Posted: 06.24.2011

Today, youth involved in agriculture have more then just bright job prospects - they've got wonderful travel too!

Thursday, the livestock judging team from Grant county packed their bags and said good-bye to friends and family until July.  The team has been invited to compete in the International Scottish Highland Judging Contest in Scottland.  While there - the team will tour some of Europe while staying with families in Belgium.

Team members include:  Amanda and Brian Patterson; Shea Esser and Kelli Retallick.  The team is coached by Dennis Patterson. 

The Wisconsin Pork Association was just one of several groups helping to fund the experience.

Last year a team from California had the chance to compete.  They said that dairy cattle judging in Scottland is done examing four cattle at a time - but it's different then the states. In the Royal Highlands Show, the cattle were labeled A, B, X and Y. The group of four cattle is ranked and, in the case of the competition in Scotland, A is the best and Y the worst. Every group of four cattle is called a class.

The difference between American and Scottish dairy cattle is the shorter stature of the Scottish cows. There is also a difference in Scottish terminology used.

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