How to Become a Dairy Show Judge
Judging dairy cattle is not something most people have the opportunity to do during their lives. However, some individuals choose to make it their life’s work by traveling around the dairy shows across the globe and judging the cows they see. You, too, can become a master at rating and ranking dairy cows.
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Instructions
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Learn the different parts of a cow. Before you can judge a dairy cow, you must know the basic anatomy of the animal you will be rating. Taking a class in animal science is a great way to learn.
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Know what the ideal dairy cow should look like. Most dairy show judges use the scorecard developed and designed by the Purebred Dairy Cattle Association. It has five major categories on which a cow is judged. You should be familiar with these as well as be able to develop an image of the ideal cow in your mind. This will help you compare dairy cows once you become a judge and choose the one that scores the highest.
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Observe dairy judging at shows and expos. A great way to learn how to become a dairy show judge is to watch one in action. You can listen to the judges give their reasons as to why they rated the cows in the order they did. You can even try your hand at judging them by writing down your personal rankings and then seeing how they match up with what the judges chose.
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Start local and work your way up. Having the opportunity to judge at a national or international dairy show usually occurs only for judges who have been doing it for a long time. You can work your way up by getting experience at your local or state level. Local dairy shows and 4-H events often need judges, and you can volunteer your time. As you judge these shows and events, take the opportunity to network, since dairy farmers at local and state shows often have connections to those coordinating major dairy events.
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Tips & Warnings
You can learn more about the ideal dairy cow by studying breed journals or visiting dairy farms with a strong reputation for turning out ideal animals.
Exceptional public speaking skills are needed to become a dairy show judge, since you must explain to the audience at each show how you rated each participant and why.
