UF/IFAS Animal Sciences 2025 Livestock Judging Team

The UF/IFAS Animal Sciences (ANS) 2025 Livestock Judging Team wrapped up a full season of competitions spanning eight states from February through November. The seven-member team—Leydializ Aviles, Allison Bennett, Jasmyn Billano, Griffin, McKenzie Locke, Hunter Taylor, and India Wilson—competed under the leadership of coach Allyson Trimble Erickson, ANS Academic Program Specialist.

Students began informally practicing in fall 2024, before officially starting on the team in January 2025. Most members were new to judging, with some bringing experience from competing in high school. “We start from ground zero,” Erickson said. “We do in a year what most other teams do in at least four years, if not more.”

The group competed in eight intercollegiate contests throughout the year. In spring semester, they competed in The Darby in Calhoun, GA, the Southeastern Livestock Exposition in Montgomery, AL, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in Houston, TX, and the All-East in West Lafayette, IN. In fall semester, they competed in the Prof. Lidvall Memorial Livestock Judging Contest in Cookeville, TN, the Keystone International Livestock Exposition in Harrisburg, PA, the Southeastern Regional Livestock Judging Contest in Wilmington, NC, and their year wrapped up at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, KY.

Students on the Livestock Judging Team use performance records and visual assessment to evaluate breeding and market animals, beef cattle, hogs, and sheep. Students rank the animals on their value and defend their decisions using oral or written reasons. This practice builds communication, critical thinking, and confidence.

For many students on the team, the personal growth outweighed their rankings. “I’ve gotten so close with my teammates, and those are people I’m going to have for a lifetime,” said team member Hunter Taylor. “We improved so much in so many ways… I’m just proud of how we did as a team and what we’ve taken away from it.”

One of Erickson’s favorite memories of the season captured Taylor’s takeaway perfectly. At the Southeastern Regional contest in North Carolina, Taylor heard his name called for the first time. “The team was more excited that he had his name called than any of them getting their name called,” she said.

For team member McKenzie Locke, moments like that built her confidence as well. “The last two contests before Louisville, I got my name called twice,” she said. “I was like, oh, I’m doing it! I was proud of myself.”

Teammate Leydializ Aviles highlighted the relationships that formed over the season. “My teammates will be friends forever,” she said. “We’ve had so many experiences and memories this year… that’s my favorite part.”

The team’s contest schedule required discipline and time management to balance team activities, their academics, and their personal lives. “They’re just a great group,” Erickson said. “Regardless of the outcome of any contest, they have skill, they have work ethic, they’re just good people.”

Taylor, Locke, and Aviles first connected with the Animal Sciences department through Have You HERD, a one-day, individualized program for prospective ANS students.

For many, the experience offered clarity and early connections. “Have You HERD was the best experience because it solidified what I wanted to do,” Aviles said. “Coming here and being on the judging team, I already had that connection with Allyson.”

Locke described the program as eye-opening. “Talking to professors and students currently taking courses I was interested in… it helped me see what UF had to offer,” she said.

Taylor added that the packed program helps students understand the resources available: “There’s so much info in one day, but the faculty are there to help you and get you plugged in.”

Erickson noted that the program also helps her identify future judging team prospects early. “It puts them on my radar before they even get here,” she said.

With the 2025 season behind them, the students are turning toward what’s next. Taylor and Aviles plan to join the Meat Judging Team in the future, while Locke is preparing for graduation and veterinary school.

Erickson is already preparing for future seasons. She has some current students who will begin practicing in 2026 and some prospective students she hopes to recruit next year. “By the time 2027 rolls around, we’ll have the potential to have a really good team,” she said.

Giving

The Susan Brown Memorial Fund provides resources for the team’s activities and learning experiences, and we would greatly appreciate any contributions towards their endeavors.  We hope you consider supporting the continued success of UF Livestock Judging!

Find more information about the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences on our website. Stay in touch with us on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Read more on UF/IFAS ANS here: http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/animalsciencesdept/.

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