Livestock Judging Team

Kodi Bell
Fordville, ND
Major: Agribusiness
Minors: Accounting & Animal Science

“I grew up on a cattle operation where we raise purebred Simmental cattle and do custom feeding. We host an annual bull sale each February, and I have always been involved. I also grew up raising and showing Hampshire, Dorset, and Targhee sheep. After selling them, my younger brother and I recently began building our own Suffolk sheep herd. I have also shown cattle, swine, and goats.

At NDSU, I am involved in the Judging Club, the 2026 Livestock Judging Team, and Saddle and Sirloin, where I served as the 100th Little International Arena Co-Chair. This summer, I plan to gain experience in crop insurance or agricultural lending. In the future, I hope to become a loan officer or crop insurance agent.

Being on the livestock judging team has required hard work and determination. Through this experience, I have enjoyed traveling, seeing new places, and evaluating different livestock. I have also valued the friendships built and the time spent together on the road.”

Ty MacDonald
Bismarck, ND
Major: Animal Science
Minor: Agricultural Communications

“I grew up on a beef seedstock operation, where I developed a passion for raising and marketing cattle. I was active in 4-H and FFA, showing cattle and judging livestock. I served as the 2023–2024 North Dakota FFA State President, 2025–2026 NDSU Judging Club President, and currently serve as chaplain of FarmHouse Fraternity.

This summer, I will be interning at Sitz Angus Ranch in Harrison, Montana. Long term, I plan to return to my family’s ranch to continue raising and marketing cattle. My favorite part of judging has been the opportunity to evaluate top livestock and connect with leading producers across the country.”

Grace Mehlhoff
Wing, ND
Major: Animal Science

“I grew up working on my family’s organic cow-calf and farming operation. At NDSU, I served as the 2025–2026 Collegiate Cattle Association Vice President and am the newly elected 2026–2027 NDSU Judging Club President.

This summer, I will be completing an internship with Dakota Border Livestock. My favorite aspect of being on the judging team is the opportunity to build new connections within the livestock industry across the United States.”

Stran Ressler
Mandan, ND
Major: Animal Science

“I grew up on a ranch outside of Mandan, North Dakota, where I raise and show cattle. This summer, I will be working for my family and neighbors. After college, I plan to return to the ranch and expand my herd.

My favorite part of being on the judging team is meeting new people and making memories on the road with the rest of the team.”

Cora Schaunaman
Ashley, ND
Major: Animal Science, Agribusiness option
Minor: Agricultural Communications

“I grew up on a commercial cow-calf operation and have been involved in my family’s business, the Ashley Feed Store. I showed cattle across North Dakota and the Midwest and developed a strong passion for the livestock industry.

This summer, I will be working as a traveling sales intern for Sullivan’s Supply in Galt, California. One of my favorite parts of being on the judging team is how close everyone becomes. Some of the best memories come from traveling together, especially the time spent in the van."

Carissa Scheel
Alpaso, SD
Major: Agricultural Communications
Minor: Animal Science

“I grew up on my family’s farm and ranch, where we raise sheep, goats, and cattle. Being raised in agriculture sparked my passion for the livestock industry at a young age. I was highly involved in both 4-H and FFA, exhibiting sheep, goats, and occasionally pigs, calves, and rabbits. I currently serve as Secretary of the NDSU Judging Club.

This summer, I will be interning with Leggett’s You Gotta Believe Livestock Camps. My favorite aspect of the judging team is the atmosphere and the memories created with the team.”

Reanna Schmidt
Center, ND
Major: Animal Science
Minors: Agribusiness & Agricultural Communications

“I was raised on a farm east of Center, where we raised and showed club lambs, Simmental/Angus cattle, and Boer goats. At NDSU, I have been active in Ag Ambassadors, Judging Club, Saddle and Sirloin, and the 2026 Livestock Judging Team. I served as Judging Club Secretary (2023–2024) and Vice President (2024–2025), as well as Saddle and Sirloin Student Relations Chair (2023–2024). I also had the opportunity to serve as the 100th Little International Sheep Superintendent.

After graduation, I plan to return to the Bismarck/Mandan area to pursue a career in agricultural lending. My favorite part of being on the judging team has been traveling to livestock operations across the country and the time spent together in the van on each trip.”