Oklahoma State University (OSU) Livestock Judging Coach Dr. Blake Bloomberg learned just how much complete and total attention to detail livestock evaluation requires as he launched his judging career in 4-H and FFA.

“One misstep, and things can unravel quickly,” he explains.

Now, he teaches that same attention to detail to the OSU judging team, which was recently crowned national champion, bringing the coveted bronze bull back to Stillwater, Oklahoma.

How does it feel to bring this honor back to OSU campus? Absolutely wonderful, according to Bloomberg, although he’s quick to add, this win is a reflection of the entire OSU program as a whole.

His team worked 20-25 hours each and every week in preparation for the culmination of their judging careers. Bloomberg notes the 2017 team was a special group of young people who put their trust in one another and strived for excellence the entire season.

“I’m proud of the students that come through our program, and the fact that I get to be a part of the education of tomorrow’s leaders,” he says.

Bloomberg hopes his students can take with them life lessons that will serve them for years to come. He has even learned from them along the way, and Bloomberg says coaching has taught him to be more accepting of different points of view.

For those of you interested in livestock judging, competing in 4-H and FFA or just beginning your collegiate judging career, Bloomberg’s advice is to simply work hard, listen and practice. He says his top judging recruits always have a desire to learn, the attitude it takes to be a champion and, of course, a willingness to be coached.

Bloomberg has had several coaches and mentors along the way including Lee Denzer, Dan Hoge, Andy Rash, Dr. Chris Skaggs, and Dr. Clint Rusk. Good coaching coupled with the solid foundation he had in production agriculture thanks to his parents Jim and Mary Bloomberg, grandparents David and Editha Ray, set Bloomberg up for success.

Regardless of the species, Bloomberg says, all good livestock have structural integrity. This is the first thing he looks for when he steps up to a swine class, whether it’s gilts, barrows or boars. If you want to score points in the reason room, as well as on the judging floor, Bloomberg says you need to be smooth, bold and accurate.

When not coaching, Bloomberg can be found with his wife Wravenna, whom he met on a junior college judging team, and their three children:  Breckyn, 5; and twin boys, Brenhem and Berwick, 3.

(Photo courtesy of the North American Livestock Exposition.)