Livestock Judging Team Finishes First at National Barrow Show

The Texas Tech University livestock judging team on Tuesday captured first place, and three Red Raiders finished in the top 10 individually, at the National Barrow Show in Austin, Minnesota, considered by many as the “World Series of Swine Shows.”

The Texas Tech team won the swine evaluation event by four points over second-place Iowa State and also tied for first place in the reasons division. They were led by three students finishing in the top 10: Nick Fitzsimmons from Vail, Iowa (second), Jacob McKillip from Lafayette, Indiana (ninth) and Kylan Carson from Olton (10th).

“This is only the second time that Texas Tech University has won the Barrow Show in its long history. I am proud of these students’ performance and the manner in which they represent their university,” said Ryan Rathmann, the team’s coach, an assistant professor and the John W. and Doris Jones Professorship holder in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences.

“This is an exceptional team that consistently excels both in and out of the classroom. In addition to their achievements, the students on the team gained invaluable exposure to progressive swine production systems across the Midwest on this trip and extended their network of contacts in the swine industry.”

Rounding out the top five teams were Western Illinois, Ohio State and Oklahoma State.

Additional team members include: Brittany Blum, a senior from Howe; Hayden Brown, a senior from Midland; Colton Coker, a senior from Roby; Austin Crissman, a senior from Bells; Garrett Foote, a senior from Texico, New Mexico; Taylor Frank, a senior from Berthoud, Colorado; Cassie Godwin, a senior from Prescott, Arkansas; Austin Langemeier, a senior from Marion; Reina Lewis, a senior from Tulia; Bailey Riedel, a senior from San Luis Obispo, California; Ian Schaefer, a senior from Garden City; and Taylor Tjaden, a senior from San Angelo.

The team also is coached by graduate student Clay Burson and undergraduate student Blake Davis.

 

Related

Alumni Spotlight: Cattle Rancher Featured in 'Farmland' Documentary

Saving Lives in Africa

Bad dog? Professor Develops Smelly Tool to Stop That!

Wal-Mart Foundation Funds Research that Could Improve Denim Dyeing Method