Top 10 Reasons to Livestock Judge in College

As I’m finishing up my junior collegiate livestock judging career, I can’t help but reflect on my journey that led me to this point. I have a huge passion for livestock judging, but what if I told you there was a moment a few years back when I almost quit?

To most people who have taken on the challenge of livestock judging, this probably isn’t a shock. The ‘sport’ certainly has its challenges and it takes an endless time commitment to be competitive. People quit every day. I wanted to quit because of that. By my senior year of high school, all of the individuals that I began judging with had quit. I remember being frustrated that there was no way my “team” could be any good…because I didn’t even have a team!

That’s when a very wise person told me, “You’ve always dreamed of livestock judging in college, so don’t quit. Work on being competitive individually and don’t worry about a team score. College is completely different. It’s better. Trust me.” In the end, we all know how my decision ended. I persevered and judged all the way through high school and into college. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life and I encourage ANYONE and EVERYONE to stick with it. People ask me all the time: What’s judging like in college? That’s a very difficult question to answer, so I’ve drafted the Top 10 Reasons to Livestock Judge in College. Here they are:

10. Traveling

Whether it’s 10 minutes down the road to practice, or a plane ticket across the country to compete in a national contest, we’re constantly traveling. I can’t even comprehend the number of towns and states that my boots have stepped in. Each place my team goes is a new adventure. There’s always something waiting for us.

9. The Best Livestock Shows

Along with traveling, livestock judging in college gives the opportunity to experience the best stock shows in the country. Don’t get me wrong, county and state fairs are awesome too…but the American Royal and the North American International Livestock Exposition blow them out of the water! Anyone who has a passion for agriculture should experience these at least once in his or her life.

American Royal, Kansas City, MO

8. Scholarships

Just like athletes get recruited for scholarships, livestock judging works the same way. When you move away from home to go to college, scholarships become your best friend.

cost of living + college tuition + social life = one broke student

Trust me on this one. Plus, it’s always nice to get rewarded for something you’re passionate about.

7. Friends for a lifetime

Because of judging, I now have 5 friends that I truly care about and would do anything for. No doubt, my team had our disagreements and there were times when we didn’t enjoy being around another. But, when you spend every day and weekend practicing and traveling together, you’re bound to connect in some way. My team is constantly smiling and laughing. I’m blessed to have met them.

6. Coaches

I’ll be honest, most of the time we’re laughing about our coach. He’s quite the character…to say the least. #6 on my list is coaches because they are incredible. Not only are they livestock-enthusiasts, but also they’re just genuine people who care about the future of students. My coach’s door is always open to vent, ask for advice, or get assistance with anything I’m struggling in.

5. Learn to Evaluate

If you think you’re the best livestock evaluator since sliced bread, college will prove you wrong. I’ve learned more about the livestock industry in junior college than I have over my entire life! If you really want to learn something about cattle, sheep, goats, or swine, this is the place to be.

4. Become a Communicator

Reasons. We’ve all been at that age or skill level when we’ve despised giving a set of oral reasons. Being accurate, using a format, applying correct/fresh terminology, and wrapping it all up into a perfect presentation is hard. Now multiply that by 8 because that’s how many sets of reasons are in a collegiate national contest. Do you remember that old saying, “practice makes perfect?” It definitely applies here. We’ve given hundreds of sets of reasons and now, they’re probably the easiest part of the contest. The communication skills that are gained in livestock judging are undeniable. You’ll use them for the rest of your life.

3. World’s Best Livestock

Remember #9 (The Best Livestock Shows)? Well, once you’ve learned how to evaluate and communicate, you can appreciate the quality of livestock there. Just this past weekend, one of my teammates and I were walking through the cattle barn at the NAILE and we were blown away by this Angus Bull we saw. About an hour later, he won Grand Champion Angus Bull in the show. By traveling to producer’s barns to practice and to contests alone, I’ve seen some of the best livestock in the country. That’s pretty cool.

2. Life Gave Me Lemons…

This one’s probably the most important to me. As I’ve grown in my faith, I’ve come to admire the places that God has brought me to. I know that every opportunity I’ve had was because of Him. God is constantly working in our lives to bring us to the perfect place, so listen to Him! He won’t disappoint and He won’t turn away. Don’t pass up the opportunity that’s right in front of you. I had the opportunity to livestock judge in college, so I did. No, my team and I weren’t ‘National Champions’ Still, I don’t regret it one bit.

1. …And more lemons are being harvested.

So, we were given lemons and we made lemonade. Now what? Drink it and make more! I’ve seen my junior college career as a gateway for the rest of my life. Between the places I’ve gone and the people I’ve met, my doors are huge. The skills I’ve developed will be used forever. Think of livestock judging as your turn in a game of chess. Where will you go next?

Whether you’re just starting out or if you consider yourself a veteran in the livestock judging sport, don’t give up. Don’t quit. I’ve been in your shoes and I’ve experienced the challenges in development to be competitive. Have faith and believe in yourself.