A guide to stock judging

You need to know what to look for and to select the most appropriate animals for your end market. These pages set out what to look for and explain why it matters.

A good eye, sound observation and rational choice will all help to ensure better returns.

Ensure you are prepared to judge. Have a white coat, wear it at all times and keep it buttoned up. Be smart; look the part. Have a working pen or pencil (pencils work better in an abattoir).

• Establish what has to be judged. Are you judging animals for breeding, finished or finished potential?
• Establish how long you have to judge the class

Read the judging card to establish the criteria against which you will be judged

Stand back and have a good look at the group from a distance. This will give you a general impression of the animals, their appearance, type, distinguishing features.

• First impressions are often the best
• Make a judgement by eye and confirm by careful handling
• When judging livestock for slaughter, refer to carcase quality and killing-out percentages

Remember, you are required to give both descriptions of what you have seen and comparisons between the animals or carcases you are asked to judge.

• Establish how long you have to judge – usually two minutes are allowed
• Memorise your reasons as much as possible, picturing the animals will help
• Stand up straight and look the judge in the eye
• Speak clearly and slowly enough for the judge to follow
• Describe the stock fully, refer to any distinguishing features (e.g. white face). As you deliver your reasons, compare as much as possible. Be methodical, go from front to back or back to front, using the same style for all animals in the class, with emphasis on the important areas. This means that you are less likely to get confused and allows the judge to follow your reasons
• Use as much of the time you are allocated as possible. Taking too long will incur penalties and not taking long enough means you could have used more of the time allowed to explain your reasons more thoroughly
• Thank the judge when you have finished

The following provides some useful expressions that will help you give accurate answers that are both descriptive and comparative, so gaining extra points without going over time.

*Particularly suited to describing a ‘meat animal’ when you can refer to its likely carcase qualities.

• Starting: “Mr or Madam Judge, these are my reasons for placing this class of... in the following order.”
• Always check that your order matches your card
• List your reasons
• Finishing: “Those, Mr or Madam Judge, are the reasons why I have placed this class in the order a, b, x and y.”
• Do not say your name, age, club or county
• Competitors should remain anonymous and the organising steward may give you a competitor number

If you would like a hard copy of A guide to stock judging please contact publications@ahdb.org.uk or call 0247 799 0069.