Sept/Oct 2021 Fall Edition

When you start talking about industry greats and people who truly have made a lasting impact on not only the cattle world, but also on countless student’s life, it would be foolish not to consider Blake Bloomberg, and his wife Wravenna, at the top of the list. Together, they are truly an inspiring class act paving the way for women judges while constantly striving to develop not just exceptional stockman, but even greater young people. I’m extremely grateful livestock judging made our paths cross and am proud to call them both mentors and friends.

I’m a firm believer that God puts certain people in your life for a reason. Blake, Wravenna and their kids have truly been a blessing in my world and we have created a friendship that I’ll forever be thankful for. Some of my favorite memories are the thousands of miles Blake, myself and Oklahoma State judging teams traveled in the vans. Several laughs, triumphs and tears were shed traveling across the country, but one thing is for certain - Blake’s and Wravenna’s passion for the team members and success was unparalleled. I took it for granted back then, but now I can say it was pretty dang awesome learning from the best coach in the game. Leaving home was never easy in college, but thankfully Wravenna and the kids became my second family and it has been enjoyable watching them grow up and have success in the show ring. If there is anything I want them to know, I just want to say thank you for everything you have done for me over the years and being role models for many in the livestock industry.

- Kylie Patterson

- Kyndal Reitzenstein

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Blake and Wravenna Bloomberg are the true definition of friends that become family. They will be there for you during the highs and lows of life. In the Fall of 2016, Blake took a wild and untamed group of Black Hawk students under his wing and turned us into National Champions. What people didn’t see was a team that became a family. A family that is still together today. Blake truly earned my full respect when he delivered the worst news I’ve ever received in my life. The Bloomberg’s helped me through a tragedy and for that, I’m forever grateful. They stood by me through the worst moments of my life and will stand by my side on the happiest day of my life. Most people see the competitive, intense family at shows and if you are lucky like I am, you get to see both sides of the Bloomberg family. All I have to say is Thank You for the Trust and Love you have shown towards Brynn and myself.

I have had a great deal of people that have in- fluenced my life over the years, but I don’t think anyone has more than Blake and Wravenna. They are two of the greatest people I have ever known. They are family. Not only are they BOTH incred- ible livestock evaluators, but they provided me with opportunities that many others would have never considered. Blake was not only a coach and mentor but a big brother to me in so many ways. They stood up for me and supported my sister and I like we were their own. I think everyone who judged for Blake would agree that he is a winner and will teach you to be a winner, but more importantly, he will continue to help you in your career and your life aspirations long past graduation. There’s no two people that I would say have a greater impact on the industry and the future of the livestock industry more than Blake and Wravenna Bloomberg. I couldn’t imagine having judged for or been an assistant to anyone other than Blake, and I am beyond thankful to call them and their family my family as well.

- Grant Colvin

- Ashley Judge

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