together and often times failing together. As I get older, I realize how important those days were in creating the man and evaluator I am today. He remains an incredible resource for me today and talking cattle with him never gets old. EIGHT What do you do on themornings before you judge amajor show? Nothing special. Just try to get a little more sleep than my three kids at home would typically allow! Not really. I believe the venue should dictate the routine. Judging a show can be a very isolated feeling at times, unless you find ways to engage the exhibitors, ring help and spectators. How you do that varies from one show to another and is quite different at a county fair versus the Fort Worth Stock Show. Generally, I like to move quickly, but still give every animal and exhibitor a fair evaluation. On the mic, you will never hear a “canned” description. Every animal is different and I will do my best to describe those differences with real world, practical terminology that hopefully any onlooker can see and understand. NINE Do you have a certain judging style or judging routine? It’s exhilarating, it’s challenging and it’s so much fun! Most importantly, I’m a people person, a livestock junkie and an educator. The showring allows me to blend the things I love most! • Thanks Chris for answering our ten questions for our readers! - The Showtimes coverage of the 2020 Fort Worth Steer Showbegins February 6th! Wewill have photos, updates, Live Videos and a newShowCenter Video! TEN This iswhy I judge...
Christian I can, while continuing to recruit and educate young people that represent Kansas State University the way it deserves to be! SEVEN What hasmade the biggest impact on you as a livestock evaluator? I could write a book on this question. The role of my parents has been unbelievable. Not so much with direct evaluation skills, but more in helping me define goals, develop a competitive nature and find the conviction to always do what is right in the ring. Amongst the many great coaches I’ve had, Dr. Scott Schaake’s impact goes without saying. In the past 20 years, I also attribute my growth as an evaluator in large part to my judging teams. To be a relevant teacher, I have to continually expose myself to great breeders and livestock minds. Finally, I would have to say the biggest impact has been my brother Randy. We are two years apart and grew up working together, competing
FIVE What are you looking forward to the most at the FortWorth Stock Show? Honestly, coming back for a second time, I think my answer is different than if you’d asked me that same question last year. A year ago, I would have said I couldn’t wait to see the steers. Everyone has their opinion, but if anyone argues this isn’t amongst the greatest steer shows in the world than they don’t know great livestock! Again, I can’t wait to see those cattle. But after last year, I can’t explain what it’s like to watch those young people enter the ring. The minute they make eye contact, it’s as if I can see a year’s worth of work for that young person and their family riding on this one lap. You quickly realize how important your job is and the magnitude of this moment. I can’t wait to make that eye contact! SIX What are your goals for the future? Be the best father, husband and
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