2025 Junior National – June 20-26, Louisville, Kentucky

Dr. Mark Hoge grew up with a diversified livestock background showing cattle, hogs and sheep. Mark pursued his interest in animal science and livestock judging throughout college; he attended Black Hawk East and then the University of Illinois. While at both institutions, he was very active on the livestock judging teams. From there he attended Iowa State University (ISU) to attain his master’s degree in animal breeding. While at ISU, Mark coached the livestock judging team, advised students and taught animal science classes. He found an interest in teaching and research and then decided to pursue his Ph.D. in animal breeding at Michigan State University. Mark has been an associate professor of agriculture at Western Illinois University for 20 years. He teaches three to four classes a semester, is the faculty manager to the swine and sheep units, coach of the livestock judging team and advisor to the Hoof and Horn Club. Mark has had the opportunity to serve as a judge of all four species for many national shows across the country. Mark, his wife, Katie, and their kids, Carter, Nolan and Nora, own and operate Hoge Livestock in Good Hope, Ill. They are an active stock show family that live by the motto: Life is better in the barn.

Kyndal is originally from Kersey, Colorado, and graduated from Redlands Community College and Oklahoma State University with a Masters in Animal Science from OSU. She is currently the owner and operator of Reitzenstein Cattle. Kyndal has judged multiple shows in many states, including Illinois State Fair, American Royal, NAILE, National Western, and multiple other state fairs. Her hobbies include photography, volleyball, and, of course, livestock.