By Allison Peck
A Lincoln County 4-H senior livestock judging team will represent Nebraska at the American Royal Livestock Judging Contest Sunday, October 18, in Kansas City.
The team earned the opportunity to compete nationally after placing second at the 2026 Premier Animal Science Event, or PASE, livestock judging contest in Lincoln in June.
Team members include Kaid Hogan, Keigan Kershner, Allyson Kemp and Kelsey Amos. Ashlyn Peterson will serve as an alternate, stepping in if needed during the competition. Chris Spence coaches the team.
At the state contest, the Lincoln County team earned a high-point team score in the oral reasoning portion of the Nebraska Livestock Judging Contest.
At the American Royal, contestants will evaluate swine, sheep, goats and cattle. Livestock judging challenges participants to assess animals and explain their decisions, developing skills in critical thinking, communication and agricultural knowledge.
The team has been raising funds to help cover the cost of the trip to Kansas City. Additional support has come from the Lincoln County 4-H Foundation and the Nebraska 4-H Foundation.
The American Royal, founded in 1899, is a nonprofit organization focused on food, agriculture and youth education. Its events include livestock and equine shows, rodeos and educational programs for young people.
Competing at the American Royal will also allow the Lincoln County team members to remain eligible for team awards and future national competition opportunities, provided they continue to meet eligibility requirements.