The Southwind Extension District 4-H members delivered a remarkable performance at the annual Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes held on August 17-18 at Kansas State University in Manhattan. In an unprecedented achievement, the Southwind team won four separate state contests, solidifying their status as the 2024 Champion State 4-H Sweepstakes Team.
The participants representing the Southwind Extension District were MaKinlee Bloesser, Hailey Shadden, Marley Sutton, Kendyl Bloesser, Emery Yoho, Alexa Ellis, Jewel Endicott, Kyser Nemecek, Tate Crystal, Reegan McDaniel, and Byron Fry. These 4-H members, hailing from Allen, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties, demonstrated exceptional knowledge and livestock skills throughout the competition.
The Sweepstakes event consisted of four contests, with scores blended to determine the overall Sweepstakes winners. The Southwind team emerged victorious in all four contests, a first in the history of the event, and were named the Overall Champion Sweepstakes Team. This achievement highlights the dedication and hard work of the Southwind 4-H members.
Top Individual Sweepstakes Winners:
Reegan McDaniel – Reserve Champion; Tate Crystal – 8th; Hailey Shadden – 11th; Kyser Nemecek – 12th
The Southwind teams excelled in the Livestock Quiz Bowl, which began with a qualifying exam. Southwind #3 (Crystal, Nemecek, McDaniel, Fry) won four matches to claim the title of Champion Overall Quiz Bowl Team. Southwind #1 (Sutton, Shadden, Yoho, K. Bloesser) also performed admirably, finishing as the 6th best team.
In the Livestock Judging contest, Southwind #3 (McDaniel, Crystal, Yoho, Nemecek) dominated, winning 1st in Sheep, 1st in Cattle, 4th in Hogs, 1st in Reasons, and earning the title of Champion Team Overall for the second consecutive year. The team is now qualified to compete at the American Royal this fall. Individual highlights include:
Reegan McDaniel – 5th in Reasons, 5th in Cattle, 3rd in Swine, 5th Overall; Kyser Nemecek – 4th in Reasons, 2nd in Sheep, 8th Overall; Tate Crystal – 8th in Reasons, 4th in Sheep, 9th Overall; Emery Yoho – 7th in Cattle
The Meats Judging contest involved identifying 30 retail cuts, six placings classes, and three sets of reasons. Southwind #3 (Sutton, Fry, Shadden, Crystal) was named the Champion Meats Judging Team, with a standout performance in Retail Identification (1st), 5th in Placings and 6th in Reasons. 59 Senior Individuals and 13 teams competed in the contest. Southwind #1 (K. Bloesser, McDaniel, M. Bloesser, Nemecek) were 4th in Placings, 7th in Reasons, 3rd in Retail ID and 4th Team Overall. Southwind #2 (Yoho, Ellis, Endicott) were 10th in Reasons, 9th in Retail ID, 9th Team Overall. Individual accomplishments for the Southwind squad include:
Marley Sutton – 2nd in Retail ID, 3rd Individual Overall; Hailey Shadden – 4th in Retail ID
In the Livestock Skillathon, 4-H members rotated individually through stations that addressed six areas of animal science. Those included feedstuffs, breed identification, equipment identification, meat identification, wool evaluation and a written test. There was also a team component where members worked together on evaluating quality assurance protocols, and demonstrating proper cattle breeding techniques. Out of 29 teams and 154 individuals, Southwind #3 (Crystal, McDaniel, Nemecek, Shadden) once again emerged as the Champion Team Overall, excelling in both the Exam and Practicum components. Southwind #1 also performed well, securing a place among the top teams. Individual Skillathon results include:
Reegan McDaniel – 1st in Exam, 1st in Practicum, High Individual Overall; Tate Crystal – 4th in Exam, 3rd in Practicum, 3rd Overall; Emery Yoho – 2nd in Exam, 9th Overall; Hailey Shadden – 6th in Exam, 7th in Practicum, 7th Overall
This historic sweep is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and teamwork of the Southwind 4-H members, who pushed each other to “Make the Best Better.” The Southwind District extends its gratitude to the parents, supporters, coaches and past team members for their continued support and guidance.
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