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The youngest of six children, I’ve had an army around me from day one. We were raised primarily on a Simmental and Angus seedstock operation with a handful of club calves in the southwest corner of Minnesota, outside of Lake Benton. We host an annual show cattle sale in the fall, as well as offering private treaty bulls in the winter. My dad, J.T., and brothers, Jake and Garett, run the farm back home. My mom, Luann, is the glue that keeps us together. She is not only our biggest supporter, but personally, one of my biggest role models, for her strong morals and passionate faith she instilled in each of us. Though everyone has their lane, each of us is united by a passion for agriculture, livestock judging, and the show cattle industry alike. Growing up, my dad served as the livestock judging coach for our county 4-H team, so naturally, I tagged along as often as I could. My siblings found success judging in 4-H, FFA, and then a couple went on to judge on competitive teams at South Dakota State University. It’s safe to say there‘s always been a flame lit inside me to achieve success in livestock judging. I was blessed to be on a competitive 4-H and FFA team in high school
that experienced the thrill of judging at Louisville, Kansas City, National FFA and most notably, were Reserve Champions at Denver. As I wrapped up senior year, I knew I wanted to continue judging at the next level in Junior College. I made my first visit to Butler Community College, where I met Coach Taylor Frank, and immediately knew it was a fit. Now being here the last year and a half, I can truly say there is no place I’d rather be. Frank and Assistant Coach, Cal Schultz, pushed me consistently to become the best evaluator, stockman and person I can be. It goes without saying that they’ve become two of the most influential people in my life. Filling up the remainder of our grey van are 11 extremely talented individuals I call my teammates at Butler. I’m a firm believer that iron sharpens iron and I don’t think there’s a better example of that than my team. When I look back on my time at Butler, the genuine friendships built are what I’ll look at most fondly. I’m certain that each and every one of us will find success in our futures, no matter what they entail. When it comes to a national contest like Louisville, I feel the pressure increases on the trip leading up to it.
Everyone’s on their A-game, marking cards and giving sets to put us in the best spot possible for the contest itself. Though I might be the minority in my way of thinking, I always feel like the pressure decreases during the contest. The contest is the easy part. I trust our coaching and hard work prior to put me in a position to perform at my best. As our team filed into pews at church Sunday morning, I also realized how lucky we truly are to be on a team that encourages faith and holds the same passion for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Knowing that regardless of the outcome Monday, with him in our lives, all things are possible. Waking up the morning of the Louisville contest, I felt more prepared than nervous. We were reminded, “Every national contest is just as fun and important as the next, but still, there’s just something special about Louisville.” Of course, nerves are in play at every contest. It’s the work of my Coaches, my teammates, and the groundwork that was laid at home with my family that allowed me to have a good day in Louisville. To see the hard work and dedication pay off, from the army who pushes me the hardest, but cares for me the most, is truly humbling. ●
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