PHOENIX, Ariz. – Kaidyn Kasun, pictured far right, represented Platte County during the Arizona National Junior Livestock Judging Contest held on Dec. 30 in Phoenix. Kasun judged a total of eight classes, consisting of cattle, swine, sheep, and goats, along with giving two sets of oral reasons. Out of a total of seventy contestants from around the United States, Kaidyn brought home top honors, placing as the Third High Overall Junior Individual.
“Judging at Arizona Nationals was a really fun experience,” Kasun said. “I competed against kids from all over the country, but I still was able to recognize some similar faces from Wyoming as well. The livestock were very high quality and a pleasure to place. The contest itself was so laid back and everyone was relaxed and it ran very smoothly.”
This was a much bigger competition than what Kasun would have faced in a county fair and the experience proved to be very beneficial.
“This judging contest really showed me what a bigger competition would look like and it was really cool to take part in something like this. I think the participation in this contest is really important, especially for the younger generations because of how calm the environment is. I always enjoy advocating for agriculture and my small Wyoming community through things like participating in competitions all around the country. Arizona Natinoals in general is always really enjoyable and something I’ll gladly be competing in again.”
