UW Livestock Judging Team records best finish in 30+ Years

11 people standing behind table full of awards and ribbons. — From left, Colby Hales, assistant coach; Connor Madsen, Wheatland; Kyle Cavey, Berthoud, Colorado; Kassi Renner, Lovell; Zane Mackey, Torrington; Amanda Hartman, Denton, Montana; Garrett Barton, Poway, California; Ty Shockley, Wheatland; Paige Aylward, Dickens, Nebraska; Tyler Bauer, Johnstown, Colorado; Lucas Stalcup, Ashland, Montana; Caleb Boardman, coach

The 2017 University of Wyoming Livestock Judging Team finished eighth at the North American International Livestock Exposition in November in Louisville, Kentucky. This marks the first top-10 finish at the national championship in at least 30 years, says coach Caleb Boardman.

Nationally, 138 contestants represented 29 universities at the contest. In addition to eighth overall, the team finished fifth in performance cattle, sixth in swine, eighth in overall beef, and ninth in reasons. The total scores posted, as well as those in cattle, hogs, and reasons, are the highest on record for UW.

The team was led by Zane Mackey and Garrett Barton, who both finished in the top 30 overall. Barton tied for second in swine reasons and was fifth overall in swine.