03/20/2026
We are excited to announce the judges for this weekend!
Mark and Deb Core have dedicated their lives to the livestock industry through their careers, family, and Core Farms cattle operation. Together they have built a nationally recognized program while mentoring young people and sharing their passion for livestock and hard work. Read their full bios below!
Mark Core was raised on a small diversified farm in Pleasantville, Iowa, where Hereford cattle and Yorkshire hogs were the foundation of his family’s operation. Despite limited financial resources, his parents supported his early involvement in showing livestock, experiences that sparked his passion for animal agriculture and competition. After high school, Mark followed his older brother Phil to Iowa State University and joined Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, where lifelong friendships helped him through the unexpected loss of his father during his sophomore year. While at Iowa State, Mark competed on the livestock judging team, contributing to the team’s National Championship in 1986. After graduating, he began his professional career with Syntex Animal Health before eventually joining Vermeer Corporation, where he has held numerous roles and served as Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. Alongside his professional career, Mark helped build Core Farms into a nationally recognized Maine-Anjou operation with his brother. Beyond business success, Mark finds the greatest fulfillment in creating opportunities for others, often recruiting talented individuals with agricultural backgrounds to grow within the organization.
Deb Core grew up in Jackson, Minnesota, on her family’s row crop and cattle feeding operation, where she developed a deep passion for livestock through farm work and 4-H involvement. Influenced by Jackson County’s highly competitive livestock judging program, she decided early on to attend South Dakota State University, major in Animal Science, and compete on the livestock judging team. Deb graduated in 1982 and later earned her master’s degree from Colorado State University in 1988 while assisting with the livestock judging team. Her career in the livestock industry included roles with the
