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Congratulations to the Mason County 4-H Livestock Judging team for winning the District 7, Senior Livestock Judging Contest. The contest was held December 8th in San Angelo. Pictured from left to right is coach Gary Jennings, team members Gabe Jennings, Chama Martin, Sierra Martin, Price Ruffin, and coach Troy Ruffin. Winning this contest gives them the opportunity to compete at the Texas 4-H Roundup held for the first time ever in Lubbock at Texas Tech University.Chama and Sierra Martin ended up tying for first place at the contest, but Chama ending up edging out her sister when they broke the tie based on Reasons score. Chama ended up also winning beef, sheep and goats, and oral reasons. Sierra was second overall, 3rd in beef, swine and reasons and ended up 6th in sheep and goats. Gabe Jennings was 8th overall, 4th in beef, and 2nd in sheep and goats, and reasons. Price Ruffin was 19th overall, 5th in sheep and goats and 13th in oral reasons. As a team they ended up 1st in beef, sheep and goats, and reasons, and placed 4th in swine.The Mason County 4-H Livestock judging teams also had two Intermediate teams participate in the event. Individuals that participated on those teams were Kody Criswell, Jackson Chapman, Steeley Smith, Ryli Ruffin Heather Shaw, Riley Pape, Kenley Stockbridge, and Raegan Palacio. Those teams ended up 7th and 9th in the contest. Grace Chapman also competed as an individual.The Junior team consisted of Colten Brandenberger, Aspen Martin, and Rylan Jordan. That team ended up placing 7th overall in the District 7 contest.If some of you are wondering what Livestock judging is, it is a team competition that involves evaluating livestock and placing them from best to worst based on certain traits that the animal has like muscling, balance, structure and market readiness. Communication skills, critical thinking and teamwork are essential personal development characteristics that evolve as a result of the time and effort that is expended. These valuable developmental traits are of great benefit regardless of the future endeavor that a student ultimately selects. There is a lot of time and effort that is put forth by all of these 4-H members as well as volunteers that have graciously spent time coaching these teams. Thank you for the hard work all of you have put into this project.