2024 UF Livestock Judging Camp

2024 UF Livestock Judging Camp

The UF Judging Camp is a multi-day camp that is designed to teach students the basics of livestock judging and reasons.

By UF Animal Sciences Department

Location

Beef Teaching Unit South

3721 SW 23rd St Gainesville, FL 32608

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.

About this event

  • 3 days 3 hours

Both camps are open for ages 8yo through a senior in high school.

NEW THIS YEAR-- we have adjusted our schedule to better accommodate our three camp tracks. Please pay special attention to dates for each camp track-- Not all camps start and end on the same day.



Beginning Basics

July 10th (ONE DAY)

Designed for true beginners with limited livestock and judging experience. Students should expect to spend most of the time in the classroom learning the topics listed below. They will also spend some time placing both video classes and live classes. Campers are invited to return to participate in the mock contest on July 13th.

Topics include:

  • Animal Functions and Terminology
  • Breeds and Anatomy
  • Contest Format
  • Breeding and Market Evaluation


Intro to Reasons

July 10th (ONE DAY)

Designed for student with basic understanding of judging that are new to Oral Reasons. Participants should expect to spend some time in the clasroom reviewing evaluation priorites and begin developing their first sets of reasons. Campers are invited to return to participate in the mock contest on July 13th.

Topics Include:

  • Breeding and Market Evaluation
  • Note taking
  • Reasons Format and Presentation


Advanced Reasons

July 11th - July 13th

This camp track is designed for students that already understand the basics of placing a class and are ready to focus on and sharpen their reasons. This track will include one and a half days of instruction and a mock contest on the 3rd day. Campers should expect to give at least 20 sets of reasons throughout the duration of camp, if participants are unwilling to give that many sets then we would encourage them to sign up for the Intro to Reasons camp.


Schedule

* subject to change

Beginning Basics

Wednesday July 10th

  • 9:30 - 10:00 AM Registration
  • 10:00 - 10:15 AM Welcome and Split into Camp groups
  • 10:15 - 12:00 PM Instruction
  • 12:00 - 1:00 PM Lunch
  • 1:00 - 4:00 PM Livestock Evalaution
  • 4:00 PM Wrap Up


Intro to Reasons

Wednesday July 10th

  • 8:00 - 9:00 AM Registration
  • 9:00 - 9:15 AM Welcome
  • 9:30 - 11:00 AM Cattle Discussion, Judge Class, and Reasons
  • 11:00 - 12:30 AM Sheep and Goat Discussion, Judge Class, and Reasons
  • 12:30 – 1:30 Lunch
  • 1:30 – 3:00 Swine Discussion, Judge Class, and Reasons
  • 3:00 - 5:30 Reasons
  • 5:30 PM Wrap Up



Reasons Camp

Thursday July 11th

  • 1:00 - 2:00 Registration
  • 2:00 – 2:30 Welcome and Split into Camp groups
  • 2:30 – 4:30 Reasons Evaluation
  • 4:30 – 4:45 Divide into Small Groups
  • 4:45 – 6:30 Note Taking, Basic Terminology and Reasons
  • 6:30 – 7:30 Dinner
  • 7:30 – 8:30 Reasons Redo

Friday July 12th

  • 9:00 – 11:30 Cattle Discussion, Judge Class, and Reasons
  • 11:30 – 12:30 Lunch
  • 12:30 – 3:30 Sheep and Goat Discussion, Judge Class, and Reasons
  • 3:30 – 6:30 Swine Discussion, Judge Class, and Reasons
  • 6:30 – 7:30 Dinner
  • 7:30 – 8:30 Reasons Redo and Fun Activity

Saturday July 13th

  • 8:00 – 3:00 Mock Contest
  • 3:30 Awards and Wrap Up


Tickets

Frequently asked questions

Is lodging provided?

No, we do not provide lodging. It will be the responsibility of the parent/coach to arrange for a hotel. Campers can be dropped off in the morning and picked up at the end of the day.

Do parents have to stay?

No, parents are not required to stay the entire time. They can drop off and then return at the end of the day to pick up. Parents are welcome to stay and listen in if they would like.

What is the age range?

Typically 8 years old to high school seniors. We will accept all ages, but as a reminder the camp has full days filled with lots of information that may be overwhelming to some younger kids; so we encourage you to keep that in mind when registering.

Organized by

Department of Animal Sciences Mission

Provide our stakeholders with intellectual depth and tools required for self-sustained learning while emphasizing knowledge related to animal agriculture. Conduct research and make knowledge available through teaching and extension to assist food animal and horse enterprises in remaining profitable and sustainable, and providing consumers with economical, safe and wholesome food.