 Hey, I'm getting ready to go to my 4-H livestock meeting. Do you want to come? I can't! I don't have any animals and I live in town. That's okay. You don't need animals to participate. You only need to have an interest in learning about livestock. Let me explain a little more. When my livestock judging team gets together, we have a lot of fun learning about beef cattle, sheep, swine and goats. Then we get to go to contests with other 4-Hers across the state to test our knowledge. For H-Hers who participate in livestock judging, we'll learn the body parts of the animal, what the body parts are used for, and how to compare animals to decide which one is the best. Let me tell you exactly what happens at a contest. We take a look at 4 different beef cattle, goats, swine or sheep from a front, side and rear profile. I get to decide which animal is best by looking for specific features that are important such as muscle tone. Finally, I get to tell the judge what I think. Each of my teammates does the same. If we all do well, we will get a ribbon. One of the best parts is getting to spend time with other 4-Hers. Lots of times, they end up being some of my best friends. So I don't need to live on a farm and I don't need to have any of my own animals? In fact, I don't have to know anything about them before I join your team? That's right! Just come and see what it's all about. I know you'll have fun while we learn all about animals together. For more information about 4-H livestock judging, contact your local NDSU Extension Agent or visit our website.