JUDGING CONTEST

Each year, the Minnesota Beef Expo welcomes both youth and adults to participate our well-attended judging contest where participants sort through six high-quality classes of cattle!

All are encouraged to join us (college teams, adults, FFA chapters, 4-H county teams, etc.)! You do not need to be an Expo participant to compete, and all participants will register on-site the morning of the competition.

Questions about the judging contest can be directed to Expo staff at info@mnbeefexpo.com or 651-643-6476.

2024 RESULTS

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RULES & INFORMATION

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General Information

• The Expo’s judging contest will feature six classes of beef cattle consisting of breeding heifers, market steers and prospect calves.
• Time limit will be 12 minutes per class.
• Classes may include questions that will be asked following the contest.
• There will be no oral reasons.
• Please bring a pencil.

Fees

• Team: $20
• Individual $7

Team Structure

• Team entries will be comprised of four individuals. All four scores will be used to calculate the team score.
• Individual entries will also be accepted.
• Age groups for the judging contest will be as follows. Please use your age as of Jan. 1, 2026:
  • Junior: 7 to 11                 
  • Intermediate: 12 to 14
  • Senior: 15 to 18
  • Adult: High school graduates and up (adults will only judge as individuals)

Awards

• There will be team competitions in the junior, intermediate and senior age groups.
• Adults will only judge as individuals.
• Awards will be given to top teams in the junior, intermediate and senior divisions and individuals in all four age groups.

SCHEDULE

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Friday, Oct. 16, 2026 (Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum Arena)

8-9 a.m.: Registration (Horse Show Office – Northwest corner of Coliseum)
9:15 a.m.: Instructions and welcome (Please find a seat in section 21)
9:30 a.m.: Judging contest begins
2 p.m.: Awards presentation

Please come prepared with your list of individual and/or team participants names and entry fee.