“Judging the National Open Show is a bucket list moment,” said ABGA member Jesse Kimmel.

Not only is this a tremendous honor for Jesse, he also feels fortunate to be voted in as a judge. Jesse said he’s excited to judge and share his opinion on the best goats in the country.

“I will be looking for a goat that checks all the boxes,” Jesse explained. “They must be sound, stout, have muscle, have a great look, and meet breed standards.”

Jesse brings years of experience to his role of National Open Show Judge. In addition to judging goats, hogs, cattle, and sheep all across the United States, he judged the 2017 JABGA National Show and was a National Show Superintendent from 2018 to 2021.

A graduate of Wilmington College, Jesse is an Ag Teacher and FFA Advisor at East Noble High School in Kendallville, Ind. and an Adjunct Professor at Huntington University. In addition to raising fullblood and wether Boer goats, he owns Kimmel Showpigs, which raises multiple breeds of showpigs that compete from coast to coast. Jesse said he’s raised multiple National Swine Registry and Certified Pedigreed Swine

National Sires of the Year as well as the only National Swine Registry 2-time National Champion Duroc Gilt.

Jesse’s other bucket list items include judging in all 50 states as well as judging abroad. We’re glad he’ll get to check Nebraska off the list at our 2022 National Show!