a hand or share some knowledge. Many teachers and educators from my high school ag teachers to Dan Hoge at Black Hawk East, to some that were just always willing to answer questions and talk. Those types of mentors are too numerous to mention, but they are the best friends and colleagues. You have very strong roots in the agriculture industry. Tell us about your background and how it impacts your current involvement? I have grown up in the livestock industry in Indiana and I had the opportunity to exhibit cattle, sheep and pigs through 4-H and FFA and that helped develop my appreciation for the showing industry and the people and helped guide me through my college years and create opportunities that I would never dream of. I received my associate of science degree from Black Hawk East junior college and my Bachelor
of Science degree from Purdue University. I started my adult career in Kentucky managing an Angus cattle operation and then moved back to Indiana where Mary Ann and I were married in 1991. We have two sons, Cameron and Carter that were both active in junior programs. I was the manager of Three Rivers Angus and then managing partner at Maple Lane Angus, Shipshewana. I accepted a job with the American Hereford Association in 2003, and we have lived in Plattsburg, MO and have worked to build the Ward Brothers Livestock operation as a family. What have been some of your most memorable judging moments? I have been blessed to judge local, state, national and international shows for over 40 years, and I have enjoyed every opportunity. Judging shows have opened doors to parts of the world that I would not have ever discovered without these
opportunities. The first time I was asked to judge at Palermo, Argentina would be a moment I will not forget. The atmosphere at that event is amazing.
What is something that most people do not know about you? When I first started judging shows I was able to judge several pig and lamb shows including the market hog show at the National Western Stock Show and the lamb show at the Louisiana State Fair. My first opportunity to judge at a State fair was the pig show at the Missouri State Fair.
075
THE AMERICAN ROYAL STEER SHOW IS ONE OF THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS IN THE COUNTRY.
JACK WARD JUDGING THE 2018 AMERICAN ROYAL.
Powered by FlippingBook