Judging - Lifelong Learning

Geuns reminds that it is important for judges to stay current with type preferences determined by the industry. “Good judges should seek to continue learning by attending sales, shows, seminars, and breed workshops,” he says.

Good judges also can watch and learn from each other, says Williams. “If I’m at a show where a fellow cattleman I respect is judging, I will make a point to watch a few classes and listen.”

How do you know if you are doing a good job as a livestock judge? Easy. You will either asked to judge more shows, or you won’t.  “If you’re doing a good job and placing the cattle right, your phone will keep ringing,” says Williams. “If you’ve done a bad job or unprofessional job, you’ll know… because you’ll stop getting asked to judge.”