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2008 Agricultural Technology Contest, April 5, 2008
2008 Ag Technology Contest/FFA Dairy Cattle Evaluation Qualifying Event Rules
University of
Wisconsin-River Falls - Animal and Food Science Department
If questions,
contact Steve Kelm at steven.kelm@uwrf.edu or
715-425-3704.
Event Format
A. Dairy Management / DHI Record Analysis
Exam (50 points) – FFA and Ag Tech
- The exam will consist of a 25-question written exam involving dairy management practices and DHI records. Ten questions will focus on interpretation of DHI records that may include individual cow production records, somatic cell count summaries, and herd management summaries. Fifteen questions will be concerned with various dairy management and industry-related topics. Each question will be worth two points for a total of 50 points. All questions will utilize a multiple choice or true/false format. Twenty minutes will be allowed for the exam.
- DHI records will be provided to answer the questions utilized within the exam.
B. Sire selection exercise (50 points) –
FFA and Ag Tech
- The sire selection exercise requires participants to utilize linear descriptive traits for a single cow and four potential mates. A scenario will be presented that clearly outlines the goals of the breeder. Participants will rank the four potential mates from most desirable mating to least desirable mating.
- Linear evaluation and production information will be provided on the cow along with predicted transmitting abilities for the sires.
- Ten minutes will be allowed for this exercise.
C. Evaluation and selection (200 points) –
FFA and Ag Tech
- Four classes of four dairy cattle each will be placed on type. Three classes will utilize lactating cattle and one class will feature virgin heifers.
- Each class is allowed 50 points for a correct placing.
- Participant will have at least 12 minutes to place each class. Fifteen minutes will be allowed for the class upon which oral reasons will be based.
D. Linear evaluation (50 points) – FFA and
Ag Tech
- A Holstein cow will be evaluated for 15 primary linear traits on a 1 to 50 scale. The linear traits evaluated are: stature, strength, body depth, dairy form, rump angle, rump width, rear legs – side view, rear legs – rear view, foot angle, fore udder attachment, rear udder height, rear udder width, udder cleft, udder depth, front teat placement, and teat length (45 points possible).
- The same Holstein cow will be evaluated for final classification score on a 50-97 point scale (5 points possible).
- A total of 12 minutes will be allowed for this exercise.
- Scoring – linear traits: If a student score on each trait is within five points of the official score, the answer will be considered correct. The student will receive three points for each of their correct scores (15 traits * 3 points per trait = 45 points).
- Scoring – final classification score: If a student score on final classification score is within five points of the official score, the answer will be considered correct. The student will receive 5 points for a correct answer.
E. Type analysis questions (50 points) – FFA and Ag Tech
- A placing class of four animals will be used for this exercise. Ten questions will require the contestants to select the animal in the class which has the most desirable or least desirable feature (e.g. strongest fore udder attachment, sharpest at the withers).
- Each question will have only one correct answer. Each question will be worth five points for a total of 50 points.
- A total of 12 minutes will be allowed for this exercise.
F. Oral reasons (50 points) – FFA only!
- Oral reasons will be required on one class of lactating cows. The class will be designated by the event superintendent prior to the actual judging of the class.
- Oral reasons will be given immediately following the judging classes.
- A maximum score of 50 points will be given to a perfect set of reasons. Participants are encouraged to refrain from utilizing notes during the delivery of reasons. If notes are used, a maximum score of 40 points will be given to a perfect set of reasons.
- Participants will have at least 15 minutes to prepare for oral reasons.
Scoring Summary –
Individual within the FFA Qualifying Contest
|
Exercise |
Maximum
Points |
|
A. Dairy
Management / DHI Record Analysis Exam |
50 |
|
B. Sire
selection exercise |
50 |
|
C.
Evaluation and selection |
200 |
|
D. Linear
evaluation |
50 |
|
E. Type
analysis questions |
50 |
|
F. Oral
reasons |
50 |
|
TOTAL POSSIBLE
SCORE |
450 |
Scoring Summary –
Individual within the Ag Tech Contest
|
Exercise |
Maximum
Points |
|
A. Dairy
Management / DHI Record Analysis Exam |
50 |
|
B. Sire
selection exercise |
50 |
|
C.
Evaluation and selection |
200 |
|
D. Linear
evaluation |
50 |
|
E. Type
analysis questions |
50 |
|
TOTAL POSSIBLE
SCORE |
400 |
Tiebreakers – FFA
If ties occur between individuals or teams competing within the FFA contest, the following exercises will be used in order to determine award recipients:
- Oral reasons score (team total oral reasons score in the case of a tie between teams)
- Dairy management / DHI record analysis exam (team total in case of a tie between teams)
- Linear evaluation score (team total in case of a tie between teams)
Tiebreakers – Ag
Tech
If ties occur between individuals or teams competing within the Ag Tech contest, the following exercises will be used in order to determine award recipients:
- Cumulative score from evaluation and selection section (4 live animal classes)
- Dairy management / DHI record analysis exam
- Linear evaluation score
In the case of a team between teams, the same categories will be utilized but score will represent team totals rather than individual totals.
Tentative Schedule of events
9:00 – 9:10 Instructions for the remainder
of the contest
9:10 – 9:30 Transport of participants to dairy farm
9:30 –
9:45 Class 1 and 2 (Two rings will judge simultaneously)
9:45 – 10:00 Class 2
and 1 (Cows will switch rings)
10:00 – 10:15 TAQ and Linear
evaluation
10:15 – 10:30 Linear evaluation and TAQ (Cows will switch rings)
10:30 – 10:45 Class 3 and 4
10:45 – 11:00 Class 4 and 3
11:00 – 11:15
Reasons preparation
11:15 – 12:30 Oral reasons will be heard (delivered on
the dairy farm)