JWCC student wins national livestock judging championship in Colorado

QUINCY — Emma Taylor, a first-year student at John Wood Community College and member of the livestock judging team, emerged victorious in the recent Denver Carload Contest at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colo.

Taylor earned the title of national champion in the Denver Carload contest, during which 123 participants from 28 schools from across the country judged four groups of cattle. Each group of cattle consisted of three or four animals of the same breed and sex. Competitors were to rank the quality of each group in order from first to fourth.

Participation in livestock judging contests is a part of JWCC’s commitment to providing practical learning opportunities for students. The skills acquired through these contests contribute to the education and career readiness of people pursuing agriculture-related fields.

In a press release, JWCC Ag Center Director Mike Tenhouse said, “We’re incredibly proud of Emma for becoming JWCC’s first national champion in this contest. Her success reflects not only her dedication but also the quality of education and guidance offered by our faculty, Justin Lewis and Bethany Beeler.”