The Hill District Grandstand Livestock Show is excited to announce the 2026 HDGS Market Goat Judge: Shannon Scotten. Hailing from Nevada, Missouri, Shannon brings decades of experience, passion, and dedication to the ring, making him a valued addition to our show.

A Strong Foundation in Agriculture and Education

Shannon’s lifelong connection to livestock began in his early years and has since evolved into a career that spans all facets of the industry. He attended Ft. Scott Community College and Missouri State University, where he honed his knowledge and skills in agriculture and livestock. His educational background laid the groundwork for his deep understanding of livestock evaluation, an expertise he now shares as a seasoned judge across the country.

Judging Experience

With extensive experience judging livestock at the collegiate level and beyond, Shannon has developed a keen eye for excellence in all species. Over the years, he has judged shows nationwide, bringing consistency, fairness, and insight to each event. For the 2026 Hill District Grandstand, he’ll be focusing on Market Goats, a species he holds a special appreciation for in his broader livestock experience.

Why Shannon Judges Livestock Shows

Livestock is more than just a profession for Shannon; it’s a way of life. His passion stems from a lifetime of involvement in the industry, from the commercial side to raising, selling, showing, and now judging. For Shannon, judging livestock shows is about more than recognizing quality animals; it’s about inspiring the next generation of livestock enthusiasts.

“I’ve been involved with livestock my entire life and have experienced all aspects of this business—from the commercial side to show animals. It’s something I’m passionate about, and I want to encourage future generations to continue their parents’ and grandparents’ legacy and make this industry even better,” Shannon shared. His commitment to fostering the future of livestock echoes the values of the Hill District Grandstand.

A Rich Family Legacy

Shannon’s passion for livestock is deeply rooted in his family. His wife, Krista, plays an integral role in their cattle, sheep, and goat operation while also teaching 8th grade. Their children, Spencer and Skyler, have followed in their father’s footsteps, each carving out impressive careers in livestock judging and education. Spencer teaches and coaches the judging team at Redlands Community College, while Skyler is pursuing his doctoral degree and coaching the judging team at Texas Tech.

Of course, one of Shannon’s greatest joys is spending time with his grandson, Clancy, affectionately described as “the life of the party.” Whether working on the family operation or enjoying leisure time together, Shannon’s family values are at the heart of everything he does.

Hobbies Outside the Ring

When not immersed in livestock, Shannon enjoys a range of hobbies. Watching his sons judge shows and spending quality time with Clancy rank high on his list of favorite pastimes. He also loves golf and hunting, particularly with his sons and grandchildren. These moments of connection and tradition reflect the same values he brings to the ring as a judge.

A Message for Exhibitors

Shannon Scotten is not just an accomplished judge; he is also an advocate for young exhibitors. With his wealth of experience and dedication to the livestock community, his judging will provide valuable insights and encouragement to exhibitors in 2026.

To those stepping into the ring, Shannon says, “Your hard work and dedication don’t go unnoticed. Remember, it’s not just about winning ribbons but about building skills, character, and lifelong relationships. Enjoy every moment of the experience!”

Looking Ahead to 2026

The Hill District Grandstand is thrilled to welcome Shannon Scotten as the Market Goat Judge for 2026. With his deep-rooted passion, expertise, and commitment to the industry, Shannon is sure to leave a lasting impact on our exhibitors and attendees alike.

We can’t wait to see the energy and excitement he’ll bring to this year’s show. Mark your calendars and prepare for an event to remember!