As
I’m finishing up my junior collegiate livestock judging career, I can’t help but
reflect on my journey that led me to this point. I have a huge passion for
livestock judging, but what if I told you there was a moment a few years back when
I almost quit?
To
most people who have taken on the challenge of livestock judging, this probably
isn’t a shock. The ‘sport’ certainly has its challenges and it takes an endless
time commitment to be competitive. People quit every day. I wanted to quit
because of that. By my senior year of high school, all of the individuals that
I began judging with had quit. I remember being frustrated that there was no
way my “team” could be any good…because I didn’t even have a team!
That’s
when a very wise person told me, “You’ve always dreamed of livestock judging in
college, so don’t quit. Work on being competitive individually and don’t worry
about a team score. College is completely different. It’s better. Trust me.” In
the end, we all know how my decision ended. I persevered and judged all the way
through high school and into college. It was one of the best decisions I’ve
ever made in my life and I encourage ANYONE and EVERYONE to stick with it.
People ask me all the time: What’s judging like in college? That’s a very
difficult question to answer, so I’ve drafted the Top 10 Reasons to Livestock Judge in College. Here they are:
10. Traveling
Whether
it’s 10 minutes down the road to practice, or a plane ticket across the country
to compete in a national contest, we’re constantly traveling. I can’t even
comprehend the number of towns and states that my boots have stepped in. Each
place my team goes is a new adventure. There’s always something waiting for us.
9. The Best Livestock Shows
Along
with traveling, livestock judging in college gives the opportunity to
experience the best stock shows in the country. Don’t get me wrong, county and
state fairs are awesome too…but the American Royal and the North American
International Livestock Exposition blow them out of the water! Anyone who has a
passion for agriculture should experience these at least once in his or her
life.
 |
| American Royal, Kansas City, MO |
8. Scholarships
Just
like athletes get recruited for scholarships, livestock judging works the same
way. When you move away from home to go to college, scholarships become your
best friend.
cost of living + college
tuition + social life = one broke student
Trust
me on this one. Plus, it’s always nice to get rewarded for something you’re
passionate about.
7. Friends for a lifetime
Because
of judging, I now have 5 friends that I truly care about and would do anything
for. No doubt, my team had our disagreements and there were times when we
didn’t enjoy being around another. But, when you spend every day and weekend
practicing and traveling together, you’re bound to connect in some way. My team
is constantly smiling and laughing. I’m blessed to have met them.
6. Coaches
I’ll
be honest, most of the time we’re laughing about our coach. He’s quite the
character…to say the least. #6 on my list is coaches because they are
incredible. Not only are they livestock-enthusiasts, but also they’re just
genuine people who care about the future of students. My coach’s door is always
open to vent, ask for advice, or get assistance with anything I’m struggling
in.
5. Learn to Evaluate
If
you think you’re the best livestock evaluator since sliced bread, college will
prove you wrong. I’ve learned more about the livestock industry in junior
college than I have over my entire life! If you really want to learn something
about cattle, sheep, goats, or swine, this is the place to be.
4. Become a Communicator
Reasons.
We’ve all been at that age or skill level when we’ve despised giving a set of
oral reasons. Being accurate, using a format, applying correct/fresh
terminology, and wrapping it all up into a perfect presentation is hard. Now
multiply that by 8 because that’s how many sets of reasons are in a collegiate national
contest. Do you remember that old saying, “practice makes perfect?” It
definitely applies here. We’ve given hundreds of sets of reasons and now,
they’re probably the easiest part of the contest. The communication skills that
are gained in livestock judging are undeniable. You’ll use them for the rest of
your life.
3. World’s Best Livestock
Remember
#9 (The Best Livestock Shows)? Well, once you’ve learned how to evaluate and
communicate, you can appreciate the quality of livestock there. Just this past
weekend, one of my teammates and I were walking through the cattle barn at the
NAILE and we were blown away by this Angus Bull we saw. About an hour later, he
won Grand Champion Angus Bull in the show. By traveling to producer’s barns to
practice and to contests alone, I’ve seen some of the best livestock in the
country. That’s pretty cool.
2. Life Gave Me Lemons…
This
one’s probably the most important to me. As I’ve grown in my faith, I’ve come
to admire the places that God has brought me to. I know that every opportunity
I’ve had was because of Him. God is constantly working in our lives to bring us
to the perfect place, so listen to Him! He won’t disappoint and He won’t turn
away. Don’t pass up the opportunity that’s right in front of you. I had the
opportunity to livestock judge in college, so I did. No, my team and I weren’t
‘National Champions’ Still, I don’t regret it one bit.
1. …And more lemons are
being harvested.
So,
we were given lemons and we made lemonade. Now what? Drink it and make more!
I’ve seen my junior college career as a gateway for the rest of my life.
Between the places I’ve gone and the people I’ve met, my doors are huge. The
skills I’ve developed will be used forever. Think of livestock judging as your
turn in a game of chess. Where will you go next?
Whether
you’re just starting out or if you consider yourself a veteran in the livestock
judging sport, don’t give up. Don’t quit. I’ve been in your shoes and I’ve
experienced the challenges in development to be competitive. Have faith and
believe in yourself.
