Livestock judging consists of carefully analyzing animals (beef cattle, sheep, swine and goats) and measuring them against a standard that is commonly accepted as being ideal. There are numerous benefits to gain from competing on a livestock judging team. In the course of training and competition students are given the opportunity to interact with future leaders of the livestock industry. Students develop a keen sense of judgment and confidence to make a decision that is defended in a set of oral reasons. At the University of Kentucky team members compete at Dixie National Livestock Show, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, All-East, Keystone International Livestock Expo, Premier Stockman, American Royal and North American Livestock Expo.