Submitted Photo Ward County 4-H Livestock Judging Team members are Danny Kersten, Grace Ones, Shelsey Brandvold, Amber Braasch and Coach Peyton Sundsbak.

The Ward County 4-H Livestock Judging Team wrapped up its season during the state contest on March 2.

The team improved throughout the season, earning a sixth place at Little I and winning the contest in Kindred.

The state 4-H Livestock Judging contest brought 30 teams and 150 youth to Watford City’s McKenzie County Ag Expo building.

In Livestock Judging, there are two age groups: Juniors and Seniors. Juniors are aged eight to 13, and Seniors are 14-18.

Ward County’s Junior team competitor was Tegan Lee from Plaza. In the Senior division, Ward County members included Amber Braasch from Minot, Danny Kersten from Max, Grace Ones from Norma and Shelsey Brandvold from Ryder.

This year’s contest consisted of three beef, one goat, three sheep and three swine classes. Participants gave oral reasons on one beef, sheep and swine class and answered a 10-question test about one of the classes. The beef classes consisted of Angus bulls, breeding heifers and commercial bulls. The goat class was of breeding does. The sheep classes were Dorper fall ewe lambs and two classes of wether dams. The swine classes were Berkshire breeding guilt prospects, heavyweight market hogs, and middleweight market hogs.

The results for Ward County are as follows:

– 2nd place Individual: Brandvold and Ones (tied) – Goat class

– 2nd place Individual: Ones – Sheep classes

– 2nd place Individual: Ones – Overall

– 4th place Individual: Ones – Reasons

– 4th place Senior Team – Beef classes

– 4th place Senior Team – Goat class

– 5th place Individual: Ones – Beef classes

– 5th place Senior Team – Overall

– 6th place Senior Team – Swine classes

– 7th place Senior Team – Reasons

– 8th place Senior Team – Sheep classes

Jim Hennessy and Peyton Sundsbak are coaches for the Ward County group.