Iowa State University Livestock Judging Team

09/30/2026

Department Chair support is an important part of building and sustaining a successful collegiate livestock judging program. At Iowa State, we are grateful to have the support of one of the very best!

Take a listen to hear why Dr. Jason Ross believes in the value of collegiate livestock judging and why he continues to support the Iowa State Livestock Judging Team and the opportunities it provides our students.

We are incredibly thankful for his leadership, encouragement, and continued investment in our program!

🌪️ Go Cyclones!

Join host Dr. Brett Kaysen this week for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Jason Ross, Chair of the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University, about leadership, innovation, and the future of animal agriculture. A key focus of the discussion is livestock judging—a powerful educational experience that develops critical thinking, communication, decision-making, and leadership skills. Dr. Ross also reflects on his journey from an Iowa farm to leadership at Iowa State, including formative career experiences at Oklahoma State University and the University of Missouri. He shares his passion for swine reproductive physiology and advancing animal science research, along with details about an exciting new degree program that combines precision technology, business, and data analytics to prepare students for the future of animal industries. Whether you’re interested in livestock judging, animal agriculture, education, leadership development, or emerging technology, this conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration.

09/27/2026

The Iowa State University Livestock Judging Team has put together a strong fall campaign, highlighted by a Reserve High Team Overall finish at the World Beef Expo.

As always, we are incredibly grateful to the contest officials who work tirelessly to organize and execute these events, as well as the farms and families who generously open their operations and homes to help us grow and improve. Your investment in our students and our program does not go unnoticed.

World Beef Expo Results
Team Results:
• Reserve High Team Overall
• Reserve High Team Reasons
• Reserve High Team Placing
Individual Results:
• Cole Freebairn - 6th Overall, 4th Reasons
• Carly Dreher - 7th Overall, 8th Reasons
• Lucas Crutcher - 8th Overall

National Barrow Show Results
Team Results:
• 6th High Team Overall
• 4th High Team Reasons
• 4th High Team Placings
Individual Results:
• Carly Dreher - 4th Reasons
• Lane Higbie - 10th Reasons

Team Members:
(L–R) Cole Freebairn (Ottawa, IL), Emma Taylor (Murrayville, IL), Carly Dreher (Iola, KS), Sawyer Morrical (Clarion, IA), Taylor Richey (Jerseyville, IL), Lane Higbie (Quenemo, KS), Lucas Crutcher (Fair Grove, MO), Cole Miller (Charter Oak, IA)

09/17/2026

Iowa State Livestock Judging Alumni — we’d love to have you join us!

We are excited to host our Livestock Judging Career Mixer on Monday, October 12, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center.

This event is designed to connect former Iowa State Livestock Judging Team members who will be in Ames for the career fair with our current team members as they prepare for the career fair the following day.

Our goal is to give students an opportunity to polish their resumes, practice introducing themselves, build their professional presence, and learn from alumni who have successfully transitioned from the livestock judging program into careers throughout the industry.

A catered meal will be provided, and the evening will be completely come-and-go as you please. Whether you can stay for 30 minutes or the entire evening, we would love to have you stop by, meet our current students, share your experiences, and help them prepare for the next step in their careers.

📅 Monday, October 12, 2026
⏰ 6:30–8:30 p.m.
📍 Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center – Arena Seating

Industry attendees, please RSVP to Will Taylor:
📱 765-480-3920
✉️ [email protected]

We hope this can be a great opportunity to reconnect our Livestock Judging alumni network with the next generation of Iowa State Livestock Judging Team members!

09/15/2026

📣 Judging Workout Opportunity 📣

🗓 Friday, September 25
🕘 9:00–11:00 AM
📍Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center (2508 Mortenson Dr., Ames, IA 50011)

Classes:
2 Steer Classes
1 Market Lamb Class

The two steer classes will be led from 9:00 to 11:00 am. We will lead each class for 15 minutes and then rotate to the other class. This workout is come and go as you please. Reach out to Will Taylor with RSVP and any questions.

Come sharpen your skills and get tuned up for the contest!

Please RSVP to Will Taylor
765-480-3920
[email protected]

08/15/2026

🌪️ President David Cook is a fan of the Iowa State Livestock Judging Team — are you? 🌪️

If you’re a livestock judging fan and looking to get a little practice in at the Iowa State Fair, come join us for the Youth Livestock Judging Contest!

📍 Livestock Judging Pavilion
⏰ Registration: 3:30–4:30 p.m.
⏰ Start Time: 5:00 p.m.

Class List:
Breeding Heifers
Breeding Heifers
Market Hogs
Breeding Gilts
Breeding Ewes
Market Lambs

We need your help, too! If you have livestock at the Iowa State Fair that you would be willing to let us use for a quick 10-minute exercise in the ring, please contact Will Taylor at 765-480-3920. We greatly appreciate everyone who helps make opportunities like this possible for young livestock evaluators!

Come out, test your skills, and enjoy some livestock judging at the Iowa State Fair!

👇 Full contest rules and schedule are in the comments.

06/28/2026

As we wrap up our sponsor appreciation week, we simply want to say thank you.

The 2026 Neal & Kitty Conover Livestock Judging Camp reached another milestone because of the generosity of our sponsors, volunteers, and supporters.

Together we welcomed:
🏆 151 camp participants
🏆 85 contest participants
🏆 236 total student experiences

Every sponsorship, every volunteer hour, and every act of support helps us fulfill our mission of developing the next generation of livestock evaluators and agricultural leaders.

Thank you for helping make the 2026 Neal & Kitty Conover Livestock Judging Camp our biggest and best yet.

We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!

06/27/2026

While financial support is essential, the success of the Neal & Kitty Conover Livestock Judging Camp is also made possible by an incredible team of volunteers.

Thank you to our instructors, Iowa State students, alumni, livestock providers, parents, coaches, faculty, and staff who generously gave their time and talents throughout the week. From setting up pens and sorting livestock to teaching oral reasons and mentoring students, your willingness to serve is what makes this camp so special.

We also want to extend a special thank you to Carly Dreher (CJ Creative), a current Iowa State Livestock Judging Team member, for capturing so many great moments throughout the week.

Be sure to check out the full camp photo album here: http://bit.ly/4w1f9Dz

Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2026 Neal & Kitty Conover Livestock Judging Camp another tremendous success.

We couldn't do it without you.

CJ Creative,Iowa State Livestock Judging Camp,Iowa State Livestock Judging Camp Contest. Feel free to browse, share, and download your favorites!!

06/26/2026

The success of this event would not be possible without the incredible generosity of Neal & Kitty Conover.

Through their continued support, the Neal & Kitty Conover Livestock Judging Camp continues to provide opportunities for hundreds of students each year to learn, grow, and develop a passion for livestock evaluation.

Their commitment to youth education and the livestock industry has left a lasting impact on countless young people, and we are proud to have this camp bear their name.

Thank you, Neal & Kitty Conover, for your continued investment in the future of agriculture.

📷 Credit: CJ Creative (Carly Dreher)

06/26/2026

Today we'd like to recognize our Class Sponsors.

These supporters helped make camp possible by sponsoring livestock classes and educational opportunities throughout the week. Their generosity directly impacts hundreds of young people who attend camp each year.

Thank you to:

• Thompson Showpigs
• Burchett Farms
• Donscheski Show Pigs
• Hild Bros. Show Stock
• Iowa Cattlemen's Foundation
• Crooked Creek Herefords
• Van & Becky Taylor
• Boone River Club Lambs
• Iowa State University Sheep Teaching Farm
• Iowa State University Beef Teaching
Iowa State Beef Teaching Farm
• Lewis Genetics
Lewis Genetics
• Smith Cattle Company

Thank you for your continued investment in youth and the livestock industry!

📷 Credit: CJ Creative (Carly Dreher)

06/24/2026

Today's spotlight is on our Table Sponsors.

These individuals, families, and businesses provided tremendous support that helped make camp possible. Their commitment allows us to continue offering a high-quality educational experience for youth interested in livestock evaluation.

Thank you to:

• Freebairn Farms
• Sarah Richey
• Joe & Naomi Richey
• Taylor Girls Show Cattle
• Jerry & Cathy Dreher
• Brookwood Farms
• Dekalb Asgrow
• Holmes Animal Clinic
• Dunlap Livestock Auction
• Matt Lautner Cattle Co.

We are incredibly grateful for your partnership and support!

📷Credit: CJ Creative (Carly Dreher)