064
Kase LeRow
Colorado State University's next Livestock Judging Coach shares his story.
I am truly humbled to be assuming the position as Colorado State University’s next livestock judging coach. Growing up, I often heard about CSU’s longstanding tradition of excellence and achievement, along with the distinguished alumni who have become valued mentors and friends. To be honest, I have to pinch myself from time to time and remind myself that I am fortunate enough to be joining the rich history and defining legacy of CSU’s Agriculture Department. Frankly, the path I took to get here is rather untraditional. Originally from Waco, Texas, my family was very limited, if not completely out of touch with the showring and production agriculture. My Dad was a local entrepreneur that made his living in the HVAC sector. My mom is something of a renaissance woman, covering fields of ministry, writing, and balancing the task of raising 4 children. Though we did not bond over what bulls to flush cows to, or spend our Christmases kidding out does, I’d like to think
my family instilled the same principles as kids that grew up on the farm. Hard work, integrity, and a passion for doing things the right way are the values upon which I have built my career on. I often joke with people when they ask how a suburban kid like me got to the point I have in life. Growing up, I was relatively convinced that my future would be playing shortstop for the Texas Rangers, if not fishing for the Bassmaster classic trophy. It did not take long to realize that division one programs were not in search of five-foot-five, one hundred-and thirty-five-pound athletes, so I was going to have to give up on the dream and pivot to something else.
In hindsight, it was God’s provision and sovereignty in my life to find my local 4-H club and join the livestock judging team. My middle school allowed the seventh graders to compete in CDE’s, so I was fully immersed in the world of judging and showing from the time I was thirteen years old. Now in full transparency, I was no shining star, yet I had the drive and the passion to figure it out. My Dad always used to say, “you become who you surround yourself with,” and fortunately I started to surround myself with some extremely talented people who saw some potential in a Wrangler pearl-snap shirt wearing kid. After attending different judging camps and conventions, I had my sights set
Powered by FlippingBook