Livestock judging competition brings students from eight states to Valentine

VALENTINE, Neb. – More than 200 students from across the country traveled to Valentine, Nebraska for the annual Bull Bash Livestock Judging Contest.

Contestants from at least eight states sized up classes of cattle and then defended their decisions before judges, a process known as giving reasons.

“We get to see some different cattle than what we usually get to see in California,” said Weston Merriman of Modesto Junior College.

Brent Nolette, who helps organize the event, said the contest has grown steadily since it began a decade ago.

“We are in the heart of cattle country with lots of great cattle to look at. These colleges that are coming from all over do enjoy coming to Cherry County to look at quality beef cattle,” said Nolette.

After judging, competitors present oral reasons, explaining why they placed the animals the way they did. Participants say the experience builds confidence and public speaking skills.

“It’s kind of stressful, so learning to work well under pressure has been a huge part of it,” said Marett Schieber of the Northwest College livestock judging team in Wyoming.

“Keep a calm, clear mindset. Don’t overthink it. Don’t get yourself too worked up. Try to just have fun and relax,” said Merriman.

Many of the teams making the longest trips choose to come in part because another major livestock judging competition is scheduled for the very next day in Kearney.

“We got here last night. We’ll leave right after the contest to go to Kearney for another contest tomorrow,” said Schieber.

For students who logged hundreds of miles to attend, the contest offered more than competition. It was also a chance to learn from one another and experience one of the nation’s premier cattle regions.