Livestock Judging Team
Colorado State University’s Livestock Judging program dates back to 1914 when the first team competed at the National Western Stock Show. Since then numerous accolades have been garnered and because of this the CSU Livestock Program is considered as one of the elite in the country. More importantly, team members have gone onto to excel in the Livestock Industry where they have been called upon to be industry leaders. Many contribute their success after graduating from CSU to the values gained through Livestock Judging.
By being on the competitive team students get the opportunity to interact with some of the very best livestock breeders in sheep, swine, and cattle throughout the country. A typical contest consists of 12 classes of sheep, swine, and cattle and 8 sets of oral reasons. Students will have the opportunity to represent CSU at the most prestigious contests in the nation and travel to nationally recognized livestock shows.
Team members, standing left to right are: Dominic DiSanti, Pueblo, CO; Casseday Lohr, Gill, CO; Melissa Volosin, Calhan, CO; Shane Bedwell (Coach); Mandy Myers, Delta, CO; Reed Parker, Idalia, CO; Brandon Creamer, Montrose, CO; Kendra Brown, Fort Collins, CO; J.W. Wood, Pauillo, HI; Ralph Hinton, Monta Vista, CO
Contests attended:
Arizona National, Phoenix, AZ
National Western Stock Show, Denver, CO
San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo, San Antonio, TX
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Houston, TX
National Barrow Show, Austin, MN
Mid America Classic, Wichita, KS
Premier Stockman, Michigantown, IN
American Royal, Kansas City, MO
North American International Livestock Exposition, Louisville, KY
There is a class taught in the fall for those interested in learning about livestock evaluation and potentially being on the competitive team called Principles of Livestock Selection. Those students who have successfully completed the course are eligible for the Livestock Judging Team. Students typically compete and travel the spring semester of their junior year and the fall semester of their senior year.
Students who would like to participate in livestock judging should contact Shane Bedwell at 970-491-8093 or email him at shane.bedwell@colostate.edu
2011 Livestock Judging Team:
Kortney Bahem – Homedale, ID
Brady Clevenger – Crook, CO
Dustin Frank – Johnstown, CO
Jessica Hawthorne – Hauxtun, CO
Kasey Kinney – Buckeye, AZ
Larissa LaShell – Durango, CO
Matt Noggle – Manchester, MI
Mike Ochs – Gunnison, CO
Contest Results:
Champion Team: Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic, Kearney, NE (All cattle contest)
Team Awards: 1st in Oral Reasons
Larissa LaShell: High Individual Overall and High Individual in oral reasons
Dustin Frank: 4th High Individual Overall, 3rd in oral reasons
Brady Clevenger: 5th High Individual Overall, 7th in oral reasons
Kortney Bahem: 8th High Individual Overall, 8th in oral reasons
Matt Noggle: 10th High Individual Overall, 10th in oral reasons
Jessica Hawthorne: 6th High Individual in oral reasons