We’re thrilled to announce that Nolan Hildebrand, an esteemed livestock judge and agricultural educator, will be the official 2025 Market Lamb Judge at the Hill District Grandstand Livestock show (HDGS). With his extensive experience, deep passion for livestock, and commitment to young exhibitors, Nolan is set to bring invaluable insights and expertise to our event.

Meet Nolan Hildebrand

Education and Background

Nolan hails from Templeton, CA, and boasts an impressive academic and professional background in animal science. He graduated from Oklahoma State University, where he majored in Animal Science. At Oklahoma State, Nolan was an active member of both the Livestock and Meat Judging Teams, honing his skills and building a solid foundation in livestock evaluation.

Professional Experience

Nolan’s career took off in 2016 when he became the Head Coach at Connors State College in Warner, OK. Under his leadership, the college’s Livestock Judging Team saw remarkable success, with 15 All-Americans and 10 Texas Majors victories. Nolan’s exceptional coaching talent earned him the prestigious title of 2020-2021 Coach of the Year. Over the years, he has judged sheep shows in over 30 states, earning a reputation for his keen eye and fair judgment.

Life on the Homestead

Nolan’s roots run deep in agriculture. His family’s homestead in Templeton, CA, is home to club lambs and registered Angus/Sim-Angus cattle. Recently, Nolan moved to Lebanon, Oregon, with his girlfriend, where they both work as agriculture educators. His commitment to livestock judging continues in the Pacific Northwest, where he mentors teams and participates in various events.

Passion Beyond the Show Ring

For Nolan, livestock judging is more than a profession—it’s a way of life. “I judge livestock because I enjoy working with young people and evaluating good stock,” he says. Growing up, Nolan’s family bonded in the barn, and those moments instilled in him a lifelong passion for selection and evaluation.

When he’s not in the ring or the classroom, you can find Nolan enjoying two of his favorite hobbies—golf and fishing. These activities offer him a chance to unwind and connect with nature, providing a perfect balance to his busy professional life.

A Quote to Live By

Nolan draws inspiration from the words of Thomas Edison, “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” This quote reflects Nolan’s perseverance and dedication, qualities that have driven his success in the livestock industry.

Join Us at HDGS 2025

We couldn’t be more excited to have Nolan Hildebrand as the Market Lamb Judge for HDGS 2025, which takes place on Monday, January 13, 2025 
at 8:00 a.m at the John L. Kuykendall Arena & Event Center. Nolan’s wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm for the industry make him an ideal fit for this role. We invite all livestock exhibitors and agricultural professionals to participate in this year’s show and benefit from Nolan’s expertise.

Stay tuned for more updates as we gear up for HDGS 2025. Let’s make this a memorable and rewarding experience for everyone involved!

See you at the show!