(Louisville, KY): Wisconsin 4-H was represented well at the 2015 North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, KY at the Livestock Skillathon Contest.  A team from Marathon County participated on behalf of Wisconsin.  They included:  Katelyn Zimmerman, Nathan Utecht, Emma Walters and Jake Thunder.  The team was coached by Mark Zimmerman.

The team finished 7^th overall with Nathan Utecht earning 9^th place overall as an individual and receiving an All-American buckle.  Jake Thunder placed 5^th overall in individual evaluation and Nathan Utecht, Emma Walters and Katelyn Zimmerman placed 14^th, 17^th and 20^th overall in individual identification.  Nineteen teams from across the country participated, with 71 individuals.

Marathon County 4-H teams are no stranger to national competition.  Marathon County 4-H has represented Wisconsin at this national contest in 2010 where they were National Champions.  Much of their success is due to the youth’s willingness to practice and gain knowledge in these areas along with a great coach in Mark Zimmerman who has encouraged youth in contests for so many years.

Wisconsin had been Reserve National Champion 3 times before bringing the national banner home; growing a nice tradition for the state of Wisconsin in youth livestock educational events.

Marathon County earned the right to compete at the National contest by winning the senior division at the 2015 WI 4-H Livestock Quiz bowl and Skill event.  Make plans to participate in the 2016 State Contest which will be held on Saturday, March 5, at UW-Madison.  You can find more information about the Livestock Quiz bowl contest and other youth livestock educational events at the Wisconsin Youth Livestock webpage at https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/youthlivestock/programs/quizbowlskillathon/.

 

 

 

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