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vehicle - but the lessons would have remained the same. Seek Him first! FIVE WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF YOUR MOST MEMORABLE JUDGING MOMENTS? I have been blessed beyond measure to get to sort the shows that I get to and to go the places and meet the people that I have. But two memories come to mind. 2006 I was traveling with K-State and working for Schaake Farms at Denver. I was excited to be able to watch Scott sort steers at Denver and pick his brain on the way home after the show. Well, he didn’t realize he was supposed to hire an associate for the steer show. So, the night before he asked if I would assist him. I think I was so shocked and I’m not sure I really answered other than telling him I still had my banquet clothes so that would be fine. lol. The second class came along and he handed me the mic and said, “You didn’t think you were just going to walk around holding that clipboard did you?” I lost my breath in the middle of talking the 2nd place calf and had to stop and apologize to the crowd. I was hooked after that moment! That’s when judging livestock shows became my addiction. lol. The second was getting to sort the goats at San Antonio a year or two after doing the heifers there. My parents came and my mom’s older brother and aunt (whom was fighting cancer). I was very emotional at the end of that show. I’ve never sorted a show that I felt like I hope it would never end. I was in a different world that day. God was definitely in the room. I know I said two but sorting an Iowa jackpot with Braedon last year was pretty fun and memorable, but not planned. He jumped in at the last minute to ride along and I ended up lending him some clothes to sort in. I hope he’s up for a few more down the road. As a side note, I’m still waiting
on Kelly to agree to do one with me. Timing and calving have always been a challenge to make that work out.
SIX FAMILIES MAKE SACRIFICES ALL SUMMER TO TRY TO WIN THE STATE FAIR. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE ABLE TO JUDGE THEM IN ILLINOIS?
The time, the money, the sweat equity does not go unnoticed. I feel the reason this business can be so fulfilling is that you must work to achieve even the smallest of goals. It’s a test of faith and discipline. I always want to honor that in the ring. The kids and families deserve a fair and honest look. We as judges are also tasked with the responsibility of making sure those watching know what you think about their animals, but without making it about you and feeding our ego. I’m blessed to be able to sort and I know it. I want to honor God first and foremost when I hit the ring. Everything else falls into place with that mindset I have learned. I’m not going to please everyone, but that shouldn’t be the goal. Being true and honest is! SEVEN IF YOU COULD MEET AND HAVE DINNER WITH ANY PERSON, WHO WOULD IT BE? Ultimately, I can’t wait to meet Jesus! But here on earth that dinner seat changes depending on the season of life I’m in. Right now, there’s two: an evangelist named Vodde Baucham and the late Dr. Harlan Richie. Vodde’s biblical knowledge and his manner of teaching it is on another level. It has furthered my passion for investigating the Bible. Dr. Richie influenced soo many things
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