Alva Review-Courier -

Woods County 4-H had an excellent day at the Northwest District Livestock Judging Contest on Thursday, Jan. 20, at the Garfield County Fairgrounds in Enid. In the Junior 4-H division, the Alva A team placed 2nd and the Alva B team placed 8th out of 18 teams from 11 Northwest District counties. The Alva A team consisted of Avery McMurphy, Jansen Shirley, Brooklyn Murrow and Brady Lott. The Alva B team consisted of Cade Mackey, Bentley Lott and Jenna Murrow.

Top: Avery McMurphy (left) of Alva 4-H, 2nd-place high individual in junior division, stands with Jessica Nickels, 4-H District Specialist. Bottom: Bentley Lott of Alva 4-H, 5th-place high individual in junior division, stands with Jessica Nickels, 4-H District Specialist.

In the Individual Awards Category, Alva 4-H had 4 of the top 15 placings out of 76 participants, an outstanding accomplishment. Placing second in the Junior Division was Avery McMurphy, Alva 4-H, Bentley Lott, Alva 4-H, placed 5th , Brady Lott, Alva 4-H, placed 10th and Jansen Shirley placed 15th.

Randy Nation, Alva FFA instructor, commented "The Junior Alva 4-H Judging team is improving with each contest. I am very proud of the work, practice time and dedication these judging team members are committing to the Livestock Judging program."

"I am very proud of all of the Woods County 4-H Livestock Judging participants" said Greg Highfill, Woods County Extension educator. "These youth work very hard at improving their judging and reasons skills and it is fun when those efforts are rewarded." He added, "Randy Nation works extensively with the Alva Livestock judging teams and is obviously an excellent coach and instructor."

Shay Wilson of the Freedom 4-H club participated as an individual contestant in the contest as well and had a good day under the coaching of Mr. Turner. Waynoka 4-H could not participate this year due to Covid-19 issues and other conflicts.