Livestock Judging Team

The livestock judging team is not only rich in tradition but more importantly, in preparing students for future career success. Each year, the UNL Livestock Judging Team visits over 60 of the top livestock operations in 15 states to prepare for national competitions. Currently, the team participates in 13 regional and national competitions throughout the year including the National Western Stock Show (Denver, CO), San Antonio Livestock Show & Rodeo (San Antonio, TX), Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (Houston, TX), American Royal (Kansas City, MO), and the National Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest held in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Exposition (Louisville, KY).

Workout stops include seeing some of the nation's best livestock and meeting many of the influential breeders and top management minds of elite livestock operations. Livestock judging team participation increases the visibility of the exceptional students that make up the Department of Animal Science at UNL. This in turn contributes directly to the UNL Department of Animal Science's job placement rate, of which, livestock judging team participation has proven to be a major placement factor.

Upon reviewing the history the UNL Livestock Judging Team, it is apparent that many of the most successful breeders and influential leaders in the livestock industry trace their roots back to participation on competitive livestock judging teams. Over 900 students have participated since the program began in 1908. The vast majority feel their livestock judging experience was highly influential on their development of critical thinking skills, speaking abilities and overall job placement potential. Students have obtained careers with Cargill, Elanco, Farm Credit, Land O'Lakes, First National Bank, and Pioneer just to name a few. Alumni consider their livestock judging team experience as beneficial as any college course or activity while completing their education at UNL.

The opportunity to participate on the livestock judging team exists for all University of Nebraska-Lincoln students regardless of major. The skills gained as a result of this experience will be of major benefit in any career.