A Successful First Skillathon

Approximately 70 youth from four states and eight Maryland counties competed in the first-ever Sheep & Wool Skillathon at the recent Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival.

The first place team came from Harford County. Teams from Frederick and Calvert/St. Mary's placed second and third, respectively. Mark Holloway from Harford County (MD) was the top junior. Mark got 366 points out of a possible 400 points. Mark had previously won the state contest in Hagerstown.

First place junior team from Harford County
(L-R) Katie Stump, Margaret Stump, Mark Holloway, Nathan Holloway

The first place senior team was from Carroll County (MD). Teams from Frederick and Loudoun County (VA) placed second and third, respectively. Claire Bennett from Carroll County was the high senior. She scored 346 points out of a possible 450. Claire had previously won the state contest in Hagerstown.

Youth were tested on their knowledge of sheep and wool. They had to identify feedstuffs, equipment, diseases, and breeds. They judged a class of fleeces and Corriedale yearling ewes. They took a multiple choice exam. The senior teams had a problem in which they had to calculate 60-day adjusted weaning weights.

The Sheep & Wool Skillathon was a success and will be part of next year's Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival.