Youth from five states participated in Judd Ranch's annual Gelbvieh judging contest on Sunday, Oct. 9, at the ranch, in Pomona, Kan. The sale is conducted the morning prior to Judd Ranch's annual Cow Power Female Sale, with youths earning sale credit for their judging expertise.

"Although my grandfather introduced me to the cattle business, my initial official experience evaluating females and bulls occurred during my youth at 4-H and FFA events," states Dave Judd, owner of Judd Ranch. "Our goal is to help youth finetune their judging skills while earning sale credit toward the purchase of a show heifer or a female that will go immediately into their herd."

Judd Ranch awards prizes to the first three placings in the senior and junior divisions. Prizes include Judd Ranch-branded caps and gloves, BEEF license plates and sale credit. First place in each division receives $250 in sale credit, second place $150 and third place $100.

"This year, scores were extremely tight among several for third place in the junior division and in the senior division," states Cindy Judd. "Thus, we opted to give more than one third place in each division."

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Judd Ranch hosted its annual judging contest for youth prior to its annual Cow Power Female Sale, Oct. 9, at the ranch, in Pomona, Kan. Dave Judd and granddaughter Lilly are pictured on the far left, with Cindy Judd on the far right. Butler County Community College furnished the official judges: back row, left to right, Lucas Neumayr, New Richmond, Ind.; Jason Runyan, Melrose, N.M.; Erin Limes, Bowling Green, Ohio; and Change Van Dyke, Hobbs, N.M. Individuals scoring high enough to earn sale credit of up to $250 were (middle row, left to right) Spencer Shoemaker, Ottawa, Kan.; Brad McWilliams, Asbury, Mo.; Kevin Hightower, LaCygne, Kan.; Ryan McKoon, Paola, Kan.; and Cole Buffo, Leavenworth, Kan.; and (front row, left to right) Katlin Martinez, Mulhall, Okla.; Andy Lindgren, Atlanta, Ill.; Evan Woodbury, Quenomo, Kan.; and Jess Chollett, Columbus, Texas.