Jacob Klaudt
Jacob Klaudt and his wife, Emma live in Kindred, North Dakota. Klaudt is the Merle Light Livestock Evaluation Coach and a lecturer at North Dakota State University, where he is also pursuing a master’s degree. Previously, he earned his bachelor’s in animal sciences and industry, with a minor in journalism & mass communications. He was part of national champion livestock judging teams, highlighted by being high individual in the national Livestock Judging Contest in Louisville.
Jacob previously attended Casper College, where he was an All-American Junior College Livestock Judge, while earning his associate’s degree in animal science and agriculture communication. He is originally from Beulah, North Dakota, where he grew up raising Simmental & Angus cattle. Currently, Jacob is an inaugural member of the “Top Judge Mentorship Program”, and has judged livestock shows in 12 states.
Lane Giess
Lane Giess, Ph.D was raised on a feedstock cattle operation in central Minnesota, where early experiences competing at the Minnesota Beef Expo helped spark a lifelong passion for the beef industry.
Giess Completed his B.S and M.S. at Kansas State University. During his time at K-State, Giess was a member of the meats judging team, livestock judging team, and the livestock/meat evaluation team, and later returned as the meats judging coach in 2017. Giess recently completed his Ph.D in animal breeding and genetics at Colorado State University. Giess most recently served as a Director and Lead Geneticist for the American Simmental Association before transitioning to Zoetis in the spring of 2025. He now serves as the Global Beef Genetics Technical Service Manager in the Precision Animal Health division at Zoetis.
Lane and his wife, Kate reside outside Fort Collins, Colorado, and he remains actively involved in his family’s operation near Pierz, Minn.