In today’s Beef Buzz , senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays spoke with Dr. Blake Bloomberg, head coach at Black Hawk Junior College of Illinois- one of the leading two year colleges in the Livestock Judging circuit. Hays caught up with Dr. Bloomberg on the sidelines of the 2026 Oklahoma Youth Expo (OYE), as they delved into the exceptional quality of cattle on display and the long-term impact of youth participation in the agricultural industry.
Oklahoma’s “Special” Caliber of Cattle
Dr. Bloomberg, who has judged major shows across the country, noted that the top-tier animals at OYE consistently stand out. “I knew the top end here in Oklahoma would be very special and it hasn’t disappointed thus far,” Bloomberg said. He highlighted that the success of a breeding heifer starts with a solid foundation. “For me, it starts at the ground, and then you start building on the extras of body and mass and stoutness, but still having that feminine look,” he explained.
Dr. Bloomberg emphasized that while winning is a primary goal, the true value of these animals based on genomics often extends beyond their initial show ring success. “It could be a heifer that ended up third in class today might out-generate them all… that’s the beauty of breeding and raising cattle,” he remarked.
Building More Than Just Projects
While the quality of the livestock is a draw, Bloomberg was quick to point out that the real mission of OYE is the development of the participants. He observed that the “quality of the young people has been second to none”.
“The biggest thing I think is, they’re building our young people,” Bloomberg told Hays. “In five years we’re not going to remember who won this show… but they’re going to remember the lessons that these cattle taught them and the things that they can take with them”. This philosophy informs his own judging style, as he makes a point to “talk the entire class” to ensure every student feels seen and appreciated, regardless of their final ranking.
A Legacy of Excellence at Black Hawk
Turning to his professional role, Bloomberg shared insights into the success of his livestock judging program at Black Hawk College, which has seen a “tremendous run” with high-team honors at major competitions in Kansas City, Louisville, and Denver. He attributes this success to a combination of academic discipline and relentless practice.
“A lot of the success of the students in judging is tied to their academic capability,” Bloomberg noted, adding that “you don’t have to have God-given ability… you can learn the craft, you just have to be willing to put in the time and effort”.
Bloomberg earned his PhD in Stillwater and had lots of success at Oklahoma State from 2013 to 2019 as their Livestock Judging Coach, winning three national titles for the Cowboys. He was also named Coach of the Year seven times. Bloomberg, who grew up in Illinois and went to Black Hawk College in 2005, returned to Black Hawk in 2020 as a Professor and Livestock Judging Team Coach.
Dr. Bloomberg has led a remarkably successful tenure as the Livestock Judging Coach at Black Hawk College, maintaining the institution’s reputation as a powerhouse in the junior college circuit- and has won three of the four major titles thus far this season at the American Royal, the North American International Livestock Expo and the National Western Stock Show.
The Future of the Industry
Reflecting on his deep ties to Oklahoma—where all four of his children were born—Bloomberg expressed optimism about the future of the “show business” and its role in preserving various cattle breeds. “The junior program has saved a lot of breeds… this gives them another avenue for marketing capability,” he said.
For Bloomberg, the continued success of events like OYE is a testament to the dedication of the staff, supporters, and the young exhibitors who are the future of the beef industry. “When you can create opportunities for kids, I don’t think that’s ever going to go by the wayside,” he concluded.
The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR above for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.
