The Bellville High School Livestock Judging Team had an incredible showing at the National Western Roundup in Denver, Colorado. Competing against some of the best teams in the country, the students made Bellville proud with their outstanding performances. Darcy Luedke placed 2nd individually, and Paisley Miller earned 7th place in the High Individual category, showcasing their skills and hard work.

The National Western Roundup is part of the National Western Stock Show, a major event that highlights agriculture and youth competitions. This includes contests like livestock judging, horse judging, and public speaking. For high school students like those on the Bellville team, this competition is a chance to prove their knowledge and dedication to agriculture on a national stage.

What is Livestock Judging?
Livestock judging involves evaluating animals like cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats based on factors like structure, muscle quality, and breed traits. After ranking the animals, participants defend their decisions through oral reasons. This part of the contest tests their understanding of livestock and their ability to explain their choices clearly and confidently.

Breaking Down the Achievements

• 2nd Place Individual (Darcy Luedke): Darcy’s 2nd place finish means she ranked as one of the top livestock judges in the entire competition. It shows her ability to judge accurately and communicate effectively.
• 7th Place High Individual (Paisley Miller): Paisley’s 7th place finish reflects her consistency across all parts of the contest, from judging to oral reasons. It highlights her strong all-around performance.

These awards are a big deal because the competition at the National Western Roundup is intense. It takes a lot of time, practice, and knowledge to succeed at this level. The skills Darcy, Paisley, and the rest of the team are building—like critical thinking, decision-making, and public speaking—will help them in future careers and challenges.

Why It’s Important
Livestock judging might seem like just another agricultural contest, but it’s much more than that. These competitions teach students about teamwork, leadership, and the importance of agriculture in our world. They also prepare students for careers in areas like ranching, veterinary science, and agricultural business.

The Bellville team’s success in Denver is a great example of why programs like this matter. They give students the chance to develop important life skills and build confidence while staying connected to the agricultural traditions that are so important to our community. Congratulations to the Bellville High School Livestock Judging Team for their hard work and incredible achievements!