Nick Meyer, Bryce Roberts, Lauren Geis, and Karl Riffel hit the road Thursday to test their livestock judging skills at a higher level at the National Western Stock Show in Fort Collins, Colo.

The Marion County 4-Hers qualified for the national competition by placing fourth at the state contest last fall in Manhattan. Typically, the top three teams represent the state at the national competition, but when one of the other teams became ineligible, Marion County was glad to fill the void.

The judges, all high school students, will evaluate and place several classes of cattle, sheep, and swine. Then they will give oral reasons for their placements to officials. The contest takes place on Saturday at Colorado State University.