Youth livestock judging camp returns

By Jacob Klaudt

Lecturer and Livestock Judging Team Coach

For the first time since 2022, the NDSU Livestock Judging Team hosted a youth livestock judging camp in Fargo. From June 30 through July 2, Jacob Klaudt, Merle Light livestock evaluation coach, and members of the 2026 and 2027 NDSU Livestock Judging Teams welcomed 26 participants from North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana and Ohio.

The event held special significance for Klaudt, who attended an NDSU livestock judging camp as a participant in 2015. After crediting that experience as a major influence on his own development as a livestock judging contestant, he aimed to provide today's youth with a similar opportunity to grow their skills and passion for the industry.

The camp began with a welcome from Joe and Norma Peltier Vice President for Agriculture Greg Lardy. Throughout the three-day event, campers attended lectures on a wide range of livestock judging topics, evaluated 11 classes of livestock and delivered numerous sets of oral reasons.

For many participants, the Bison Youth Livestock Judging Camp marked their first experience evaluating and presenting reasons on market goats. Klaudt intentionally included goat classes to expose campers to new challenges while helping them build confidence and strengthen their evaluation skills.

One of the camp's greatest strengths was its emphasis on individualized instruction. With approximately one counselor for every four campers, participants received extensive one-on-one coaching from NDSU students. The format not only benefited campers but also allowed team members to demonstrate the leadership and public speaking skills they have developed through collegiate livestock judging.

“Helping with the Bison Youth Livestock Camp was such an incredible experience,” said 2027 NDSU Livestock Judging Team member Jackson Howard. “To get to work with kids passionate about the industry and willing to learn new things was truly amazing. It was fun to see the campers learn new things and implement them into activities we were doing.”

When the day's instruction concluded, campers enjoyed opportunities to unwind through activities including kickball and an evening at Thunder Road Family Fun Park.

Campers were recognized for their accomplishments during the awards ceremony at the conclusion of the event. Grayson Bowman earned both Top Placer and Star Camper honors, while Eliza Buehner was recognized as the Top Reasons Presenter. Ian Broadhead and Emerson Sickler were named Hardest Workers, and KiAnna Staiger received the Most Improved award.

The camp was made possible through collaboration with the NDSU Beef Unit and the Red River Valley Fair's Livestock Enrichment Program, which provided livestock and facilities for hands-on instruction.

Each participant left the camp with an NDSU Livestock Judging T-shirt and hat, along with access to video recordings of instructional sessions that they can continue reviewing throughout the year—a unique feature compared to many other university livestock judging camps.

NDSU students and livestock judging team members who served as group leaders included Payton Beare, Jackson Howard, Grace Mehlhoff, Grace Ones, Keith Pluimer and Stran Ressler.

Photos are courtesy of Grace Ones' Stock & Story.