By Scout Nelson
The South Dakota State University livestock judging program experienced continued success across two competitive seasons. Both the 2025 and 2026 SDSU Livestock Judging Teams earned strong results at national contests while helping students build confidence, teamwork, leadership, and livestock evaluation skills.
The 2025 team was a small group of five senior students, but members made a major impact throughout the season. The team earned Top 10 finishes at two national contests, including sixth overall at the National Western Stock Show and seventh overall at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Team members also earned recognition at several regional and local competitions.
Coach Tommy Norman praised the group for remaining committed during a demanding season.
“I could not be more proud of them for sticking together to accomplish what they started,” he said. “It speaks volumes … to be challenged with difficult times, tasks and commitments and to still maintain professionalism and a positive atmosphere in a joint agenda.”
Among the top performers, Haley Mouser earned several strong individual finishes during the season. She placed eighth overall at the National Western Stock Show, 10th overall at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, second overall at the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic, and first overall at the Flint Hills Mid American Classic. Mouser later graduated with a degree in animal science and planned to continue her education at SDSU.
As the senior-led team completed its season, a larger group of students joined the 2026 team. Members entered contests with different experience levels, including transfer students and first-time collegiate competitors.
The team later competed at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where the Jackrabbits finished ninth overall and earned two Top 10 individual honors. Drew Pederson placed sixth overall, while Raesa Zelinsky finished ninth overall.
“We had ups and downs, but we kept improving by trusting each other and learning from our mistakes,” Pederson said. “By the time Houston came around, we were competing with confidence and consistency, and I think that showed in both the individual and team results.”
For more information or to register, visit the SDSU Youth Livestock Judging Camp website.
To learn more about other judging teams and how to get involved, visit the Judging Teams – Animal Science website.
Photo Credit: south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, Education, Livestock