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FOUR WHAT DRIVES YOU? I am a very competitive person, especially in things I am passionate about. I also think raising cattle and breeding them to make better ones is an exciting challenge. I have been around livestock my whole life and appreciate how hard it is to raise a good one. FIVE WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MADE IN THE LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY MOVING FORWARD? Continue to get more kids involved and make it as family-friendly as possible. SIX BEING FROM COLORADO AND HAVING A LONG FAMILY HISTORY ATTENDING THE NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW, WHAT’S IT MEAN TO JUDGE THE FINAL STEER SHOW IN THE STADIUM ARENA ON THE HILL AND THE FIRST STEER SHOW IN THE NEW LIVESTOCK CENTER IN 2026? It means everything to me. Ever since I was a little girl, it has always been a dream of mine to judge the fat steer show at Denver. To be honest, I wasn’t sure it was possible. It will be a bittersweet day judging the last ever market grand drive to be held in the Stadium Arena. There have been numerous memories there, for not only my family, but for all that have attended NWSS.
SEVEN WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT SOMEONE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU? I played competitive volleyball growing up and attended two Junior Olympics. I had an offer to play Division 1 in college, then tore all the ligaments in my ankle and my career was over. Thankfully, everything happened for a reason, and this led me to continue livestock judging instead. If it wasn’t for that, I wouldn’t be on my path today. EIGHT WHAT’S YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE? Life is short, live it to the fullest each day and be thankful for all the people who help get you where you are. NINE YOU, ALONGSIDE CHRISTIE GABEL AND ROGER TUELL, ARE HEADING UP THE FIRST EVERY LIVESTOCK JUDGING COMBINE AT THE BLACKOUT JACKPOT 9. WHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT AND HOW WILL IT BE UNIQUE FROM ANY OTHER LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST? We are excited to be a part of the Blackout Jackpot 9 Livestock Judging Combine. Our plan is to have high quality classes, with great officials and offer a unique experience to contestants with one-on-one time in front of collegiate livestock judging coaches. TEN THIS IS WHY I SHOW… It is all for the kids and the cattle.
ONE HOW WILL YOU APPROACH/PREPARE FOR JUDGING THE STEERS AT THE NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW? Describing cattle is one of my favorite things to do. I will approach the National Western with an open, clear mind and I will be ready for tough decisions. The other part of it for me is the mental aspect. Multiple, big classes that take just a little longer than normal to get the cards sorted…I must stay focused and mentally tough to be sharp every minute that day and guarantee that each steer and every kid gets a fair look. TWO WHO HAS HAD THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON YOU AS A PERSON? There are so many people who have played an important role in helping me get to where I am. I would like to thank my family, my coaches and my industry peers who have been my biggest supporters. THREE HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE THE FIRST FEMALE TO JUDGE THE STEER SHOW AT THE NWSS? It is certainly a big honor. I am a firm believer that anyone who is capable, regardless of age or gender, should have an opportunity to judge. I hope to be a role model to younger girls in the industry who want to pursue judging or raising cattle in the future.
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