More than 800 FFA and 4-H members from Illinois and Indiana gathered on Thursday at the Christian County Fairgrounds in Taylorville for the Lincoln Land Community College Livestock Judging Contest.

The Lincoln Land Community College Livestock Judging Team and Agriculture Club were on hand providing tips and expertise to the next crop of agriculturally minded individuals. Contestants judge classes of beef, swine, sheep, and goats to evaluate the quality of breeding stock or the meat.

Livestock judging events strengthen FFA and 4-H members’ critical thinking skills, and public speaking to give opportunities for collegiate scholarships.