Posted: October 27, 2025
The Penn State Livestock Judging Team recently traveled to Kansas City, Missouri, to compete in the prestigious American Royal Livestock Judging Contest. The team placed 17th overall and 10th in Sheep and Goats, with Megan Zipprich placing 7th overall in Sheep and Goats.
The Penn State Livestock Judging Team recently traveled to Kansas City, Missouri, to compete in the prestigious American Royal Livestock Judging Contest — a cornerstone event in the collegiate judging circuit. Known for its exceptional livestock and educational opportunities, the contest continues to be a highlight of the team’s fall season.
During their time in Missouri, students had the unique opportunity to visit several influential livestock operations, including Conley Angus, Ward Brothers Livestock, Teets Cattle Company, Outlaw Hamps, and Kempker Livestock. These visits offered firsthand exposure to elite breeding programs and allowed students to evaluate high-quality stock while engaging with some of the most respected professionals in the industry.
One particularly memorable moment was a visit to the Angus Hall of Fame, where the team paid tribute to a legendary figure in Angus genetics — P S PowerPlay. This stop served as a reminder of the deep history and impact of livestock breeding excellence. In the contest itself, the Penn State team placed 16th Overall, with individual species rankings of 10th in Sheep and Goats, 16th in Cattle, and 16th in Swine. A standout performance came from Megan Zipprich, who placed 7th Overall in Sheep and Goats — marking the first time a Penn State student has broken into the top 10 in that category since 2013.
The team extends heartfelt thanks to the producers and supporters who made this experience possible. With renewed energy and valuable insights gained, the Penn State Livestock Judging Team is already looking forward to their next competition.
