Three Contests.
Three States.
Three Wins.

A powerhouse start to the 2025–26 season for BHC East’s Livestock Judging Team

The Black Hawk College East Campus Livestock Judging Team is off to a dominant start this season, earning three major victories in three different states. BHC students captured top honors at the American Royal Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest in Kansas City, the World Beef Expo at the Wisconsin State Fair Park, and the National Barrow Show Contest in Austin, Minnesota—proving once again that excellence is a tradition at BHC East.

“We talk a lot about legacy, and this group just added another proud chapter to the Black Hawk College East Campus tradition,” said Dr. Blake Bloomberg, lead livestock judging coach, BHC alum and former team member.

This season also marks an exciting homecoming for Grace Angotti, a BHC alum and new agriculture instructor at the East Campus, who joins Dr. Bloomberg in coaching the team. “Coming back to BHC has been such a great experience. It feels a little surreal but also really special to be back on campus in a different role,” Angotti said.

“The students are so motivated, and I am proud to be a part of their journey,” she said.

Beyond the wins, the team’s preparation, teamwork, and professionalism continue to set them apart. “What makes this group special isn’t just how they placed — it’s how they prepared, how they treated one another and how they represented Black Hawk East,” Dr. Bloomberg said.

The momentum doesn’t stop there. The BHC team also placed 3rd at the Tulsa State Fair and 4th at the State Fair of Texas, adding even more accolades to an already impressive season.

For detailed results and photos, visit Black Hawk College Livestock Judging on Facebook.

About the Livestock Judging Team

Students on the Black Hawk College Livestock Judging Team develop skills in evaluating and ranking livestock based on industry standards. Team members learn to assess various animals, including cattle, sheep, swine and goats, for traits such as structure, performance and overall quality. Students also refine their public speaking abilities by presenting oral reasons to defend their evaluations.