INNISFAIL – Jillian McLerie knows the work, time and effort it takes to be a champion.
The 20-year-old college student, from just west of Innisfail, recently won the 2018 Canadian National 4-H and Youth Judging competition at the Canadian Western Agribition in Regina, Sask.
The competition, which helps develop skills of young agriculture judges, was held at Evraz Place from Nov. 19 to 24.
"It meant so much to me. I've been judging for a while now," said McLerie of her win. "It means so much that you can compete against that many people and come out on top."
Several teams, with about 50 individuals in total, from across Canada competed in the national event at the Canadian Western Agribition, said McLerie, noting her team of eight from Lakeland College.
McLerie came in first place as an individual, winning the grand aggregate championship, while her team finished in second place.
The $2,500 scholarship prize money she earned will go towards furthering her education.
"Each year Lakeland College tries to take a team. In the past they've done really well with team aggregates and individuals making the top five," said McLerie. "It was an honour to be part of the team."
McLerie grew up on a farm and belonged to local 4-H clubs for several years, including one in Sundre for five years and the Bow-Inn 4-H Beef Club for two years.
She is now in her second year at Lakeland College in Vermilion, studying agribusiness, majoring in marketing and communications.
Participants at the competition were judged on their knowledge of the industry and animals, terminology, the format of their judging (and judging skills), public speaking and overall presentation.
"You have to know the cattle or livestock you're judging and the conformation of them,” said McLerie. "There’s a format to how you (judge) and you have to know the proper terminology.
"We judged 12 different classes and gave reasons on eight of them," she added.
In addition to cattle, other classes McLerie judged included alpacas, bison and dairy.
The Canadian National 4-H and Youth Judging Competition was a great learning experience, she noted.
"I made some connections with some people and did some networking with people in the industry," said McLerie. "(The experience) also reassures me that I am capable of seeing cattle the way (judges) like to see them in the ring.
"To compare how you placed the animals with how (judges) did and to be almost right on was pretty awesome," McLerie concluded.
