Jacob Klaudt

Beyond livestock evaluation, Klaudt enjoys communicating about agriculture through audio and written media. Namely, he has voiced part of the Agriculture Today radio program and wrote for K-State Research and Extension News – both roles where he took research-based information from the university and turned it into practical news stories and radio segments for agricultural producers and consumers. He also wrote for K-State’s Agriculturist magazine, the Casper College Chinook, and produced multiple podcasts for the Beef Cattle Institute.

Outside of his role as a communicator, he spends his time judging youth livestock shows, fishing for walleye on Lake Sakakawea, playing cards, and being involved in the beef cattle industry.

Jacob Klaudt is an animal science lecturer and livestock judging team coach at North Dakota State University. Klaudt's main responsibilities include recruiting, developing, and instructing team members and students involved and interested in livestock evaluation. Additionally, he will host livestock judging camps and workshops for youth participants and their coaches.

Klaudt graduated from Kansas State University in May 2025 with a bachelor's degree in animal sciences and industry and a minor in journalism and mass communications. At K-State, Klaudt was a member of national champion livestock judging and meat animal evaluation teams, experiences highlighted by being the high individual overall at the 2024 National Collegiate Livestock Judging contest and a team victory at the 2024 American Royal. He wrapped up his career at K-State by receiving the 2025 Sam Winnett Memorial Award for his dedication to the activity of livestock judging.

Before his time in Manhattan, Klaudt attended Casper College and earned two associate of science degrees in agriculture communication and animal science. At Casper, he was a member of the 2022-2023 livestock judging team, achieved All-American status, and was twice named Outstanding Livestock Judging Student of the Year.

Klaudt originates from Beulah, North Dakota, and grew up around production-oriented Simmental and Angus cattle, also showing some throughout the Northern Great Plains. He has been judging youth livestock shows since 2021, working with the industry’s young people in ten states. Klaudt is also an inaugural Top Judge Mentorship program member — a premier professional development event for young livestock evaluators.

2025 - Sam Winnett Memorial Award recipient
2024 - Member of National Champion Collegiate Livestock Judging team
2024 - High Individual Overall at National Collegiate Livestock Judging contest
2024 - Member of National Champion Meat Animal Evaluation team
2023 - All-American Junior College Livestock Judge