SAT JUNE 27, 2026 (full day)
at Flatland Farm in Elkton MN
Structure and Attributes of Quality Highland Cattle
A Hands-On Workshop for Aspiring Judges and Breeders
Are you ready to sharpen your eye, strengthen your decision-making, and grow as a Highland cattle breeder?
This immersive, hands-on workshop is designed for cattlemen and cattlewomen who want to better understand what makes a truly outstanding Highland animal—whether your goal is improving your breeding program, preparing for the show ring, or developing the skills needed to become a confident and capable judge.
This is not a sit-and-listen seminar.
You’ll be out of your seat, in the pens, evaluating real cattle, ranking classes, learning communication skills, and gaining practical experience you can immediately apply to your own herd.
Whether you're an experienced breeder wanting to refine your eye or someone interested in learning the foundations of cattle evaluation, this workshop offers a valuable opportunity to grow.
at Flatland Farm in Elkton MN
Structure and Attributes of Quality Highland Cattle
A Hands-On Workshop for Aspiring Judges and Breeders
Are you ready to sharpen your eye, strengthen your decision-making, and grow as a Highland cattle breeder?
This immersive, hands-on workshop is designed for cattlemen and cattlewomen who want to better understand what makes a truly outstanding Highland animal—whether your goal is improving your breeding program, preparing for the show ring, or developing the skills needed to become a confident and capable judge.
This is not a sit-and-listen seminar.
You’ll be out of your seat, in the pens, evaluating real cattle, ranking classes, learning communication skills, and gaining practical experience you can immediately apply to your own herd.
Whether you're an experienced breeder wanting to refine your eye or someone interested in learning the foundations of cattle evaluation, this workshop offers a valuable opportunity to grow.
What Jacob is doing with this class is objectively giving people the information they need to evaluate Highlands on the same standards, taking the emotion out of it and putting everyone on a level playing field. When everyone understands what a correct Highland is, everyone can work towards producing better Highlands because buying a Highland is an expensive investment. Also, it takes some of the mystery out of shows and encourages breeders to appreciate winners when they really are done right, or just give each other a pat on the back regardless of finish for a nicely bred Highland. - Darrin Ingram Noble Bear Highlands
***Required Reading
Participants should complete the required reading prior to attending: Structure and Attributes of Quality Highland Cattle: A Visual Guide by Jacob Larson |
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Workshop Highlights
Learn How To:
This workshop bridges the gap between theory and real-world application—helping you move from simply “liking” cattle to truly understanding why one animal excels over another.
Learn How To:
- Evaluate cattle with greater confidence and consistency
- Identify structural strengths and weaknesses
- Use trait ranking charts effectively
- Rank classes of cattle with sound reasoning
- Communicate clearly and confidently like a judge
- Improve your breeding eye for long-term herd success
This workshop bridges the gap between theory and real-world application—helping you move from simply “liking” cattle to truly understanding why one animal excels over another.
Workshop Agenda
9:00 AM Q&A on Required Reading
10:00 AM Evaluating Individual Cows Using the Trait Ranking Chart
11:00 AM Q&A on Evaluation Strategies
12:00 PM Lunch*** Provided included in admission
1:00 PM Methods for Ranking a Class
2:00 PM Rank a Class of Bull Calves
3:00 PM Q&A on Ranking Strategies + Short Break
3:30 PM Communicating Like a Judge
4:30 PM Rank a Class of Heifers and Communicate Your Reasons
5:30 PM Q&A on Judge Communication
9:00 AM Q&A on Required Reading
10:00 AM Evaluating Individual Cows Using the Trait Ranking Chart
11:00 AM Q&A on Evaluation Strategies
12:00 PM Lunch*** Provided included in admission
1:00 PM Methods for Ranking a Class
2:00 PM Rank a Class of Bull Calves
3:00 PM Q&A on Ranking Strategies + Short Break
3:30 PM Communicating Like a Judge
4:30 PM Rank a Class of Heifers and Communicate Your Reasons
5:30 PM Q&A on Judge Communication
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Why Attend?
Great breeders develop more than good cattle—they develop good judgment. This workshop is an investment in your eye, your confidence, and your future as a Highland cattle breeder. Come learn how to evaluate with purpose, rank with confidence, and communicate with clarity. Grow your skills. Strengthen your herd. Become a better cattleman. |
What to Bring
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Registration Options
*** SOLD OUT ****** Hands-On Training Participant — $60 Perfect for those wanting personal, practical training with active participation in ranking classes, evaluation exercises, and judge communication development. Observer Registration — $25 Ideal for those who want to learn, absorb the information, and improve their understanding without participating in judge training exercises. |
