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TWO YOU HAVE VERY STRONG ROOTS IN THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY. TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND HOW IT IMPACTS YOUR CURRENT INVOLVEMENT? Man, my roots in agriculture started a few generations before me. My mom’s family lived in a little country town and most of her siblings still live there. I have fond memories of riding along with her older brother feeding cows and taking care of livestock. My grandmother loved chickens. But my more developed path came from my dad’s side. They farmed and ranched almost all their lives. My dad and grandparents ran a registered Brahman ranch that they converted to a commercial cattle operation when he went to college. I spent as many Summers as I could helping them. From the age of 5 or 6 I chased my dad around the state of Texas watching him sort county and district shows (yes, he’s a living legend). I had a front row seat to what class, skill, and excellence looked like. Dad gave me the bug to want to sort shows and have an impact on young people. Because we exhibited all species of livestock, I have always wanted to be diverse in being able to sort multiple specie rings on a high level. THREE WHO HAS HAD THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON YOU AS A PERSON? My parents were my first biggest influences. Obviously, dad’s livestock knowledge passed on to me but my mom’s grit, determination, and big heart I feel also came my way. Lots
of folks that we purchased animals from made an impact as well: Kenny Herzog, Steve Bonham, and Brandon Horn in the cattle arena. Rodney Yates, Joe and Lance Calhoun, Wade Stevens (some of these won’t be very known). Rory Duelm and Horn with the pigs. My college judging coaches: Jerry McPeak, Blake Nelson, Chris Skaggs and Ryan Rathman obviously played a big role as well. I had the opportunity to hang out with Scott Schaake and Calvin Drake for 3 years while at K-State and they took my passion and saw in me the ability to sort shows on a national level. I very much so valued their mentorship. Today I’d say my wife has the biggest influence (other than Christ). She is the more talented eye of the family, and she continues to help me hone my skills and keeps me grounded. FOUR WHAT IS THE VALUE OF RAISING KIDS IN THE LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY? I’ll answer this one differently than most. Although I do believe the livestock industry is an incredible place to raise our kids. I feel God provides different vehicles for folks to navigate life in. As long as we commit to letting Him be in the driver’s seat, we can learn and endure so much more than we thought possible. This industry has taught my kids and I a lot about the value of discipline. The lessons of God’s timeline being superior to ours (especially when the result isn’t what we had planned). They have learned to network with people in positive ways even when it’s not the most convenient for yourself. I’m thankful God designed my life to be in this business and allows Kelly and I to raise our family in it. But I feel if He made me 6 foot 6 like I asked Him when I was younger, then possibly sports would have been the
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