Travis Lautner of Indianola, a 2003 Jefferson-Scranton graduate who showed cattle at the Greene County Fair as a youngster, will judge the cattle show at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, CO, Jan. 11-26.
Lautner is a professor and Agribusiness program co-chair at Des Moines Area Community College. He teaches animal science courses including Intro to Animal Industry, Animal Health, Introduction to Agricultural Markets, Agriculture Selling, and Beef and Swine Production.
His experience and expertise in the beef industry include presenting at beef clinics for youth programs, more than 15 years of judging livestock and more than 25 years of fitting and grooming. The son of Wayne and Vicky Lautner, he grew up north of Jefferson on a diversified row crop and cow-calf operation and exhibited home-raised cattle at local, state, and national shows.
Travis holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in beef production management and a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Studies. His professional career includes sales with John Deere/Van Wall Equipment, agricultural facility construction within the Midwest, and management of the DMACC Dallas County Farm where he oversaw 325 acres of cropland along with a cow-calf and farrow-to-finish operation which marketed freezer beef and pork direct to consumers.
In his current role as an animal science professor at DMACC, he continues to share his passion and knowledge of the animal industry with the next generation of farmers.
Travis and his wife Megan live with their three children on an acreage near Indianola. They are active in 4-H and raise a herd of registered Miniature Herefords. Travis enjoys providing herd advice and marketing assistance to customers with a goal of improving genetics and getting more young people involved and excited about agriculture.
Lautner stays active in his community through membership of the DMACC Foundation board, mentoring local 4-H members, and supporting Mark Pearson FFA Leadership Scholars.
