Judging Cards
What four pieces of information must be included on a livestock judging card?
Contestant name, class name/number, placing, contestant number.
What are "reasons" in livestock judging?
Verbal explanations of why you placed the class the way you did.
What is one common breed of beef cattle used in judging classes?
Angus, Hereford, Charolais, Simmental, etc.
What is a common breed of sheep in market lamb judging?
Suffolk, Hampshire, Dorset, etc.
Name one common breed of swine.
Yorkshire, Duroc, Hampshire, Berkshire, etc.
What do the numbers 1-2-3-4 represent on a judging card?
The animals in the class.
True or False: You should memorize reasons word-for-word.
False. You should understand and speak naturally.
What is a key trait to look for in market beef animals?
Muscle expression, finish (fat cover), structure, balance.
What body area shows the most muscle in lambs?
The leg and rack.
What is a desirable trait in market hogs?
Leanness, muscle, growth, structure.
How do you write a placing of 1st: #2, 2nd: #4, 3rd: #1, 4th: #3?
2-4-1-3
What is one key component of a good set of reasons?
Logical organization, comparative terminology, accurate descriptions.
Where should you evaluate muscle on a beef steer?
Top, loin, round, stifle.
What’s one structural trait to check when judging sheep?
Straightness of topline, leg set, shoulder angle.
Where do you evaluate muscle in pigs?
Top, ham, loin, shoulder.
What happens if you leave a blank or mark two numbers in the same placing?
You may receive a zero or lose points for that class.
What is a “grant” in reasons?
Giving credit to the animal you placed lower for a quality it possesses.
What does "finish" refer to in a market steer?
The amount of fat cover on the animal.
What does “handleability” mean in lamb judging?
Feeling for muscle and fat cover when placing your hands on the lamb.
What is one fault you might see in a pig’s structure?
Splay-footed, straight hocked, weak pasterns, weak shoulder, etc.
What is the highest score you can earn on a judging class (excluding reasons)?
50 Points
What does "cutting the class" mean when giving reasons?
Using specific, descriptive comparisons to justify your placing, including pros/cons.
Why is structural correctness important in breeding heifers?
It affects longevity, mobility, and reproductive success.
Why should lambs have clean lines and trim briskets?
To indicate leanness and market readiness.
Why is body capacity important in breeding gilts?
It supports reproductive performance and longevity.