February 18, 2003

NDSU Livestock Judging Team Nabs Honors in Sioux Falls

The North Dakota State University Livestock Judging Team tied for second at the Sioux Empire Livestock Show Livestock Judging Contest in Sioux Falls Feb. 1.

Out of 12 teams, the NDSU team placed second in swine judging, second in cattle and third in reasons, presentations competitors make to justify the rankings they assign to groups of livestock. The group competed against some of the top livestock judging teams in the nation including South Dakota State University, Iowa State University, the University of Nebraska and Kansas State University which won the contest.

"We're extremely proud of the NDSU team and what they've accomplished," says Ken Odde, Department Head, Animal and Range Sciences at NDSU. "Livestock judging is an important program for us. It contributes to students' knowledge of livestock, and development of their communication and reasoning skills. Students that participate in judging travel nationally, see livestock operations and network with livestock leaders. Many former participants in livestock judging are leaders in the livestock industry."

Jory Hanson, Berthold, earned fifth place overall and fifth in cattle. Justin Benz, Beulah, ranked eight overall, ninth in swine and 10th in reasons. Ben Hawkins of Inver Grove Heights, Minn., was eighth in cattle. Steven Zenker, Carson, was third in swine. Zac Hall, Berthold, was sixth in the swine. team also includes Jared Bullinger of Dickinson. The team is coached by Bert Moore, associate professor of animal and range sciences and graduate student Travis Maddock, a graduate student from Maddock.

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Source: Bert Moore, (701) 231-7651, bmoore@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Tom Jirik, (701) 231-9629, tjirik@ndsuext.nodak.edu

The NDSU Livestock Judging Team from left to right. Front row: Ben Hawkins, Justin Benz, Steven Zinker and Zac Hall. Back row: Grand Anderson, Jared Bollinger and coach Bert Moore. Not pictured: Jory Hansen and assistant coach Travis Maddock.

Click here for a higher resolution TIF file of the photo. (1,375Kb TIF file)