Jacob Klaudt has joined North Dakota State University’s Department of Animal Sciences as the new lecturer and livestock judging coach. He began May 30.

Klaudt will contribute to the department’s ongoing emphasis on student development through classroom teaching and on-site livestock evaluation practices and competitions. He will contribute to the teaching mission of the department through teaching while developing, recruiting and training students to participate in a competitive judging environment.

Klaudt will develop and host workshops and clinics relevant to the animal science mission, such as livestock judging camps and clinics, according to Guillermo Scaglia, head of the animal sciences department at NDSU.

“Further, he will collaborate with faculty and staff, providing leadership for 4-H, FFA and other youth programs that lead representation in the recruitment of prospective students,” continues Scaglia.

Klaudt says he’s excited to join NDSU’s livestock judging program, which he knows has a deep-rooted history.

“I’m excited to pick up that tradition and move it forward and give students in the Great Plains region a chance to compete nationally,” says Klaudt.

Klaudt says he’s looking forward to teaching critical thinking, time management and decision-making skills to students at the collegiate and youth level.

Klaudt is originally from Beulah, North Dakota. He was a 2024 National Champion Team member, High Individual at the 2024 NAILE, 2024 American Royal Champion Team member and Reserve High Individual at the 2024 Jarold Callahan Memorial at the Cattlemen’s Congress. He is an active judge for 4-H and FFA shows and has participated in numerous youth judging workouts.

Klaudt recently graduated from Kansas State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in animal science and industry with a minor in mass communications. Before K-State, he earned associate degrees in animal science and agriculture communication from Casper College in Wyoming.

“As an NDSU livestock and meats judging coach for more than 40 years, I am very excited to see Jacob Klaudt take the role of the livestock judging coach at NDSU,” says Paul Berg, associate professor emeritus and president of the Animal Science Education Foundation. “The ASEF board of directors and I are very grateful for the hundreds of alumni and donors who came together to establish the Livestock Evaluation Faculty Fund, raising $3 million to support this position and ensure a strong future for the NDSU judging programs.”

The Livestock Evaluation Faculty Fund is a perpetual source of support aimed at enhancing the longstanding tradition of faculty and coaching excellence in livestock evaluation. The Livestock Evaluation Faculty Fund was established to advance the many leadership opportunities afforded by participating in NDSU animal sciences judging teams.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – May 30, 2025

Source: Megan Myrdal, 701-231-4262, megan.myrdal@ndsufoundation.com

Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominic.erickson@ndsu.edu