CCC Alumna Emma Eldridge Named Head Livestock Judging Coach

COLBY, Kan. - Colby Community College is proud to announce the hiring of Emma Eldridge as the new Head Livestock Judging Coach. A CCC alumna, Eldridge returns to Colby with a strong background in livestock evaluation, animal science, and student mentorship.

Eldridge, a native of Bruneau, Idaho, began her judging career at Colby Community College, where she competed on the Trojan Livestock Judging Team from 2021 to 2023. During her time at CCC, she was deeply involved in agriculture and campus life and served as the Animal Science Barn Manager. She assisted with the annual bull sale, and supported classroom labs in animal science and veterinary technology. She also volunteered as a teaching assistant, helped organize judging clinics, and played a role in the CCC Spring Classic livestock show.

Eldridge stated that, "Colby is a small community that's always felt like home to me, and I am so excited to be back," Eldridge said. "Colby's livestock judging team holds a special place in my heart as an alumna, and I can't wait for the team to find growth and success."

After graduating from CCC with associate degrees in arts and science, Eldridge transferred to Oklahoma State University. There, she continued her livestock judging career, contributing to the Reserve National Champion Team in 2024, while completing a bachelor's degree in General Studies with an emphasis in Animal Science (December 2025). Along the way, she also gained extensive experience in livestock management through roles with Black Label Cattle Company in Oklahoma and Colyer Herefords and Angus in Idaho.

Eldridge said her first season will focus on laying a foundation for long-term development.
"In the first year, I am looking forward to growing not only as a coach but as a team," she explained. "We'll find success through hard work and dedication." With that mindset, she also shared her vision for the program moving forward.  "Our supporters and community can expect big changes in the program with a new coach stepping into this position with big goals and a passionate drive just as big for the industry," Eldridge said. "Things may change, but we are always working toward the same goals: building strong minds in the classroom and finding success in competition."

In her new position, Eldridge will lead the day-to-day operations of the livestock judging program, recruit and mentor student-judges, and represent Colby Community College at competitions nationwide. If you have any questions about the program or look to join, please contact Emma at emma.eldridge@colbycc.edu.