AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Reid McGuire, the new Alabama Extension youth livestock education program manager at Auburn University, has big plans for 2026. The next year will provide a wealth of livestock opportunities for youth to learn, compete and connect statewide.

As a third-generation cattleman and 4-H alumnus, McGuire coordinates clinics that help prepare participants for life after 4-H, FFA and other agricultural clubs. Through hands-on clinics and mentorship, youth gain insight into careers in animal nutrition, Extension, education, biotechnology and beyond.

Alongside fresh opportunities, McGuire is preserving time-honored traditions and programming rooted in agricultural tradition. Events will be tailored to every experience level — from beginners to lifelong livestock exhibitors.

“Coming up, we have everything from our annual Skillathon and Quiz Bowl in January to the Southeastern Livestock Exhibition held every March,” McGuire said. “Every strong turnout is a testament to the meaningful work being done by our teams at Auburn and Alabama Extension.”

Traditions with Fresh Ambition

Since the 1800s, livestock exhibitions have been a part of fairs in the U.S. Combining educational outreach and celebrating rural heritage, exhibiting livestock allows people to see agriculture firsthand.

Nowadays, livestock exhibitions still provide a platform for youth and producers to build skills and confidence as they present animals in competitive settings. These events highlight animal husbandry and conformation while spotlighting showmanship.

Often, livestock exhibitions are family affairs as siblings and parents work together with their animals. When families participate together, livestock events become meaningful fellowship for fostering connection and community.

Getting Started with Goats

Youth and families interested in participating in goat showing can attend the goat showing clinic in conjunction with the Southeastern Livestock Exposition Sunday, March 15.

“Whenever kids and parents express their first interest in showing livestock, I always recommend showing goats as a steppingstone,” McGuire said. “Not only are goats fun to show, but it is much more cost-efficient and a little easier than starting out going straight to showing cattle.”

Once exhibitors get a good start, Alabama 4-H and FFA offer many annual youth. Each spring, hog and cattle show opportunities are available for new and seasoned exhibitors.

Livestock Judging

Livestock judging competitions are an honored tradition offered through Auburn and Alabama 4-H. In livestock judging, youth get to demonstrate their understanding of animal structure, performance and potential. Participants evaluate cattle, swine, sheep or goats in competitive settings.

While animal evaluation is central, livestock judging competitions are not limited to evaluation rankings. The contests also include an individual component where the youth prepare short presentations explaining their evaluations, called reasons. These presentations allow competitors to showcase skills in public speaking, critical thinking and livestock expertise.

“We hear all the time that employers struggle to find candidates with those soft skills needed for high job performance,” McGuire said. “Through mentorship and competition, we are instilling those essential lessons into our students, so they carry them into their careers.”

From clinics to competitions, Alabama’s youth livestock programs continue to shape future leaders in agriculture with hands-on experiences.

Upcoming Events

As spring approaches, several opportunities are available to get out and get involved. Below is a list of upcoming events:

• Auburn University Block and Bridle Competition: Jan. 17, 2026
• 4-H State Livestock Skillathon: Jan. 23, 2026
• 4-H State Livestock Quiz Bowl: Jan. 24, 2026
• Agribition Multispecies Show Central Alabama: Feb. 6-7, 2026
• Youth Livestock Judging Contest at the Southeastern Livestock Exhibition: March 11, 2026
• Alabama Goat Showing Clinic: March 15, 2026
• Junior Livestock Expo at the Southeastern Livestock Exhibition: March 16-18, 2026

For more information, contact McGuire at erm0135@aces.edu.