2015 Iowa Beef Expo – Market Animal Judge
Dr. Mark Hoge, originally from Good Hope, IL, is a graduate of Black Hawk East Community College and the University of Illinois. He earned his Masters from Iowa State University, and his Ph.D from Michigan State University. Mark is currently an Associate Professor at Western Illinois University, located in Macomb, IL, where his responsibilities include; coaching the livestock judging team, teaching 3 courses per semester, managing the university swine unit and advising the AGR/Hoof & Horn clubs. Dr. Hoge has had the privilege of evaluating multiple county, state and national swine/cattle shows over the past 20 years, and has worked with youth from all over the country.
Mark is supported by his wife, Katie, 2 sons – Carter 9, Nolan 6, and also has a baby girl on the way. The Hoge family has a rapidly expanding 4-H enterprise that encompasses raising show pigs, sheep, cattle and a horse named Butters. Mark & Katie work hard to provide the valuable experiences to their boys that they were fortunate to experience in their youth through Agriculture.
2015 Iowa Beef Expo – Breeding Heifer Judge
Shane Bedwell began his position as livestock judging coach at Colorado State University in August, 2007. While at Colorado State University, Shane has coached many successful and championship teams, including being named the Reserve National Champions in 2012 and winning the prestigious American Royal in 2013. Shane serves as instructor for two livestock selection classes, as well as co-teaches animal nutrition while serving as advisor for CSU’s Block & Bridle Club.
He received an Associate’s Degree in Science from Butler County Community College in 2002, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science and Industry from Kansas State University in 2004.
While attending college, Shane was a member of nationally competitive livestock judging teams where he gained numerous accolades. He was also on the 2003 Reserve National Champion Team at Kansas State University.
Shane completed his Master’s Degree in Ruminant Nutrition from the University of Illinois in 2007. While at the University of Illinois, Shane also served as the Assistant Livestock Judging Coach and taught classes in livestock selection.
He has had the opportunity to evaluate cattle in 25 states, and multiple major shows including the National Western Stock Show, American Royal, Fort Worth Stock Show, San Antonio Livestock Show, and the Houston Livestock and Rodeo. He enjoys youth events and working with students focused on pursuing a career in the livestock industry.
Shane was raised on a cow-calf/stocker ranch near Medicine Lodge, Kansas and helps manage his family’s 350 head cow-calf operation, which consists of a rotational cross of Hereford, Angus and Red Angus. Shane and his wife Lacey have a daughter, Cealy Rose that is 3 and and a son Chisum born in September of last year.
