who have impacted my opinions on pedigrees, EPD’s, reproduction, nutrition and phenotype is immeasurable. I would like to think that my grandpa and my brothers, who have also impacted my life, are looking down from heaven agreeing with dad and I’s decisions on show day.” Jeff: “I grew up the son of an Ag Teacher in western Oklahoma and a Grandson of a seedstock producers in that same area. My memories as a very young child involved going to livestock shows and learning to be a stockman are from my family who themselves were held in very high regard by fellow cattlemen, friends and neighbors. Because I grew up in a diversified livestock operation that earned a living by producing show animals and seedstock, I began to appreciate at a very young age the giants in the livestock industry from not only the beef cattle business but also from the swine and sheep specie groups as well. In my lifetime, I have been very fortunate to have had personal relationships with many of these industry leaders. My Ag teacher Julius Kellner that hauled us across the country and instilled in me a hunger to learn more about the Agriculture Industry. My collegiate judging experience at both NEO A&M and Oklahoma State University also placed me in the presence of great livestock people. My coaches Jary Douglas
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respect for my dad and the way he reads and evaluates cattle and everything I know I’ve learned from him. His depth of knowledge and ability to articulate himself on the microphone is something I’ve long admired. This is only the second time we’ve judged together, so for us, this will be a fun little vacation.” Jeff: “I consider an invitation to offer my evaluation of livestock in a public forum or show as the highest honor that can be offered as a livestock producer and enthusiast of agricultural youth programming. I consider judging a show
one of the highest of my personal responsibilities. I feel it is my obligation to this process to judge and critique the livestock exhibited with honesty, candor and respectfulness for the exhibitors, spectators and those that have invited us to evaluate the show. To be able to step into the arena at the Illinois State Fair with Jennifer to evaluate candidly and positively some of the most elite females in the beef cattle industry is truly humbling and not something I take lightly. I view Jennifer as one of the truly great young talents that the ag industry has produced. For her to be my daughter and to get
share ideas and evaluate livestock with her at such a high level will truly be a lifetime highlight that I enthusiastically look forward to.” TWO WHO HAS HAD THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON YOU BOTH AS INDIVIDUALS? Jennifer: “Ironically, my dad has made the most impact on my life with regards to evaluation, livestock production and shaping my opinions on cattle. I’ve been blessed to have a considerable amount of role models and mentors in my livestock judging career, both in college and now professionally. More over, the village of beef producers
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