controlling stray animal populations
• Informative - The essay should explore a subject related to companion animal health, welfare, or a similar subject. At least four different sources should be cited in the essay. Example topics include but are not limited to: 
• Caring for senior cats
• Behavior development of puppies
• Use of dogs/cats for therapy
• The benefit of fiber in guinea pig diets

Contestants & Eligibility

1. Entrants do not need to be enrolled in the 4-H dog, cat, rabbit, or companion animal projects. However, participants must be enrolled as 4-H members.
2. Participants may participate in all contests held as part of the 4-H Companion Animal Challenge.
3. Only one entry per exhibitor per category permitted.
4. All essays are to be original works of the exhibitor and relate to the dog, cat, rabbit, or companion animals. A statement of authenticity must be submitted with each essay.
5. Essays must be between 500-750 words for intermediate entries and 750-1000 words for senior entries. References are not included in the word count.
6. Essays must include the writer’s name, age, and county.
7. Essays must be typed, double-spaced, and in 12-point font.
8. Essays, along with a statement of authenticity, must be attached to the online entry form. Essays should be submitted as either a .pdf or a .doc file. Late entries will not be judged.
9. Scoresheet

Submission

Save documents as .pdf or .doc files.Name documents as:

• Contest-FirstName-LastName-County-Age (Example: Essay-Jane-Doe-Lancaster-13.pdf)
• StatementOfAuthenticity-Contest-FirstName-LastName-County-Age (Example: StatementOfAuthenticity-Essay-Jane-Doe-Lancaster-13.pdf)

Submit essays and statements of authenticity in the online entry form. Late entries will not be judged. 

Scoring Criteria

• Accuracy
• Conciseness
• Creativity
• Logical development
• Grammar

Demonstration Contest

Contestants & Eligibility

1. Contestants must be enrolled in their county 4-H dog, cat, rabbit, or companion animal project.
2. Contestants must not have participated in official post-secondary (university, college, junior college, or technical school) competitive events of a similar nature in the same subject matter area. Neither can the contestant be a member of a post-secondary team undergoing training in preparation for an event.
3. Many demonstrators in the Demonstration Contest have given demonstrations in other contests. This is fine; however previous demonstrations may not be used verbatim for the 4-H Companion Animal Challenge demonstration contest. It is okay to use the same ideas from a demonstration previously delivered in this competition, but enough changes should be made to make the demonstration new to the demonstrator and the audience. 4-H demonstrators may not use an old demonstration written by a sibling, other 4-H members, or anyone else.

Questions

1. Why was your demonstration topic important for others to know?
2. What made you choose your demonstration topic for this contest?

The Contest

• Contestants will conduct a demonstration or illustrated presentation on a subject pertaining to the dog, cat, rabbit, and/or companion animal industry or be species-related. The demonstration should be original, factual, and related to one of the 4-H Program Priorities. Live animals may not be used!
• Contestants may use notes. However, excessive use of notes may be counted against the contestants. This will be at the discretion of the judge(s).
• Contestants may introduce themselves with the name of their county, brief background, and topic.
• Ten to fifteen minutes will be allowed for each demonstration with points subtracted for too little or excessive time. One point will be deducted from each judge's scorecard for each minute under ten minutes or over fifteen minutes.
• Contestants may use an easel, table, or other equipment. All audio/visual aids used in the demonstration must be done solely by the contestants.
• Contestants should cite their major references after the conclusion of their demonstration. This will not be counted in the allotted time.
• Demonstrations will be evaluated by one or two judges.
• Judges will provide questions to ask the contestants to answer at the end of their demonstration. Question time will not be counted in the allotted time. Contestants should repeat questions before they answer.
• Scoresheet

Scoring Criteria

Introduction: 5 points

• Did the introduction create interest?
• Was it concise?
• Did it tell what the speech was about?

Topic: 5 points

• Was this a worthwhile and practical topic?
• Was the topic related to their project or activity?
• Was the topic related to 4-H strategic plan topics?

Presentation: 20 points

• Did the presenter speak in a natural voice and were their words distinct?
• Was the speaker poised, confident, and friendly?
• Was the speaker convincing and well-organized?
• Did the speaker exhibit originality?

Subject Matter: 20 points

• Did the speaker emphasize the important points?
• Was the information presented accurate, complete, and usable?
• Was the speaker knowledgeable about the subject?

Workmanship: 20 points

• Did the speaker exhibit skillful workmanship?
• If this was a team demonstration did they work well together?
• Did the speaker make good use of their time, materials, and equipment?
• Was the work and speech well coordinated?
• Was the work area neat, orderly, well organized, and easily viewed by an audience?

Equipment: 10 points

• Was the equipment suitable for the presentation?
• Were the charts neat, pertinent, and interesting?

Conclusion: 10 points

• Did the conclusion stress important points in the summary?
• Was the finished product exhibited (if appropriate)?
• Was the closing definite?
• Were any questions answered satisfactorily?

Cat Skillathon Contest

Contestants & Eligibility

1. This is an individual contest only. No team are allowed.
2. Contestants must be enrolled in their county 4-H dog, cat, rabbit, or companion animal project.
3. While a contest is in progress, contestants shall not communicate with others, except as directed by the Superintendent of the contest. Participants will be informed of regulations at the beginning of each contest.

The Contest

• The contest will consist of a series of stations that are designed to test a youth's knowledge of cats.
• Stations will include identification of breeds and equipment as well as hands on demonstration of youth's knowledge of handling and other cat related knowledge.
• Stations will cover:
• Breed identification pictures
• Conformation
• Cat Body Language
• Behavior
• Grooming
• Parasites
• Nutrition
• Life Stages
• Equipment - collars, leashes, grooming, items for general care, etc.
• Anatomy
• Body Systems

Results

• Results tabulated and submitted to the superintendent are final.

Awards

• All participants will receive either a purple, blue, red, or white ribbon.
• Champion and Reserve Champion will be awarded in each division.

Resources

• 4-H Cat Manuals (Intermediates: manuals 1, 2; Seniors: manuals 1, 2, 3)
• Nebraska 4-H Cat Club 
  • https://4h.unl.edu/companion-animal/cat-club 
• The Cat Fanciers Association
  • http://www.cfa.org/Breeds.aspx
  • www.cfa.org/Owners.aspx
• Nestlé Purina
• https://www.purina.com/cats/cat-articles

Companion Animal Skillathon Contest

Contestants & Eligibility

1. This is an individual contest only. No team are allowed.
2. Contestants must be enrolled in their county 4-H dog, cat, rabbit, or companion animal project.
3. While a contest is in progress, contestants shall not communicate with others, except as directed by the Superintendent of the contest. Participants will be informed of regulations at the beginning of each contest.

The Contest

• The contest will consist of a series of stations that are designed to test a youth's knowledge of companion animals excluding dogs and cats such as rodents, companion birds, reptiles, amphibians.
• Stations will include identification of species, breeds and equipment as well as hands on demonstration of youth's knowledge of handling and other animal related knowledge.
• Stations will cover:
• Species identification pictures
• Behavior
• Parasites
• Nutrition
• Life Stages
• Equipment/Habitat design
• Anatomy
• Body Systems

Results

• Results tabulated and submitted to the superintendent are final.

Awards

• All participants will receive either a purple, blue, red, or white ribbon.
• Champion and Reserve Champion will be awarded in each division.

Resources

• Mice, rats:
  • Care: http://www.afrma.org/caresheet.htm 
• Hamsters:
  • Species and care: https://hamsters-uk.org/joomla30/ 
• Rabbits, guinea pigs:
  • Breeds: https://www.arba.net/
  • Care: www.pet-needs.org/ 
• Snakes:
  • Species and care: https://www.thespruce.com/choosing-a-pet-snake-1237319 
• Lizards:
  • Species and care: https://www.thespruce.com/pet-lizards-1239181 
• Amphibians:
  • Species and care: www.reptilesmagazine.com/Frogs-Amphibians/  
• Turtles and tortoises:
  • Species and care: www.reptilesmagazine.com/Turtles-Tortoises/ 
• Birds:
  • Species: www.allpetbirds.com/types-of-pet-birds 
  • Care: http://www.aav.org/?page=basiccare
  • Nutrition: www.allpetbirds.com/parakeet-food 
• Chinchillas, gerbils, hedgehogs, ferrets, sugar gliders:
• Care: www.pet-needs.org/ 

Art Contest

Contestants & Eligibility

1. Entrants do not need to be enrolled in the 4-H dog, cat, rabbit, or companion animal projects. However, participants must be enrolled as 4-H members.
2. Individuals may enter up to three exhibits. All exhibits are to be original works of the exhibitor and relate to the dog, cat, rabbit, or companion animals.
1. Works of art should not have been used in previous years
2. Should have been created within the year
3. Media may include watercolor, oil, acrylic, pencil, chalk, charcoal, pen, ink, crayon, or pastels. Items may be made of wood, glass, metal, ceramic, tile, fabric, mixed media, felted wool, cotton linter, batik, weaving, fabric dyed by the exhibitor, clay, sculpted cardboard, plaster of paris, quilting, etc. Designs may also be influenced by another culture.
4. Size: minimum 9"X 12" and maximum 18"X 24". This indicates the finished matted size. 
5. Presentation: All work must be matted with suitable matting board, with a maximum 3" border. Matting may be black, white or colored.  No glass or frames allowed. 
6. All items must include on the back: name, address, county and age as of January 1 of the current year. 
7. It is recommended that all entries have a secure hanging device attached to the back for display purposes. 
8. Art items may also be made from recycled items such as common objects or materials combined in a creative way to depict companion animals.
9. Entries failing to meet the contest rules will be dropped one ribbon placing.
10. The senior division champion and reserve champion exhibits will be retained for use by the Nebraska 4-H companion animal program.
11. As youth are able to submit more than 1 entry, they are eligible to win multiple placings depending on judge scoring.
12. Exhibits must be delivered to the south entrance of the Animal Science Building before (TBD).
13. Judging will take place during the 4-H Companion Animal Challenge between (TBD). Exhibits will be available for pick-up by (TBD) unless prior arrangements are made. 
14. The Nebraska 4-H Companion Animal Program will use diligence to ensure the safety of articles entered for exhibition after their arrival and placement. However, they will not be responsible for damage or loss by fire, theft, etc. 
15. Scoresheet

Evaluation Criteria

1. Originality
2. Use of Imagination
3. Creativity
4. Composition
5. Balance
6. Harmony
7. Overall Design
8. Craftsmanship
9. Completed Appearance
10. Neatness
11. Use of Materials
12. Skill Level
13. Appropriate Selection
14. Presentation

Photography Contest

Themes

• Careers with companion animals
• Animal health and/or nutrition
• Good husbandry/grooming
• Training and showing
• Human-animal bond
• Companion animal service or citizenship

Rules

1. Entrants do not need to be enrolled in the 4-H dog, cat, rabbit, or companion animal projects. However, participants must be enrolled as 4-H members.
2. Individuals may enter up to three exhibits. Exhibits cannot be the same photo at different angles.
3. Photographs may be taken with film, digital cameras, or smartphones.
4. Photos must be shot by the 4-H member during the current 4-H year.
5. Personal Data Tags are required for all entries. Please follow the instructions for completing data tags. Data tags must be submitted with each photography entry through the entry form. Photos submitted without data tags will be disqualified. The Personal Data Tag must be securely attached to the upper right hand corner of displays or prints. 
6. A photograph may only be used on one exhibit and may be taken with a film or digital camera. 
7. Securely attach photos. Photos that are unattached with be disqualified. 
8. Do not use photo corners, borders, or place coverings over the exhibits. Do not include negatives. 
9. Personal Data Tag are required for all classes.  Glue the tags securely to back of exhibits.
10. All exhibit prints are 8" x 10" prints mounted in 11" x 14" (outside size) cut matting (no frames) with a sandwich mat-board backing (not foam board); rectangular or oval inside matt opening. 
11. Exhibits must be delivered to the south entrance of the Animal Science Building before (TBD) of the contest. 
12. Judging will take place during the Companion Animal Challenge between (TBD). Exhibits will be available for pick-up by (TBD) unless prior arrangements are made. 
13. The Champion and Reserve Champion exhibits of the senior age division will be retained for use in the State 4-H Companion Animal program. 
14. As youth are able to submit more than 1 entry, they are eligible to win multiple placings depending on judge scoring.
15. The Nebraska 4-H Companion Animal Program will use diligence to insure the safety of articles entered for exhibition after their arrival and placement. However, they will not be responsible for damage or loss by fire, theft, etc. 
16. Exhibits not following these rules will not be considered for awards. 
17. Scoresheet

Personal Data Tag: 

• Name: ____________________ 
• Age: _____ 
• County: ____________
• Camera Description (digital/film, fixed/auto/SLR) 
• Film Speed/(ISO or ASA)Setting 
• Camera Setting (Flash, Natural or Artificial light used) 
• Filter Used (if any) (ex: color, screen, etc.) 
• Special Lens Used (if any) 
• Focus Type (Automatic, Manual, Fixed) 
• Aperture Type/F Stop Setting (Adjustable, Non-Adjustable) 
• Shutter Speed Setting (Adjustable, Non-Adjustable) 

 Answer the following questions: 1)    How was the photo was taken and printed (describe equipment and software used)? 2)    Describe any changes made to the picture using computer software. 3)    What did you intend to capture and what do you like about this photo? 

Evaluation Criteria

1. Sharp focus
2. Proper light/used correctly
3. Flash
4. Color Quality
5. Strong center of interest
6. appropriate angle/viewpoint & proper camera position
7. Unique or interesting subject
8. Creative techniques/angles/viewpoints
9. Overall appeal
10. Effectively execute the intent of the class
11. Photo story: photo helps to tell an important part of a story