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job as a cattle buyer for National Beef brought us to the southwest corner of the state – I am blessed to say I am truly passionate about what I do. Beyond my career, we spend a lot of time travelling home to the ranch in Manhattan to help manage our family’s cow/calf operation, going to various livestock shows, and clipping in preparation for the next show or sale. In the time remaining, I enjoy studying up on Kansas State sports and a round of golf here and there. IF YOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO ANYTHING THAT YOU HAVE YET TO DO, WHAT WOULD IT BE? SCOTT I've been very fortunate to do a lot of great things in life. The 300 plus students that allowed me to travel up and down the road, looking at livestock, competing in contests and watching them achieving personal goals are something that I will always cherish. Today those former students are the who's-who of their careers and they continue to make me very proud. I wish I still had the energy to do it again because I miss the friendships that are gained on judging teams. I still have a bucket list, including a couple state fairs yet to judge, and continue to generate better Simmental genetics. My life has been complete! IF YOU COULD MEET AND HAVE DINNER WITH ANY PERSON, WHO WOULD IT BE? SCOTT I'll take a steak dinner with
family and friends. Wouldn't feel very comfortable around dignitaries or famous folks! SHILO If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be Kansas State Basketball Head Coach, Jerome Tang. I deeply respect his faith and character, ability to cultivate teamwork, and his positive influence both on and off the court. Engaging in conversation with him would be an invaluable opportunity to gain insight into his leadership philosophy, strategies for fostering team cohesion, and his broader perspectives on life. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ASPECT OF JUDGING? SCOTT I still love the hunt! The challenge of finding the best one! I've often times said in the ring, "Every class that walks in is like Christmas morning for a kid... can't wait to see what's in the package!" Selecting the Grand at the local county fair or 2025 American Royal still gives me goose bumps. It's the thrill and excitement that I get to share with the family who wins. Truly special. WHAT IS SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU? SCOTT One of my 4-H projects years ago included raising pumpkins. My sisters and I sold pumpkins along a blacktop highway and made $800 the first year. That half acre project has
turned into a 30-acre family business that has been a tradition for local families the past 50 years to pick their favorite pumpkin right off the vine. As kids this was never part of our business plan! SHILO One thing people generally do not know about me is that I showed many different species growing up – cattle, sheep, hogs and goats. Fun fact: I exhibited the Grand Champion Market Lamb at Arizona National Livestock Show in 2015. THIS IS WHY I SHOW... SCOTT I don't show anymore because it's hard on my body. However, we continue support our young people showing because all the life lessons, long lasting friendships and personal skills that are developed through the showring. SHILO If you know me, you know I am competitive to my core. This is a large part of what has driven my success in the past and now to keep achieving for own operation in the ring and beyond. And although it has been said repeatedly, it’s the people keep me coming back. My most valued relationships have formed on the foundation of the livestock industry. Strangers become friends that turn into family. These friendships are invaluable and I will appreciate them beyond the years in the show ring.
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