University of Tennessee lecturer David Roper was at the NCBA and Cattle Industry Convention earlier this month as an organizer of the Young Cattle Judging Contest. Roper was joined by hundreds of students competing to accurately evaluate the cattle in the arena. In this Q&A, Roper explains how beef cattle judging teaches students about decision making and helps prepare them for college.
David Roper at the NCBA Young Cattle Judging Contest
ASAS: What are students looking for when they’re looking at these animals?
Roper: We’re judging all breeding cattle, so structure is probably most important – being sound, angles and joints are correct. Being able to move and flex their shoulder and their hip indicates that they’ll be able to hold up in the pasture. It indicates longevity, meaning they’ll be around for several years and make several calves, that kind of deal. Body is important, rib shape and guts, so they have room to put food in. If it’s a female, she will have a calf and she needs enough stomach content to maintain herself and raise a calf. They look for muscle, obviously, we’re trying to make meat as a consumer end product. Continue reading
