and Jarold Callahan, my teammates, John Griswald, Todd Hale, Mike Deatheridge, Tim Foote and so, so many others enhanced my livestock experience and have afforded me many opportunities to evaluate livestock across the United States, Australia and Canada. I have also found that in the several professional occupations that I have pursued, there have been many clients and friends that have I have learned from and sharpened my skills as a judge and those relationships have shaped my priorities for livestock evaluation. I consider myself to be very fortunate to have had so many positive influences in my life.” THREE SOME OF THE TOP CATTLE IN THE COUNTRY COME FROM THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. HOW DO YOU APPROACH SORTING THAT QUALITY OF FEMALES? Jennifer: “That’s probably what I look forward to the most. Often times, we don’t get the privilege of always sticking to the type and kind we prefer at smaller shows with less quality. It will be so fun to study so many generationally good females and be able to tie into the cattle that we try to raise and that align with our preferences. The question I ask myself while I’m judging is “which one would I be the most excited to own or to have raised?” If we can say we consistently used the cattle that are our kind and described them
correctly, then we’re going to be happy with the job we did.” Jeff: “I am anxious to be a part of a truly great beef cattle event such as the 2024 Illinois State Fair Jr Heifer show. The quality of those cattle will be second to none. I think it is also important to remember that behind these great cattle are some truly great kids and families that have worked hard and put tremendous thought and effort into presenting as competitive a heifer as they can for this season. The exhibitors, their families and others involved in the process deserve for those cattle to be evaluated fairly and with utmost professionalism. It is my responsibility to be absolutely objective and truthful about each female that will pass before us. I feel strongly that Jennifer shares my convictions as a livestock judge. By staying true to our convictions of integrity and honesty, I am confident we will find cattle that we feel need recognized for their presentation and their phenotypic superiority.” FOUR WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF YOUR MOST MEMORABLE JUDGING MOMENTS? Jennifer: “My most memorable judging moment would be sorting through the open shorthorn show at the American Royal. Being able to take on a bigger stage with regards to judging
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