NEO Livestock Judging Team Heads to Europe for International Tour and Royal Highland Show Competition

MIAMI, Okla. – Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College Livestock Judging Team departed for the 2025 International Livestock Judging Tour, where they are representing the United States in Scotland, Ireland, and London that began on June 18 and will continue through July 2, 2025.

The team received the international invitation following their Champion Team finish at the 2024 North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE)—one of the highest honors in collegiate livestock judging.

Team members participating in the tour include Avery Kimble, Brighton Lane, Chloe Mabry, Cooper Frazier, Dustee Hollenback, Jacey Smith, and Tyeson Gravenhof, along with Coach Mattie Haynes and chaperones Jaque Smith and Matt and Jana Haynes.

“This trip is more than just a competition,” said Coach Mattie Haynes. “It’s about cultural exchange, global learning, and giving our students a broader agricultural perspective. We’re honored to represent NEO and the U.S.”

The international experience includes educational visits to working farms, where students will meet producers and observe agricultural practices unique to each region. In addition to competing at the Royal Highland Show in Scotland, the group will explore iconic landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle, St. Andrews, the Ring of Kerry, the London Eye, and Buckingham Palace.

While in Scotland, the team will engage with Scottish breeders and young farmers to gain insight into regional evaluation traits and judging priorities.

“Learning how to evaluate livestock from a Scottish perspective will challenge and grow our students’ skills,” said Haynes. “It’s a rare and valuable opportunity.”

NEO Agriculture Department Chair Dr. Mary Booth added, “This trip provides hands-on global education in agriculture and leadership. We’re proud of our students and thankful to everyone—from the NEO Foundation to our donors and supporters—who made this dream a reality.”

You can follow the team’s international journey on the NEO Livestock Judging Team Facebook page, where regular updates and photos will be shared throughout the trip.

Thank you to those who sponsored our 2025 International Livestock Judging Tour:

NEO Presidential Partners
NEO Foundation
Oklahoma Farm Bureau
Sonny & Dr. Mary Booth; In memory of Karen Nesvold
Cherokee Nation
G&K Seed
Ottawa County Farm Bureau
Larry & Carol Smith
Satterwhite Agency
John Victor
Michael Victor
Jay & Dawn Victor
Samuel Grant Victor
Welch Stockyards
Grant Victor Jr.
Grant & Donna Victor
James & Candy Fuser
Greg & Mary Leonard
US Whip
ShowPro
Matt & Jana Haynes
Kevin & Jacque Smith

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