For agricultural communication third-year CFAES student Whitney Yerina, joining Ohio State’s Dairy Judging Team was more than an extracurricular activity; it was a transformative journey. “Giving a set of oral reasons is a stepping stone for personal communication — interviews, public speaking, and talking with different people daily,” she said. “It’s such a good experience. Go for it. It will change you for the better.”
Whitney’s experience is just one example of how Ohio State’s competitive judging teams leave a lasting impact on students. Across disciplines such as animal sciences, horticulture, and meat science, students dive into the hands-on learning that judging provides, developing vital skills like decision-making, critical thinking, and communication.
The competitions are rigorous. Students evaluate animals, weeds, or operations, rank them based on set criteria, and justify their decisions to industry professionals. These experiences not only prepare students for careers in agriculture, but also build their confidence and professionalism.
Garrett Hastings, a former Dairy Judging Team member and now a veterinary student, credits judging with helping him refine his observational and analytical skills.
“I came to Ohio State with a solid understanding of what dairy cattle should look like, but the team helped me hone my skills,” he explained. Those same skills now support him in vet school as he navigates a demanding academic environment.
Coaches like Bonnie Ayars, who leads the Dairy Judging Team, and Seth Ebert, who leads the Ohio State ATI Livestock Judging Team, play pivotal roles in student growth. Ayars describes judging as a gateway to real-world education: “When you join a judging team, you step into the real world.” Ebert adds, “It’s about accountability and teamwork. These lessons stick with students for life.”
Competitive judging at Ohio State is shaping the future of agriculture — one student, one competition, and one life-altering experience at a time. To learn about CFAES’ judging teams, visit the new competitive teams page at go.osu.edu/judgingteams.