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The Judges Conference will start with a classroom session, where topics like why conformation matters, current showring trends, managing a showring, and common dilemmas will be discussed. In the afternoon session, participants will place classes of heifers and cows, hear placings and reasons from fellow participants and officials, and take part in group discussion.

Interested participants can register for the conference on the Holstein Association USA website with a credit card. The pre-registration fee is $50 and late registrants and walk-ins will pay a $100 fee. Pre-registration will close two weeks before the conference, on Thursday, April 13.

Individuals currently on the Holstein Association USA Judges List must attend and receive a satisfactory rating at a Holstein Association USA Judges Conference every five years. Those interested in applying for the list in the future must attend and receive a satisfactory rating at a Holstein Association USA Judges Conference before submitting an application.

If individuals want to participate in the Judges Conference and not receive an official rating, they have the option to do so to gain experience, but will not be eligible to apply for the Judges List.

Participants must be 22 years old by the day of the conference to attend. To register online, visit www.holsteinusa.com/shows/judges_preregister.html. For more information contact Jodi Hoynoski at 800.952.5200 ext. 4261 or by email.