UA 4-H Livestock Teams Win State Championships

Union Academy Agriculture 4-H sent two teams to the North Carolina 4-H Livestock State Championships in Raleigh. Both the Senior and Intermediate teams swept the competition by bringing home titles in the Livestock Skillathon and the Livestock Quizbowl. Aubrey Mekus placed first individually in the Senior Livestock Skillathon, and Lacie Alexander placed first in the Intermediate Livestock Skillathon.

The Senior and Intermediate Skillathon Teams competed in Skillathon State Championships. Each individual was asked to identify 10 breeds and know their distinguishable characteristics, identify 10 pieces of Livestock equipment and know their function, identify 10-15 cuts of meats and know their retail and primal cuts, and identify 10 feeds and know their nutrient classification. The individuals were also asked to place a class of wool, hay, and meat and answer five questions per class. Lastly, they were asked to complete a written exam and a quality assurance exam.

The Senior and Intermediate Skillathon Teams also competed in a series of team problems. These problems ranged from Quality Assurance, Identification, Marketing, Evaluation, Nutrition, and a hands-on lab practicum. Each team was asked to work collaboratively to complete three Both the Senior and Intermediate Quizbowl Teams competed in Livestock Quizbowl State Championships. Quizbowl is a single-elimination, trivia-style contest with questions relating to all aspects of livestock and animal science. Both the senior and intermediate teams went undefeated throughout the bracket and were declared State Champions.

Senior Team members include: Aubrey Mekus, Lindsay Van Art, Kaylee Keeter, Elizabeth Williams, and Greyson Rouse.

Intermediate Team members were: Lacie Alexander, Colton Alexander, and Penelope Williams.

Both teams are coached by the Union Academy Agriculture teacher, Mr. Michael Alexander.