Brian Engleking finds his ‘dream job’ coaching Purdue Dairy Judging Team

For Brian Engleking, coaching the Purdue Dairy Judging Team is more than just a position; it is his dream job.

“I love cows, and I love kids,” Engleking said. “I especially love kids who love cows.”

Engleking grew up on a dairy farm, where his passion for the industry began. He earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural sales and marketing from Purdue in 1993. During his undergraduate years, he was a member of the dairy judging team, an experience that shaped his early connection to the program.

After graduating, Engleking began a career in dairy nutrition before landing what he called his “dream job” with the Holstein Association, where he evaluated cows as a classifier. More than 10 years ago, a cerebral hemorrhage forced him to step away from that role. When the Purdue dairy judging coach position later opened, Engleking applied and found a new dream job waiting for him.

Engleking joined the department three years ago, following the late Steve Hendress, and has since led Purdue’s team to multiple top finishes, including third overall at the International Intercollegiate Dairy Judging Contest and first at the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) collegiate contest.

Despite the success, Engleking said his proudest accomplishments are not the trophies or rankings.

“It’s probably just trying to influence the students to give them confidence and make them better people,” Engleking said. “The wins are fun, but I always joke that we have one rule, and every student can tell you that rule is simply to have fun. Rule 1A is that winning is more fun than losing, and 1B is that it’s not really about winning; it’s about the desire and willingness to work for it.”

Team member Alaina Weaver, a senior studying agribusiness, said that motto defines Brian’s coaching style.

“Brian’s number one rule for Purdue Dairy Judging is to have fun,” Weaver said. “At the end of every long day of practice he makes sure to ask us if we had fun that day, and everyone always says yes! While our practices are long and intense, we always have fun along the way, and I have enjoyed learning from Brian as a coach the past few years.”

Engleking added that the lessons learned through judging extend far beyond the contest arena.

“The life skills you learn through the competition, such as decision-making, communication and confidence, are what set you up for your future,” Engleking said.

The 2025 season brought both challenges and accomplishments for the team. After finishing sixth at the All-American Dairy Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the students came back stronger than ever to place third overall at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin.

“I could see the disappointment in their faces after Harrisburg,” Engleking said. “I told them I was glad they were disappointed, not because I wanted them to be upset, but because it showed they were hungry for success. The biggest thing we worked on after that was confidence, and they proved how good they really are.”

Engleking said his inspiration comes from the students he coaches.

“I think just their desire to do well, their willingness to work and to have fun while doing it,” Engleking said. “All three teams I’ve had have been a joy to work with. I look forward to the trips with them and just being around them. They’re good kids.”

Rachel Craun, another senior on the team, said former team member Miriam Cook encouraged her to join the team, and with Brian’s guidance, she rediscovered her love for judging.

“I gave up on dairy judging in middle school after some poor coaching experiences,” Craun said. “Brian made me love judging again and is by far the best coach I have ever had. Under his guidance, I have seen very rapid improvement both in myself and other team members.”

Current team member Sydney Haag, an animal sciences undergraduate student, said Engleking’s leadership has played a major role in the team’s achievements.

“Brian truly believes in the team and believes in us when we do not, and his confidence in us has played a major role in our success,” Haag said. “Overall, anyone spending time with Brian knows how much he loves people and sharing stories about his life.”

The team will conclude its 2025 season with the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) contest in Louisville, Kentucky, in early November, which will be the final competition for the current team before preparations begin for next season.

Looking ahead, Engleking said he is optimistic about the program’s future.

“Now that we’ve had success, more students are coming to Purdue wanting to judge dairy cattle,” Engleking said. “We’ve got younger students already practicing with us, and the key to our continued success will always be having students who are willing to work hard. Hopefully, we just keep climbing and getting better each year.”