Buffalo County 4-H’ers gain more than livestock knowledge on quest for national competitions

Kristen Sindelar
Jun 17, 2024
Jun 17, 2024

Buffalo County 4-H 3.JPEG — Siblings Skyler and Noah Summers of Gibbon, Neb., were teammates for multiple national-qualifying livestock contest teams.
Submitted photo

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Buffalo County 4-H has traditionally had a strong livestock program, and they have been known as one of the largest 4-H livestock counties in the state.

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Buffalo County 4-H 1.jpg — In 2021, the Buffalo County 4-H Skillathon Team earned Nebraska’s first champion title for the National 4-H Livestock Skillathon. They are Skyler Summers, left, Taylor Lewis, coach Dean Batie, Jaylea Pope and Noah Summers.
Submitted photo

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Buffalo County 4-H 2.JPEG — The Buffalo County 4-H Meats Judging Team competed at the national competition in 2022. Team members included Jaylea Pope, left, Justine Pope, Noah Summers and Skyler Summers.
Submitted photo

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Buffalo County 4-H 4.jpg — Jaylea Pope of Ravenna, Neb., reigned as High Individual Overall at the National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest in 2023.
Submitted photo

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Buffalo County 4-H 5.jpg — The Buffalo County 4-H Quiz Bowl Team fought hard at the national competition in 2023. Pictured is coach Jeanne Pope, left, Justine Pope, Mason Janda, Gracie Wagoner and Skyler Summers.
Submitted photo

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Reporter Kristen Sindelar has loved agriculture her entire life, coming from a diversified farm with three generations working side-by-side in northeastern Nebraska. Reach her at Kristen.Sindelar@midwestmessenger.com.