2025

Livestock Judges

Austin Langemeier

Junior Swine

Terry is a certified judge with the American Boer Goat Association, the former International Boer Goat Association, the former American Meat Goat Association, and the American Dorper Sheep Association as well as being a certified judge with numerous beef cattle associations.

Terry has served on numerous judging committees across the US including the National 4-H, Jr. College and Sr. College Contests at the NAILE, as well as serving as the sheep/goat chairman for the National FFA Livestock Judging CDE.

Terry and his wife Alice live in Scottsville, Kentucky.

Terry Burks

ABGA Boer Goat Show

Terry is a certified judge with the American Boer Goat Association, the former International Boer Goat Association, the former American Meat Goat Association, and the American Dorper Sheep Association as well as being a certified judge with numerous beef cattle associations.

Terry has served on numerous judging committees across the US including the National 4-H, Jr. College and Sr. College Contests at the NAILE, as well as serving as the sheep/goat chairman for the National FFA Livestock Judging CDE.

Terry and his wife Alice live in Scottsville, Kentucky.

Spencer Scotten

Junior Sheep & Goats

Grew up in Nevada, Missouri on his family’s cow/calf operation where they raised show cattle. He judged collegiately and is currently the livestock judging team coach at Redlands Community College in El Reno, Oklahoma and continues to raise show cattle and goats with his family.

Jeff Jackson

Junior Beef

Jeff Jackson, is from Walnut Springs Texas. He is a graduate of Tarleton State University, with a bachelors and Masters degree in Ruminant Nutrition. Jeff along with his wife Lauren and daughters Jaelynn and Adalynn, Run a 600 head Cow calf operation. They’re primarily focusing on the production of show cattle, Seedstock bulls and have two bred female sales annually. Jeff has judged in almost every single state in the United States, as well as many Junior Nationals, and State and National Fairs all across the US, Including the National Western, North American, World Beef Expo, Fort Worth Stock show, Houston livestock and a multitude of others. Jeff has also judged multiple times Internationally including South America, Asia, Canada and Mexico…

Terry Burks

Angora & All Other Fiber Goats

Terry is a retired Professor of English Studies from Chifeng University in The People’s Republic of China. Prior to that, he was employed by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture in the Division of Show and Fair Promotion where he served as the educational coordinator and worked as a federal livestock grader. Terry was also the owner of Dynasty Club Lambs & Meat Goats. Terry grew up showing Simmental cattle and was very active in the American Jr. Simmental Association. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in the area of Animal Science from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Terry has judged over 1300 Junior and open livestock shows in 43 states. Some of his shows include Houston, San Antonio, Fort Worth, Dallas, San Angelo, Austin, Waco, The North American International, The American Royal, The National Western, The Great Western, The Cow Palace, The Dixie National, Tulsa, the Oklahoma Youth Expo, the Kansas Junior Livestock Show, The Arizona National, Aksarben, The Buckeye Livestock Expo, The Pennsylvania Youth Livestock Expo, The Pennsylvania Farm Show, The Atlantic National, The Keystone International, The Simmental Breeders Sweepstakes, The All American Angus Breeders Futurity, The Midwest Stud Ram Sale, The JABGA National Show, The Western Hair Sheep Expo, The National Dorper Show, The Hill District Grand Stand, The Fall Classic, The Belt Buckle Bonanza and has judged State Fairs in 29 different states. Terry has also judged numerous County, Regional and Jackpot shows across the nation.

Gordon Williams

Junior Market Rabbits, Junior Breeding Rabbits, Master Showmanship-Rabbits & Open Rabbits

Based in Cloverdale, Indiana, Gordon Williams is a self-employed tile contractor with 38 years of experience. He has been raising rabbits since 2000 and became an ARBA-licensed judge in 2016 after judging 4-H fairs for over a decade. Gordon has bred and raised 18 different rabbit breeds and earned multiple Best in Show honors with Florida White, Californian, Satin, and Silver Fox breeds. Notably, he earned Best of Breed with Satin at the 2012 and 2017 ARBA Conventions.

In 2017, Gordon helped launch the live stream and commentary for the Commercial Show and Best in Show at the ARBA Convention in Indianapolis. He also handcrafted and installed the tile logo at the ARBA Museum in Knox, PA.

He holds an Associate of Applied Science degree from Oakland City College (1981). Outside of rabbits and tile work, Gordon is a former professional musician, an advanced scuba diver, and restores antique tractors. He’s been married to his wife Lynette for 35 years and is a proud father to Samantha and Mitchell.

Jason Whitehurst

Open Cavy

Beth Horn

Master Showmanship-Dogs

Carol Mcelheney

Dog Showmanship

Based in Salem, Oregon, Jason Whitehurst is a seasoned Regional Operations Manager and lifelong cavy enthusiast. He began raising cavies in 1987 and earned his judge’s license in 2008. Throughout his career, Jason has raised every breed of cavy, with a special focus on Silkies, Peruvians, and Americans in Black and REO. He’s earned multiple Best of Breed and Best of Show honors at national and specialty shows, and proudly serves on the ACBA Standards Committee.

Jason has judged at seven ARBA National Conventions, selecting Best in Show four times, and has also been a fixture at numerous ACBA Specialty events. Outside the show ring, Jason enjoys hiking, backpacking, and exploring new restaurants. He and his wife Rocio have been married for 28 years and are proud parents to twins, Robert and Ellen. Their family also includes Maggie, their spirited Miniature Dachshund and two-time NW Wiener Dog Racing Champion.

Based in Roseville, California, Beth Horn brings a lifetime of experience and passion to the world of dog sports and youth development. A third-generation dog show and livestock enthusiast, she grew up immersed in 4-H and FFA, showing dogs, pigs, sheep, and horses. After college, Beth chose to focus on the world of competitive dog shows, particularly Saint Bernards, a breed she has shown for nearly 20 years.

In 2022, Beth became an AKC All-Breed Junior Showmanship judge, committed to giving back to the sport that shaped her. She has judged Juniors nationwide and continues to be inspired by their talent and sportsmanship. Her Saint Bernards have earned numerous honors, including Hall of Fame titles from the Saint Bernard Club of America, Westminster invitations, and multiple Best in Specialty Show wins. Her dogs also excel in performance sports, boasting over 50 titles across agility, rally, dock diving, nose work, and more.

Beth is also licensed to judge a range of AKC tests and is an AKC Fit Dog instructor. She has served as President of the Sacramento-Sierra Saint Bernard Club since 2019 and is the Performance Dog Chair and a member of the Working Dog Committee for the Saint Bernard Club of America.

Based in Elk Grove, California, Carol McElheney is a retired Park Ranger and Reserve Deputy Sheriff with over three decades of service to the County of Sacramento. Since 1989, she has been deeply involved in breeding, training, and showing Bouviers des Flandres, earning numerous accolades with her dogs in obedience, herding, therapy, and conformation.

Carol’s dogs have included therapy dogs, performance champions, and even her personal service dog following a stroke in 2008. In 2016, she became an AKC licensed Junior Showmanship judge and brings extensive knowledge of all AKC breeds. A passionate advocate for Bouvier rescue, Carol has rescued and owned more than 25 Bouviers, along with Golden and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers.

She holds a B.S. in Wildlife Biology from UC Davis and a POST Certificate in Law Enforcement. Carol shares her love of dogs and travel with her husband Tim and daughter Rosemary. Together, they’ve visited over 70 countries and currently share their home with three Bouviers: Ninja, Lexie, and Olive.

Abigail Alterton

Rabbit Showmanship

Becca Vizza

Texas Longhorn

Larry Smith

Youth Longhorn Show

Based in Folsom, California, Abigail Alterton is a dedicated rabbit breeder, horse trainer, and proud mom. With over 14 years of experience in the rabbit and cavy world, her journey began in 4-H and grew into a passion that includes raising 22 breeds of rabbits and 7 breeds of cavy. Abigail is an active member of the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA), where she has competed in royalty contests and exhibited at national conventions and major shows across the country.

Her animals have earned numerous accolades, including multiple Best of Breed, Best in Show, and Specialty wins, along with top national placings in commercial classes. Abigail herself has earned prestigious titles such as ARBA, Cal State, and West Coast Classic Duchess, Exhibition Queen 2020, and four-time Small Animal Master Showman at the California State Fair.

She holds an AA degree in Math and Science and is happily married to her husband Daniel, with whom she shares a young son, William. Outside the barn, Abigail enjoys spending time in the saddle, participating in a variety of equestrian sports.

Based in Bandera, Texas, Becca Vizza is a second-generation cattle rancher and exotic wildlife breeder who grew up in a rodeo family in Tuttle, Oklahoma. Active in 4-H and FFA since childhood, she has a lifelong background in livestock showing and judging. Becca remains deeply involved in the industry through judging, ranching, rodeo, and wildlife events. She holds a degree in real estate and now helps clients find their perfect ranch properties. Becca is a proud member of several leading organizations, including the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association and the Exotic Wildlife Association.

Larry Smith has been involved with Longhorns since 1977.
During that time, he has raised and shown 12 All Age International Champions on
halter. Larry enjoys judging, traveling to 14 states, where he appreciates the
opportunity to meet breeders and view the results of their breeding programs.

Randy Shumaker

Junior Cavy

Ann McQuillen

Dog Judge

Taylor Curutchague

Market Poultry

We’re honored to welcome Randy Shumaker as the official judge for the Junior Cavy Show at the 2025 California State Fair!

A highly respected figure in the rabbit and cavy community, Randy has been actively involved in the fancy for decades. He is a dual-licensed ARBA judge (#666) and has judged extensively across the country,
earning a reputation for his professionalism, integrity, and thoughtful
evaluations — especially with youth exhibitors.

In addition to his judging work, Randy serves as Vice President of the American Rabbit Breeders Association, where he plays a vital
role in guiding national policy, breeder support, and the future of the hobby.
He is also a passionate advocate for education and ethical exhibition
practices.

Based in Prather, California, Randy remains an active breeder and exhibitor, continuing to lead by example in promoting quality,
mentorship, and community in the ARBA world.

Based in Somerset, California, Ann B. McQuillen brings over 40 years of experience in training dogs and handlers in obedience, agility, nose work, disc, and rally. She is an AKC Agility Judge, a former 4-H leader, and currently judges events such as Fetch, Farm Dog, and American Temperament Testing.

She owns Competition K9, a 9,700-square-foot, climate-controlled facility in Placerville, CA, dedicated to foundational skills and dog sports. From July to mid-August, Comp K9 proudly offers a free kids camp, introducing young handlers to the world of dog training and canine sports. Learn more at www.CompK9.net.

Ann is most rewarded by the smiles of her students as they build lasting bonds with their well-mannered dogs. Under her leadership, Comp K9 and its instructors have earned multiple honors, including the 2024 Mountain Democrat Reader’s Choice Award and the Placerville Business Leaders Award from 2021 to 2024.

Throughout her career, Ann has owned and trained multiple champion dogs in agility, obedience, disc, and rat hunting. Her current dog, Bishop—a 7-year-old Australian Cattle Dog—holds a Masters Champion title in Urban Hunting and is just two qualifying scores away from earning a Masters Champion Versatility Away title. Bishop also excels in nose work, disc, and dock diving, and recently retired from agility due to an injury.

Ann holds an MBA from Michigan University and is currently completing the Canine Fitness Certification through the University of Kentucky. She also holds various credentials in dog training and human psychology.

At home in Somerset, Ann and her husband Peter enjoy life with their beloved pack of dogs, ranging from a 6-pound Chihuahua to a 45-pound Cattle Dog.

Current Hometown: Los Banos, CA

Occupation: Animal Welfare Superintendent for Foster Farms

Background/Experience: Grew up raising and showing market lambs and breeding ewes. Started in the poultry industry in 2019. Completed 3 internships with Foster Farms and was a student assistant at the Fresno State Foster Farms Poultry Education and Research Facility. Served as Treasurer for the Fresno State Poultry Science Club. Previously held positions as broiler grow out field supervisor and broiler grow out department supervisor for Foster Farms prior to current role.

Awards/Accomplishments: Currently completing the process of becoming certified by Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization for poultry production operations.

Education: Associate’s Degree in Animal Science from Modesto Junior College (2019) and Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science – Livestock and Poultry Management from Fresno State (2021). Currently in 3rd semester of the CSU Stanislaus Master’s Program, pursuing a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, scheduled to graduate in May of 2026.

Family Information: Parents are Medina and Guy Gary, and has a younger brother named Gavin. Special thank you to my family for the constant support through all endeavors.

Other: Current position with Foster Farms involves experience with broiler hatchery, grow out, catch and transportation, and processing operations.

Amy Zittel

Open Rabbit

Camille Sanders

Poultry Master Showmanship

Austin Flood

Pygmy Goat Master Judge

Current Hometown: Marion, North Carolina

Occupation: 6-8th grade Special Education Teacher

Background/Experience:
I have been raising rabbits for 20 years and have been an ARBA judge since 2015. I have had the privilege to judge at ARBA National Convention, National Breed Shows and local shows across the US. I was a 4-H leader for over 20 years.

Awards/Accomplishments:
2022- Burke County Teacher of the Year
Best of Breeds at ARBA National Conventions:
Florida White
American Chinchilla
English Spot
Giant Chinchilla

Education: BA Liberal Studies Teaching certification in elementary education and special education

Family Information:
My husband Mike and I have 3 children, Tyler, Logan, Alexis. Raising rabbits has
always been a family event for us. Some of our fondest family memories are at
fairs and local rabbit shows. Logan has her ARBA judges license and Alexis is a
ARBA registrar.

Current Hometown: Madera Ranchos

Occupation: COFA – California Department of Food & Agriculture as well as Travel Agent for the past 37 years.

Background/Experience:
4H Poultry Leader & FFA Poultry Leader for the past 6 years.

Awards/Accomplishments:
I developed and mentored the top 2024 National FAA Poultry Production students in the National Nathan Hutchison. Along with supporting the California State 2023- 2024 FFA Premier Exhibitor Student. Helped built and run Nate’s Chicks

Family Information:
I’m married with two children Love to travel.

Other: I know my poultry bible and fought the AB 928 at the State Capitol the last 4 months.

Current Hometown: Cottonwood CA

Occupation: Veterinary Student at Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine

Background/Experience: Raising and Showing Pygmy Goats with the National Pygmy Goat Association for 16 years. I started with two wethers as a primary 4-H showman at the Tehama District Fair and now am in the process of studying for the NGPA Judges Licensing Test. My brothers and I now own over thirty Registered Pygmy Goats under the herd name AAAPygmy’s.

Awards/Accomplishments: Qualifier for State Small Animal & Large Animal Master Showmanship.
American FFA Degree Recipient
Oklahoma State University, President’s Honor Roll Recipient

Education: Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Science from Oklahoma State University
Class of 2029 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Student at Oklahoma State University

Family Information: Austin is the son of Russell and Christine Flood of Cottonwood, California, and has two younger brothers Aiden, 16, and Aaron, 14.

Amanda Hughes

Junior & Open Poultry Judge

Heather Todisco-O'Neal

Cavy Masters Showmanship

Kevin Trone

Open Pygmy Goat Judge

Current Hometown: Atascadero, CA

Occupation: Homeschool Enrichment Instructor / Nuclear Power Plant Tool Clerk (seasonal)

Background/Experience: Amanda started her poultry journey at the age of two in a stroller being pushed in between the rows of birds at the local poultry show. Her father was looking for a free activity to do on the weekend. With her mother having a love for all types of birds, it was fitting to see what the local poultry show looked like.

Seven years later, her mother took Amanda and her brother to pick out three partridge cochin bantam chicks from the feed store. These were not show birds, but backyard buddies that would lay eggs. It wasn’t until the age of 12 that Amanda attended her second poultry show at the local fair, this time exhibiting a Black Breasted Red Old English Game Bantam and a Buff Silkie.

Throughout the years, chickens have been a consistent staple in Amanda’s life. To get her judging license she had to breed a lot of different breeds and varieties. Her favorites have been d’Anvers, d’Uccles, Dutch, Cochins, and Langshan.

Currently, Amanda only breeds large fowl Black Langshan and shows under the name “Lazy Kay Acre” with her mother.

Awards/Accomplishments:
ABA Master Exhibitor
Judge at multiple APA national shows
For the youth show – San Luis Obispo County 4-H All-Star, 4-H South Section President, 4-H California State Ambassador

Education:
B.A. Marketing Management
M.B.A. General Management

Family Information:
Husband – Randy Hughes, resident coop builder
Child – Elijah Hughes, future flock tender

Current Hometown: North Fork, CA

Occupation: Emergency Electric Dispatch Supervisor

Background/Experience:
Heather grew up on a ranch in Central California raising & showing Registered Hereford & Angus cattle. Being an active member of 4-H & FFA, Heather also showed, sheep, goats, horses, turkeys, swine, and dairy cattle. Heather became a 4-H leader and guided numerous youth, including her daughter through multiple projects, especially small animals.

Awards/Accomplishments:
I Heather won Master Showmanship numerous times and multiple showmanship’s during her youth with multiple species. Her family has won numerous top honors with cavies, including the Reserve in Show at the 100th Annual ARBA Convention and has won Best in Show Cavy the past two years here at the California State Fair. Heather currently serves as the District 2 Director of the American Cavy Breeders Association and a Director & Show Chairman for the Golden State Cavy Breeders Association.

Family Information:
Heather and her husband Clayton (who she met at the CA State Fair in 2001, showing cattle) have 1 daughter, Allison O’Neal. Together they own and operate Crown Royal Cavies, raising Teddies and White Crested.

Other: Heather is excited to be here to judge Master Showmanship. CA State Fair has been her favorite fair since she was an exhibitor starting at nine years old. She been an exhibitor with cattle, horses and cavies. She has been a parent and leader to Allison who has shown, sheep, Boer goats, meat goats, pygmy goats, rabbits, dogs, poultry and cavies. Heather knows the pressure and hard work it takes to get to Master Showmanship at State Fair. She wishes all the exhibitor’s good luck and reminds them to have fun!

Current Hometown: Fortuna, CA

Occupation: Superintendent/Principal

Background/Experience:
My Family proudly raises and shows pygmy goats under our herd name, Penny Ln Pygmies.
While I grew up showing pigs and beef cattle through 4-H and FFA, my journey with pygmy goats began in 2017. It all started during a walk through our county fair, when one of my daughters decided she wanted to join 4-H with pygmy goats. Not long after, we brought home two wethers, and the rest is history. We attended our first NPGA-sanctioned show in the fall of 2019 and haven’t looked back since.
Today, My wife and I serve as co-leaders for our county’s 4-H pygmy goat group, with our oldest daughter proudly taking on the role of Junior Leader. Our family is deeply involved in the community, the breed, and the lifestyle that comes with it.

Family Information:
Kevin is the father of 3 daughters, Hailey, Madison, and Anna. He is married to Krista Trone.

Education:
Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology, Humboldt State University