Illinois, Indiana students earn livestock judging honors

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The American Royal has announced the champions of its 2026 livestock judging contests, honoring the top teams and individuals in the 4-H, FFA and collegiate divisions.

The American Royal gives students the chance to test their livestock evaluation skills against teams from across the country in one of the most respected livestock judging competitions in the nation.

Contestants evaluated classes of cattle, swine, sheep or goats and presented oral reasons for their placings.

This year’s top honors went to the following teams and individuals:

4-H Livestock Judging

• 4-H High Team Overall: Virginia

• 4-H Second Place Team Overall: Illinois

• 4-H High Individual: Luke Short of Illinois

FFA Livestock Judging

• FFA High Team Overall: Oklahoma

• FFA Second Place Team Overall: Indiana

• FFA High Individual: Olivia Calcote of Oklahoma

Collegiate Livestock Judging — Junior College

• Junior College High Team Overall: Redlands Community College, Oklahoma

• Junior College Second Place Team Overall: Black Hawk College East Campus, Illinois

• Junior College High Individual: Calla Higbie of Connors State College, Oklahoma

Collegiate Livestock Judging — Senior College

• Senior College High Team Overall: Texas Tech University

• Senior College Second Place Team Overall: Oklahoma State University

• Senior College High Individual: Hayden Schroeder of Texas Tech University

“The American Royal brings together some of the strongest livestock judging programs in the country,” said Pat Macy, CEO of the American Royal.

“We’re proud to congratulate this year’s champions and recognize the commitment it takes to compete at this level.”