2005 NATIONAL CHAMPION
LIVESTOCK  JUDGING TEAM

Dr. Robert Whitson, Dr. Don Wagner, Micca Sullivan, Cole Gardner, Jeana Sankey, Clint Symes, Todd Blocker, Tyler Norvell, Andrea Troyer, Chris Fischbacher, Harlan Yocham, Wade Perks, Jared Jennett, and Dr. Mark Johnson, Coach

The livestock judging program at OSU has a rich tradition in not only winning judging competitions but also; more importantly in preparing students for career success and creating career opportunities. Each year, the OSU Livestock Judging Team visits over 75 of the top purebred and feeding operations in 17 states to prepare for the 11 contests OSU competes in annually. Contests include:

             Express Extravaganza, Yukon, OK
            National Western, Denver, CO
            Southwestern Livestock Expo, Ft. Worth, TX
            Dixie National, Jackson, MS
            San Antonio Livestock Expo, San Antonio, TX
            Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Houston, TX
            National Barrow Show, Austin, MN
            Mid American Classic, Wichita, KS
            Tulsa Sate Fair, Tulsa, OK
            American Royal, Kansas City, MO
            North American International Livestock Expo, Louisville, KY

             Work out stops include seeing some of the nations best livestock and meeting many of the master breeders and top managers at the country’s elite livestock operations. Livestock judging team participation increases the visibility of OSU students. This coupled with the success of OSU teams contributes largely to the OSU Animal Science Department’s continued success in job placement of judging team members upon completion of their degree. In addition to the potential career benefits of participation on OSU livestock team, awards earned in livestock judging competitions also include scholarships to help students further their education.

            Upon reviewing the history of the OSU Livestock team, it is apparent that many of the most successful breeders and influential leaders in the livestock industry trace their roots back to OSU teams. Since 1925, the first time an OSU Livestock team judging claimed victory at the International in Chicago, OSU students have earned more National Championships (15) in livestock judging competition than any other university in the country. The 2005 National Champion team from OSU holds the all-time record for highest team score (4776) in the 105 year history of the National Championship contest. Over 700 students have participated as members of the livestock team at OSU and survey data indicates that the vast majority feel their livestock judging experience was highly influential on their development of critical thinking, communication and leadership skills. These alumni consider their livestock judging experience as beneficial as any college course or activity on their ultimate career success and feel this experience will be equally beneficial to future students.

            The opportunity to participate on the livestock judging team exist for all OSU students regardless of major and the skills gained as a result of this experience will be of benefit in any career. For more information about livestock judging at OSU contact:

             Dr. Mark Johnson
            109 Animal Science Bldg
            Stillwater, Ok 74078
            Phone: (405) 744-6065
            E-Mail: mark.johnson@okstate.edu