Northeastern Okla-homa A&M College has announced its 2013 livestock judging recruiting class, and when looking at the roster one might be surprised to find that the recruits are the best of the best from across the country. They come from as far away as Madera, Calif. This team is a unique blend of many states coming together as one to make a successful team.

Livestock judging requires students to evaluate livestock to the best of their abilities and then defend their placing by giving what is referred to as oral reasons. Oral reasons are prepared speeches that have to be less than two minutes in length.

One motto the team follows is “every day we strive to get 1 percent better.” Not only does the team strive to give 100 percent on the floor and in the reasons room, they also are good stewards on campus. They are involved in Student Body Government, Aggie Society and the Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society.

Morgan Marley from Elkins, Ark. is a new recruit who has had winning success under her belt. Marley was a member of the Reserve Champion 4-H Livestock Judging Team, Third High Individual in 2009, Champion Ark. 4-H Team, High Individual in 2010, Champion Arkansas FFA Livestock Team, and High Individual in 2012. Marley attributes her success in livestock judging to multiple sources, including her instructor Ms. Denise Trotter and student intern Cody Green as well as her parents and family.

“A quality student like Morgan Marley is a tremendous asset to the success of our livestock judging program,” said Tyler Dewey, NEO Livestock Judging Coach.

Added to the mix are teammates from Adair, Ethan Propp and Katie Chupp. Their Adair FFA team placed second at State with Propp placing Sixth High Individual. The team also competed at the Big Three where Propp placed High Individual and won the cattle section. Chupp won hogs and was Fourth High Individual overall. This team has been together many years and has had successful seasons. Both students will be great additions to the team.

Tres Wright from Carthage, Mo. is also another catch and had a solid season in Mo. taking Seventh High Individual at the Mo. State FFA contest with his team taking third overall. Wright placed in the top 20 for Missouri Judging Grading contest with his team taking first.

The NEO livestock team recruiting class also includes Sara Green. She is a local from Grove, and has been judging for many years now. Through Green’s high school career she has earned multiple Top Five and Top 10 standings, and she also won the Beef Day during a competition at OSU where there were hundreds of contestants. Green has competed on teams that have won several contests including the State Fair contest.

The unique part about the livestock team is the fact that the students raise livestock at home and have a strong understanding of quality stock. Many students have seen success in the champion drive and have multiple banners on their walls. The farthest recruit from her home is Lindsay Tasos from Madera, Calif.

Not only is Tasos a skilled judger, but she raises quality show pigs as well. Some of her most recent accomplishments include: Grand Champion Market Hog 2011 Calif. State Fair, Outstanding Swine Exhibitor 2011 Calif. State Fair, Grand Purebred Barrow 2011 NJSA Western Regional, Champion Bred & Owned Hampshire Female 2011 Western Regional, Grand Hog at Madera County Fair – five years running, numerous showmanship wins around the state, and Reserve Showman at the 2011 Southwest Regional.

Tasos said her most memorable moment in the NJSA was receiving the Grand Purebred Barrow at the 2011 NJSA Western Regional that she bred herself.



 



“Every individual on the team is an important asset to the NEO Livestock Team,” Dewey said. “Each one brings their strengths and best effort to the table.”