are her specialty, but over the years, various livestock species have become a passion as well. When asked what her favorite memory is of livestock judging she said, “It isn’t just one thing. I have several memories that have helped mold me into who I am. The time spent traveling up and down the road with teammates and family, going state to state judging, attending international shows, touring breeders’ facilities and operations, learning the history of the many ranches, as well as meeting industry leaders are my favorites. How can I pick just one thing to be a favorite when so many deserve recognition?” She then added, “Who wouldn’t be proud of winning high point individual at both the American Royal and NWSS. Plus, I won Denver on my 18th birthday!” Going to nationals has been in the works for Madison from an early age. She started competing at all levels by attending Red Brangus and Red Angus Jr Nationals. “Competing at the state shows is always fun but rolling into junior nationals is exciting and noteworthy. It is just a different vibe,” she said. “My mom always said, ‘you MUST compete in everything while you are attending a junior national. You might just find a contest you like, can improve on, or use to help in the evaluation of livestock.’” Most of Madison’s livestock experiences and evaluation skills have stemmed from home at Trademark Genetics, the family owned cattle business that is located in Texas. Madison has played a vital role in the evaluations and selections of cattle for many years, all of which have helped to improve Trademark Genetics’ stock. Trademark Genetics slogan is “make your mark.” Who better to be a role model than Madison herself. She began participating in the Texas 4-H livestock judging contests in order to practice giving reasons at a higher
level. Her practice resulted in Overall Reasons Champion at the Texas 4-H State Round Up. Therefore, years of practice paid off when Madison made her mark by setting the record at TAMU livestock judging camp by talking 4 sets of reasons and scoring 49’s on all sets. She was a back-to- back champion at TAMU livestock judging camp. While attending the Red Angus State and Junior National shows, she won livestock judging two consecutive years in a row. Madison and her Waller FFA team won the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo livestock judging contest, the American Royal and various contests across the nation. Madison started judging more heavily at the beginning of her freshman year in high school. While being the Waller FFA President, member of Mu Alpha Theta, Student Council, National Honor Society, TJRAA President, Madison is in the top 5% of her graduating class with a 4.26 GPA. She clearly understood that the next four years would be the most important time of her judging career if she wanted to pursue judging on a collegiate level. Madison wishes to pursue a livestock-judging career while attending college in hopes that her knowledge will put her on the coveted green chips one day. Madison clearly has livestock judging running through her veins. It seems as though she were born with a gift to evaluate the various species. She is proof that setting goals and dreams at an early age are vital in success no matter what your interests are. “Stay focused, don’t give up when you have a bad day or bad contest, thank those individuals who help you along the way, embrace every opportunity to learn, and make a million memories,” Madison said. To say the least, Madison is definitely more than meets the eye! She is a two-time national champion, a driven young lady that sets the bar high and has an extremely bright future
in the livestock industry. Colleges are knocking down the doors but Madison is going to wait to announce her college intent until later this spring. Madison gives her thanks to God, her parents, extended family, Betsy Bradley, Christy Collins, Jenna Wheeler, Kara Cloud, Courtney Griffith, friends, and numerous other industry professionals for setting the foundation for her own personal growth to build on. Madison says “It takes a village, keep your circle tight and never forget where you came from”. ●
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