Reading the Judge’s Card: What Breeding and Market Class Results Tell You for Next Year

After a class, you usually receive a placing, and some shows give a judge's card or written comments. Those notes are one of the best sources of improvement for the next season.

What cards usually contain

Judge's cards may list the placing, a short comment on strengths, a comment on areas to improve and sometimes a score. Some shows only post results. Ask the superintendent what is available.

Read the strengths first

Note what the judge praised. These are traits to keep and to highlight in presentation and records.

Read the weaknesses carefully

Look for patterns, such as structural problems, finish that was too heavy or too light, or handling issues. One comment may be opinion, but repeated comments from different judges point to real issues.

Compare with the class

Look at photos or notes about the animals that placed above yours. What did they have that yours lacked? Be honest and specific.

Separate animal and handler

Decide whether feedback is about the animal, about feeding and fitting, or about handling. Each needs a different fix.

Make a plan

Write two or three action items. Examples might include selecting for better feet and legs, adjusting rations to improve finish or practicing showmanship.

Talk with your advisor

Share the card and discuss options. Advisors know local judges and standards.

Keep a season record

Store cards, photos and notes together. Over several seasons, patterns appear.

Respond respectfully

If you have a question, ask the judge politely after the show. Thank them.

Common mistakes

• Ignoring cards
• Blaming the judge
• Making too many changes at once
• Losing the notes

The takeaway

A card is a map. Read it, find the patterns and build a short plan for next year.

For related reading, see How Breeding Classes and Market Classes Work. agriculture.directory lists feed stores, vets and suppliers near you, and for a lighter break from fair prep, farm.fm has Pig Husbandry.