Penn State student selected for Top Judge program

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State livestock judging team member Megan Zipprich was selected as one of 30 collegiate participants in the prestigious Top Judge program, a national initiative that mentors young livestock judges and prepares them to become future leaders in the livestock industry.

The Top Judge program connects collegiate livestock judging students with experienced mentors at the San Antonio Stock Show, providing hands-on experience and professional development workshops. Participants work directly with established judges to strengthen their ability to evaluate livestock while learning to lead with integrity, fairness and strong communication skills.

“It really helps young people who are shaping up to be the next industry leaders prepare and help them be more well-rounded when they step into the ring to judge” said Zipprich, a fourth-year animal science student in the College of Agricultural Sciences.

A native of Hop Bottom, Zipprich said being chosen for the program — from a pool dominated by students from major livestock schools in the South and Midwest — was an unexpected honor.

“I was surprised, to be honest,” she said. “I never judged until I came to Penn State. So I was surprised and honored to be selected from the East. And for me to be able to interact with industry professionals that I knew of, but never thought that I’d get to meet or speak with, was a really cool opportunity to have.”

Zipprich credited the College of Agricultural Sciences’ supportive faculty, rigorous coursework and mentoring environment for helping her grow both academically and personally.

“The College of Ag specifically is a really tight-knit community,” she said. “A lot of those professors really care about their students, and I think that the classes are also challenging. They’re not afraid to challenge you, but they’re also there to support you when you need help.”

She also praised her livestock judging coaches, graduate student Alli Jobe and her former coach Ben Williamson, for their encouragement and mentorship.

“Both of them were good at understanding each student personally and knowing what it takes to push them to do their best,” she said. “Livestock judging is a personal thing, and they make sure you’re still focusing on academics and growth while also pushing you to succeed. They’re committed and passionate about the industry, and that’s really influential as a student who's still learning and growing each day.”

Zipprich said she plans to continue developing her judging and leadership skills through the Top Judge program as she prepares to attend veterinary school this fall.

“I’d like to build strong connections with the kids and show compassion and engagement in the ring,” she said. “That’s really important for their own growth and how they view themselves. A lot of times, the judge can have a big influence on that.”

Excited for the experience ahead, Zipprich speaks on her hope for self-growth.

“I am hoping to give a positive experience for the kids, and I'm hoping to have some self-growth as well with committing to what I think and trusting myself in the ring,” she said. “I've had a lot of growth while being on the team, but being able to do that publicly and defend that on the mic is a really important skill to have, and an area of growth I'd like to see in myself.”