Champions Livestock Judging Camp
A three day, intense judging camp designed for 4-H and FFA members (ages 14-18) who are seriously interested in enhancing their livestock judging and oral communication skills. Prior livestock judging experience is necessary for this camp. Workouts will be conducted similar to those at a collegiate level.
K-State Livestock Judging Coach, Payton Dahmer, will conduct the training for each camp. The camp will focus primarily on the proper format, terminology, and presentation of oral reasons. Camp participants will also be exposed to livestock evaluation skills and incorporating performance records in the decision-making process.
Check back at a later date for 2027 dates!
Tentative Schedule:
Day 1
9:30 – 10:00 AM: Registration and check-in at dorms
11:30 AM: Welcome and meet the coaches (Stanley Stout Center)
12:00 PM: Lunch (Stanley Stout Center)
1:00 PM: Beef cattle judging and reasons (Bilbrey Arena)
5:00 PM Dinner (Stanley Stout Center)
6:00 PM: Reasons and day 1 recap
10:30 PM: Lights out
Day 2
7:30 AM: Breakfast (Dining Center)
8:30 AM: Swine judging (Bilbrey Arena)
12:00 PM: Lunch (Stanley Stout Center)
1:30 PM: Reasons (Stanley Stout Center)
5:00 PM: Dinner (Stanley Stout Center)
6:15 PM: Reasons and a night of fun at KSU student union
10:30 PM: Lights out
Day 3
7:30 AM: Breakfast (Dining Center) & check out of dorms
8:30 AM: Sheep/goat judging and reasons (Bilbrey Arena)
12:00 PM: Lunch and camp wrap-up (Stanley Stout Center)
1:30 pm: Camper pick-up
K-State Horse Judging Camp
Location: Stanley Stout Center, Manhattan, Kansas
Date: June 22, 2026
Schedule: Check-in 7:30 AM | Camp 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Beginner Session
•Basics of horse evaluation
•Understanding class types
•Note-taking fundamentals
•Introduction to oral reasons
•Proper terminology
Advanced Session
•Individualized reasons guidance
•Refining oral reasons delivery
•Increased accuracy and speed
•Contest strategy
•Higher-level terminology
Classes Covered
Halter
Western Pleasure
Ranch Riding
Horsemanship/Equitation
What's Included
Lunch provided
Camp t-shirt
Judging materials
Cost: $85 per individual, (4 team members, $75 per person), $25 for adults wanting to audit