Livestock Judging Team

Overview

The livestock judging team at Black Hawk College provides students with the opportunity to develop skills in evaluating and ranking livestock based on industry standards. Team members learn to assess various animals, including cattle, sheep, swine and goats, for traits such as structure, performance and overall quality. Students also refine their public speaking abilities by presenting oral reasons to defend their evaluations. Participating in competitions, both regionally and nationally, fosters teamwork, critical thinking and a deeper understanding of livestock production. These experiences prepare students for careers in agriculture while promoting personal and professional growth.

The collegiate judging season runs from September to March. Although judging workouts begin in September of freshmen year, members of the team start judging competitively during the spring semester of their freshmen year.

Agriculture Events

There are currently no upcoming events.

Agriculture News

BHC wins NACTA Judging Conference for 17th time

Congratulations to our East Campus students and coaches for winning the 2026 North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Judging Conference Sweepstakes Award!

Congrats to 2026 high school welding invitational winners

Black Hawk College recently hosted the 8th Annual Welding Invitational at the college’s Welding and Skilled Trades Center in downtown Kewanee.

14 livestock judging team members and 2 coaches in front of large backdrop with awards.

Women’s History Month – Being a woman in agriculture

Agriculture has always been a huge part of Grace Angotti’s life, so having the opportunity to turn that passion into a career is something she doesn’t take for granted. Now she is a faculty member at the East Campus, where she teaches a variety of ag courses and coaches the Livestock Judging Team.

Meet the Coaches

Dr. Blake Bloomberg

Professor

Agriculture

Livestock Judging Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in Livestock Judging?

All BHC students enrolled in at least 12 credit hours are eligible to participate—no specific major or degree plan is required.

How often do team members compete?

The collegiate judging season runs from January to December. Although judging workouts begin in September of their freshmen year, members of the team start judging competitively during the spring semester of their freshmen year.

Will I miss time away from classes?

During the fall semester, students tend to miss about one week of classes because of National Barrow Show, World Beef Expo, the Stockman, American Royal, National Western Stock Show and NAILE. In the spring semester, students will miss approximately two weeks of classes because of San Antonio, Houston and NACTA.

How much does it cost to participate?

Black Hawk College will cover most of the expenses of traveling. Students will be responsible for paying for their meals. An estimated cost per day for spending money and food is about $20.

Are there scholarships at Black Hawk College for Livestock Judging?

There are numerous Livestock Judging Scholarships available as well as other scholarships that are intended for Livestock Judging Team members. We also accept any outside scholarships as well.

Please contact Dr. Blake Bloomberg.

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