New rules prompt AgriLife Extension schools for youth wool, mohair judging coaches

December schools set in San Angelo, Stephenville

Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, [email protected]
Contact: Dr. Reid Redden, 325-653-4576, [email protected]

SAN ANGELO – New rules and processes pertaining to 4-H and FFA youth wool and mohair judging contests have prompted the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to set two orientation schools in December.

The schools, with the same curriculum, will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 7 and Dec. 12 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Centers at San Angelo and Stephenville, respectively. The San Angelo center is north of San Angelo on U.S. Highway 87 and the Stephenville center is on U.S. Highway 281 at the intersection of Farm-to-Market Road 8.  

“These schools are designed for AgriLife Extension agents and others who coach 4-H wool and mohair judging teams,” said Dr. Reid Redden, AgriLife Extension state sheep and goat specialist at San Angelo. “At both schools, we’ll discuss the new rules and processes that will be used in the upcoming 2017 judging season.”

Redden said he’ll also discuss what services AgriLife Extension can provide with regard to supplying wool fleeces and mohair samples for teams to practice with. He’ll also explain what the agency can offer in terms of setup, delivery and official placing of invitational and district contests.

“We’ll end both schools with a mock contest using the new wool and mohair rules, so participants can actually experience them,” he said. “We’ve also scheduled ample time for participants to work on their wool and mohair judging skills.

“These workshops aren’t just for ‘old hands,’ they also are a good opportunity for folks from counties that have not traditionally had wool and mohair judging teams to learn about how these contests function.“

Redden asked those interested in either school to email him at [email protected] .