2023 Ohio Youth Skillathons
Welcome to the 2023 Ohio State Fair Skillathons. We want to support the continued learning needs of youth livestock and companion animal exhibitors throughout Ohio, so Ohio State University Extension and the Department of Animal Sciences are pleased to offer in-person and virtual Skillathons again this year. NEW IN 2023: we are introducing a proctored virtual breeding Skillathon at the Ohio State Fair for the species with Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor Programs (for more information please visit the Beef, Goat, Sheep, and Swine Skillathon Sections).
Our 4-H Animal Sciences team will conduct online Ohio Youth Skillathons this year to provide a chance for youth to practice as well as to provide another opportunity for county fair skillathon credit; no awards will be involved. These Skillathons will include similar educational materials, by species, that are evaluated at the Ohio State Fair. In-person Skillathons and OBE Skillathons will be at the Ohio State Fair and youth participating at the youth livestock shows will have an opportunity to compete.
Save the dates for the species you want to participate in and put your 4-H project knowledge to the test! Times, details about rules, and registration are provided on this page. If you have questions about the Ohio 4-H Skillathon, contact us at 4hanimalscience@osu.edu.
2023 Ohio Youth Skillathon Calendar
For more information about dates and topics, please visit the individual species pages linked below:
Rules | Virtual Skillathon | Skillathon Team |
Beef | Goat | Rabbit |
Cavy | Horse | Sheep |
Dairy | Llama/Alpaca | Swine |
Dog | Poultry | General Resources |
Skillathons are open to any Ohio 4-H member, age 8 and in the 3rd grade, or 9 years old and older regardless of grade level, to age 18 as of January 1, 2023, and FFA members. 4-H and FFA members turning 19 on or before December 31, 2022, are too old to participate in skillathons.
RULES:
- There is no pre-registration for any of the 2023 Ohio State Fair Skillathons.
- 2023 In-Person & Market (OME) Ohio Youth Skillathon Rules (posted 5.25.2023)
- 2023 Virtual Proctored Breeding (OBE) Ohio Youth Skillathon Rules (posted 5.25.2023)
- 2023 Outstanding Market Exhibitor Rules (posted 6.13.2023)
- 2023 Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor Rules (posted 6.13.2023)
- 2023 Record Book Rules
- All Skillathons are open to any Ohio 4-H member, age 8 and in the 3rd grade, or 9 years old and older regardless of grade level, to age 18 as of January 1, 2023, and FFA members.
- You do not have to exhibit a particular species to participate in that species Skillathon (EXCEPT FOR BREEDING SKILLATHON).
- Any specific rules for an individual species will be outlined on the testing site.
- Virtual participation skillathons will be delivered through Qualtrics. You must have access to a mobile device or computer with the ability to access the internet.
- Even though virtual Skillathons are online, each Skillathon must be taken by the youth only without assistance from family or friends.
- NEW: (OBE) Breeding Skillathons will be held during the youth livestock shows at the Ohio State Fair for Beef, Goat, Sheep, and Swine.
- Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor, youth MUST compete in their species OBE skillathon
- In-person Skillathons will be held during the youth livestock shows at the Ohio State Fair
- Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Market Exhibitor, youth MUST compete in their species in-person skillathon
- There will be 4 stations in each Skillathon that will make up 4 separate, timed modules.
- Each station will have a time limit (typically 5 minutes per station).
- If your child requires any testing accommodations, please contact us in advance at 4hanimalscience@osu.edu and we will work with you to make accommodation arrangements.
- Results will be posted for each age category, age division, and overall after the Skillathon is completed.
How to Register for Virtual Skillathons:
- Open from May 30th - October 20th, Online.
- There is no pre-registration for any of the 2023 Ohio State Fair Skillathons.
- This is intended to serve as practice for youth interested in the Ohio State Fair Skillathons.
- This may also replace requirements for county fair skillathons (please check with your fair for requirements).
- If you are using this skillathon for credit at your county fair, check for specific completion requirements with your fair.
- Species Links Below:
- If you have any questions, please contact 4hanimalscience@osu.edu.
Interested in our Ohio 4-H Skillathon Team?
Beef Skillathon
2023
Virtual: Open from May 30th - October 20th, Online.
- Skillathon Link
- This is intended to serve as practice for youth interested in the Ohio State Fair Skillathons.
- This may also be used to replace requirements for county fair skillathons (please check with your fair for requirements).
(OBE) Breeding Beef Skillathon: Monday, July 24 & Friday, July 28, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Voinovich Livestock Center Mezzanine (2nd floor)
- Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor, youth MUST compete in the OBE Skillathon
- The Beef OBE skillathon is only open to beef-breeding exhibitors.
In-Person: Thursday, August 3, 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Voinovich Livestock Center Mezzanine (2nd floor)
- Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Market Exhibitor, youth MUST compete at the in-person Beef Skillathon
2023 Skillathon Stations
- Virtual: Meat Science, Characteristics & Identification, Medication & Treatment, Health
- OBE: Reproduction, Medication & Treatment, Nutrition & Digestion, Pregnancy & Parturition
- In-Person: Meat Science, Environmental Stewardship, Health & Treatment, Nutrition & Digestion
2023 Resources to Study
- 2023 – GPPs 1, 3, & 6 from QA study guide
- Resource Book
- 4H Activity Guide
- Beef Quality Assurance Transportation LMS - Course: BQA Transportation Certification: Farmer and Rancher (beeflearningcenter.org)
- Body Condition Scoring of Cows | Oklahoma State University (okstate.edu)
- Bos Taurus 3 Body Condition Scoring | UNL Beef
- Finished Steers – Rocking 711 Ranch
- Livestock Resources
- Cattle Mud and Manure Scores
- Beef Meat Cuts Video
- Design of Curved Cattle Corrals, Yards, Races, and Chutes
Results 2023
Breeding Skillathon
In-Person Skillathon
See Individual Results (Skillathon & OME)
See Individual Results (OBE Skillathon)
See Individual Results (OBE Scores)
Cavy Skillathon
2023
Virtual Only: Open from May 30th - October 20th, Online.
- Skillathon Link
- This may be used to replace requirements for county fair skillathons (please check with your fair for requirements).
2023 Skillathon Stations
- Virtual: Cavy Characteristics, Anatomy, Health and Parasites, and Medication & Treatment
2023 Resources to Study (Virtual)
- Cavy Resource Handbook
- 2023 – GPPs 1, 3, & 6 from QA study guide
- Activity Guide
- American Cavy Breeders Association
Dairy Skillathon
2023
Virtual: Open from May 30th - October 20th, Online.
- Skillathon Link
- This is intended to serve as practice for youth interested in the Ohio State Fair Skillathons.
- This may also be used to replace requirements for county fair skillathons (please check with your fair for requirements).
In-Person: Tuesday, August 1st, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, Voinovich Livestock Center Mezzanine (2nd floor)
2023 Skillathon Stations
- Virtual: Dairy Characteristics & Selection, Mammary Function & Dairy Products, Anatomy & Physiology, Health & Treatment
- In-Person: Nutrition & Digestion, Health & Treatment, Reproduction, Animal Handling & Crop Management
2023 Resources to Study
- Dairy Resource Handbook
- 2023 – GPPs 1, 3, & 6 from QA study guide
- Ohio 4-H Dairy Cattle Resources
- 4H Activity Guide
- Manure Scoring
- Design of Curved Cattle Corrals, Yards, Races, and Chutes
Results 2023
In-Person Skillathon
Dog Skillathon
2023
Virtual: Open from May 30th - October 20th, Online.
- Skillathon Link
- This is intended to serve as practice for youth interested in the Ohio State Fair Skillathons.
- This may also be used to replace requirements for county fair skillathons (please check with your fair for requirements).
In-Person: Tuesday, July 18th, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Voinovich Livestock Center Mezzanine (2nd floor)
2023 Skillathon Stations
- Virtual: Characteristics, Handling, Anatomy & Physiology, Health & Treatment
- In-Person: Anatomy, Health & Hazards, Breeds, Parasites
2023 Resources to Study
- Ohio 4-H Dog Resources
- Dog Resource Handbook
- 2023 – GPPs 1, 3, & 6 from QA study guide
- Oklahoma 4H Activity Guide
- Major Organs of Dogs and Their Functions (ukessays.com)
- Facts About Your Dog's Spleen | FirstVet
- Structure and Function of the Spleen in Dogs (petplace.com)
- Introduction to Heart and Blood Vessel Disorders in Dogs - Dog Owners - MSD Veterinary Manual (msdvetmanual.com)
- Weimaraner Club of America
- Dog Paws: Everything You Wanted to Know About Your Dog's Foot - AZ Animals (a-z-animals.com)
- Flat Feet In Dogs – How To Treat it? - Straignt Feet (straightfeet.com)
- How to Correct Splayed Feet Dog? [Comprehensive Answer] - Nahf.org
Results 2023
In-Person Skillathon
- Individual Results (top 10 by age) PDF Version
- Age Winners with overall Champion
Goat Skillathon
2023
Virtual: Open from May 30th - October 20th, Online.
- Skillathon Link
- This is intended to serve as practice for youth interested in the Ohio State Fair Skillathons.
- This may also be used to replace requirements for county fair skillathons (please check with your fair for requirements).
(OBE) Breeding Goat Skillathon: Tuesday, July 18, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, O’Neill Swine Barn
- Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor, youth MUST compete in the OBE Skillathon
- The Goat OBE skillathon is only open to goat-breeding exhibitors.
In-Person: Friday, July 21, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Voinovich Livestock Center Mezzanine (2nd floor)
- Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Market Exhibitor, youth MUST compete at the in-person Goat Skillathon
2023 Skillathon Stations
- Virtual: Anatomy & Characteristics, Management & Handling, Nutrition & Digestion, Medication & Treatment
- OBE: Reproduction & Parturition, Animal Handling & Medication, Nutrition & Digestion, Anatomy
- In-Person: Meat Science, Health & Treatment, Nutrition & Digestion, Animal Handling
2023 Resources to Study
- Ohio 4-H Livestock Resources
- Goat Resource Handbook
- 2023 – GPPs 1, 3, & 6 from QA study guide
- 4H Activity Guide
- Scrapie Tag Information
- Scrapie Information
- Goat Meat Cuts Video
- External Parasites of Goat
- How to Ear Tag a Goat
Results 2023
Breeding Skillathon
In-Person Skillathon
See Individual Results (Skillathon & OME)
See Individual Results (OBE Skillathon)
See Individual Results (OBE Scores)
Horse Skillathon
2023
Virtual: Open from May 30th - October 20th, Online.
- Skillathon Link
- This is intended to serve as practice for youth interested in the Ohio State Fair Skillathons.
- This may also be used to replace requirements for county fair skillathons (please check with your fair for requirements).
In-Person: Monday, July 17, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm, Voinovich Livestock Center Mezzanine (2nd floor)
2023 Skillathon Stations
- Virtual: Characteristics, Anatomy, Nutrition, Medication & Treatment
- In-Person: External Anatomy, Gaits, Forages, Internal Anatomy
2023 Resources to Study
- Ohio 4-H Horse Resources
- Horse Smarts: An Equine Reference and Youth Activity Guide by American Youth Horse Council (AYHC)
- 2023 – GPPs 1, 3, & 6 from QA study guide
- Hoof Health
Results 2023
In-Person Skillathon
Llama/Alpaca Skillathon
2023
Virtual Only: Open from May 30th - October 20th, Online.
- Skillathon Link
- This may be used to replace requirements for county fair skillathons (please check with your fair for requirements).
2023 Skillathon Stations
- Virtual: Characteristics, Anatomy & Handling, Medication & Treatment, Selection
2023 Resources to Study (Virtual)
Poultry Skillathon
2023
Virtual: Open from May 30th - October 20th, Online.
- Skillathon Link
- This is intended to serve as practice for youth interested in the Ohio State Fair Skillathons.
- This may also be used to replace requirements for county fair skillathons (please check with your fair for requirements).
In-Person: Wednesday, August 2, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Rabbit & Poultry Pavilion
- Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Market Exhibitor, youth MUST compete at the in-person Poultry Skillathon
2023 Skillathon Stations
- Virtual: Poultry Products, Meat Science & Anatomy, Characteristics, Medication & Treatment
- In-Person: Nutrition & Animal Handling, Eggs, Animal Welfare, Medication & Treatment
2023 Resources to Study
- Poultry Project and Record Book
- 2023 – GPPs 1, 3, & 6 from QA study guide
- Egg Problems and Deficiencies
- Poultry Cuts
- Colorado State University Animal Study Guide
- Breeds
-
Bumblefoot in Chickens: The Complete Care and Treatment Guide
-
SPACE ALLOWANCES IN HOUSING FOR SMALL AND BACKYARD POULTRY FLOCKS
- Ohio 4-H Poultry Resources - especially the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) Important Information
Results 2023
In-Person Skillathon
See Individual Results (Skillathon & OME)
Rabbit Skillathon
2023
Virtual: Open from May 30th - October 20th, Online.
- Skillathon Link
- This is intended to serve as practice for youth interested in the Ohio State Fair Skillathons.
- This may also be used to replace requirements for county fair skillathons (please check with your fair for requirements).
In-Person: Friday, August 4, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Rabbit & Poultry Pavilion
2023 Skillathon Stations
- Virtual: Characteristics, Anatomy & Physiology, Nutrition & Digestion, Medication & Treatment
- In-Person: Animal Welfare & Handling, Reproduction, Digestion, Health & Treatment
2023 Resources to Study
- Ohio 4-H Rabbit Resources
- Ohio 4-H Resource Book
- 2023 – GPPs 1, 3, & 6 from QA study guide
-
Reproductive System of Rabbit (With Diagram) | Chordata | Zoology
- Types of Rabbit Hay & Grass
Results 2023
In-Person Skillathon
Sheep Skillathon
2023
Virtual: Open from May 30th - October 20th, Online.
- Skillathon Link
- This is intended to serve as practice for youth interested in the Ohio State Fair Skillathons.
- This may also be used to replace requirements for county fair skillathons (please check with your fair for requirements).
(OBE) Breeding Sheep Skillathon: Monday, July 31 & Wednesday, August 2nd, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, Brown Sheep Building
- Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor, youth MUST compete in the OBE Skillathon
- The Sheep OBE skillathon is only open to sheep-breeding exhibitors.
In-Person: Tuesday, July 25, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, Brown Sheep Building
- Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Market Exhibitor, youth MUST compete at the in-person Sheep Skillathon
2023 Skillathon Stations
- Virtual: Characteristics, Meat Science, Identification, Medication & Treatment
- OBE: Reproduction, Teeth, Parturition & Wool, Breeds & Genetics
- In-Person: Meat Science, Health & Treatment, Nutrition & Digestion, Animal Welfare & Handling
2023 Resources to Study
- Sheep Resource Handbook
- Livestock Resources
- 2023 – GPPs 1, 3, & 6 from QA study guide
- Livestock Activities
- Sheep Meat Cuts Video
- Scrapie Tag Information
- Scrapie Information
Results 2023
Breeding Skillathon
In-Person Skillathon
See Individual Results (Skillathon & OME)
See Individual Results (OBE Skillathon)
See Individual Results (OBE Scores)
Swine Skillathon
2023
Virtual: Open from May 30th - October 20th, Online.
- Skillathon Link
- This is intended to serve as practice for youth interested in the Ohio State Fair Skillathons.
- This may also be used to replace requirements for county fair skillathons (please check with your fair for requirements).
(OBE) Breeding Swine Skillathon: Friday, July 28, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm, O’Neill Swine Barn
- Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor, youth MUST compete in the OBE Skillathon
- The Swine OBE skillathon is only open to swine-breeding exhibitors.
In-Person: Thursday, August 3, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm, O’Neill Swine Barn
- Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Market Exhibitor, youth MUST compete at the in-person Swine Skillathon
2023 Skillathon Stations
- Virtual: Characteristics & ID, Meat Science, Health & Treatment, Nutrition
- OBE: Reproduction, Nutrition, Health & Treatment, Genetics & Selection
- In-Person: Meat Science, Animal Welfare & Handling, Reproduction, Health & Treatment
2023 Resources to Study
- Livestock Resources
- Swine Resource Handbook
- 2023 – GPPs 1, 3, & 6 from QA study guide
- Swine Meat Cuts Video
- Livestock Activities
- Zoonotic Disease Risk and Prevention
- Over the Counter Medication Moving to Prescription (AS-Y-6-23)
Results 2023
Breeding Skillathon
In-Person Skillathon
See Individual Results (Skillathon & OME)
See Individual Results (OBE Skillathon)
See Individual Results (OBE Scores)
General Resources
ANIMAL SCIENCE TEAM FACTSHEETS
NUTRITION
OTHER
Ruminants
BEEF
- Livestock Resources
- QA Study Guide
- Learning Lab Kit
- Resource Book
- Beef Meat Cuts Video
- Learning Lab Kit
- Resource Book
DAIRY
GOAT
SHEEP
Non-Ruminants
DOG
POULTRY
RABBIT
SWINE
Equine
- Horse Smarts: An Equine Reference and Youth Activity Guide by American Youth Horse Council (AYHC)
- Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms by New Horizons Equine Education Center, Inc., Alpine Publications
- Horse Anatomy, A Coloring Atlas by R. Kainer and T. McCracken, Alpine Publications
- Feeding and Care of the Horse (2nd Edition) by L.D. Lewis, Wiley-Blackwell
Social Media
Ohio 4-H Skillathon Team
2022 Ohio 4-H Skillathon Team
2022 Ohio 4-H Skillathon Team
The Ohio 4-H State Skillathon Team recently traveled to #NAILE to compete in the National 4-H Skillathon Contest, where they earned 5th high in identification, 6th high in quality assurance, 10th high in evaluation, and 9th overall team. Team member Jael Michelson received the honors of being named 12thhigh individual. Congratulations to this team for representing #Ohio4H at the national contest!
Competing members this year included:
-John Smock
-Adrianna Meyer
-Jael Michelson
-Molly Broadman
A special thank you to our coaches for their dedication to the team.
-Benjamin Wenner
- Andrea Rees
-Hunter Frobose
If you are interested in becoming a part of future State Skillathon teams, plan to compete in at least 1 of the Ohio State Fair #Skillathons in beef, swine, sheep, or goats. You must be at least 14 years old by Jan 1 and need to place in the top 3 for your age group to qualify for the team in August.
If you would like to help support future 4-H'ers studying and traveling to compete at NAILE for the National 4-H Skillathon Contest, consider making a tax-deductible contribution today: https://go.osu.edu/donatestate4hskillathons
Contact: MacKenzie Dore (Program Assistant, dore.12@osu.edu)