Just in time for the 89th annual Cow Judging Contest, Hoard’s Dairyman has announced the release of a brand new resource on dairy judging. This workbook-style tool provides illustrated analysis for each part of a cow, and information on how to judge according to the defined traits on the PDCA Dairy Unified Scorecard.
This edition contains 19 practice classes that extend across the seven dairy breeds — Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Milking Shorthorn, Holstein, Jersey, Guernsey, Red and White — and three brand new sections by Katharine Knowlton on oral reasons, note taking, and dairy judging terminology.
Knowlton is a professor of dairy science at Virginia Tech University. During her tenure as a coach of the Virginia Tech dairy judging team, they have been named national champions four times in 2006, 2008, 2009, and 2013. Additionally, she coached the national champion individual in 2005, 2013, and 2018.
Maggie Seiler, associate editor at Hoard’s Dairyman, added her praise for Knowlton and the new book. “The newly released Judging Guide builds on the strong foundation of past editions featuring descriptions of the PDCA scorecard and new practice classes,” she said. “The principal addition is a guide to note taking and reasons compiled by Virginia Tech’s Katharine Knowlton. Her résumé speaks for itself — four national champion judging teams and three individual national champions in two decades of coaching.”
The Judging Guide aims to serve as a resource for dairy students of all levels and ages to gain fundamental knowledge in dairy judging and giving reasons. It’s the perfect update for a judging student or coach’s library. Copies of the book may be purchased through the online bookstore at on.hoards.com/JG18.
The Hoard’s Dairyman bookstore traces its roots back to the early 1900s in providing helpful and meaningful resources for any and all involved in the dairy industry — farm managers and employees, veterinarians, students, and industry professionals alike. Topics of coverage range from academic resources to gift purchases and youth guides. Learn more about the bookstore and its offerings at www.hoards.com/bookstore.
Visit on.hoards.com/JG18 for a preview of the book and more details. For more information on the Hoard’s Dairyman online bookstore, visit www.hoards.com/bookstore, call (920) 563-5551, or email hdbooks@hoards.com.
The author is the special publications manager. Aisha is a graduate of University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in Life Sciences Communication and Environmental Science. She is responsible for the Hoard’s Dairyman bookstore and creating educational resources for farmers, students, and dairy industry professionals.