“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:9 Perhaps no other verse is more fitting for one former softball player turned future agriculture teacher. Growing up in Rockingham County, Virginia, the most abundant ag county in the state, it might seem natural for a young person to be involved in 4-H or FFA, especially if […]
Through the Judge’s Eyes: Scotten Sticks with the Basics, Looks for Animals to be 12 o’clock
Spencer Scotten knows what it takes to make a champion. And his criteria for a champion market goat or breeding doe probably aren’t too much different than any other judges since he’s looking for a balance of width, muscle, boldness, balance and structure. However, when an exhibitor hits the ring, his or her goat best be dialed […]
Through the Judge’s Eyes: Schaake Looks for Good First Impression
Trends can change with a blink of an eye when it comes to showing lambs, especially when it comes to chasing extremes. However, Scott Schaake prefers to stick to the basics when evaluating lambs and keep things “in the middle of the road.” “I’m not the norm when it comes to sheep because I’ve never […]
Through the Judge’s Eyes: Hoge Evaluates all Angles, Looks for Eye of a Tiger
Growing up, showing your own livestock and being the child of a distinguished livestock evaluator isn’t always easy. Just ask Mark Hoge. However, because he “suffered from the randomness of being Dan Hoge’s son,” he decided early on, if he was ever afforded the chance to judge a show, he would be positive and do what he believes in. “I always told myself if I ever got the […]
Mark That Card – Breeding Heifers
Placing 1-3-2-4Cuts 3-2-5 I like the breeding heifer calves 1324. The cattle up top are good but when you study them from the side, that is where 1 couples her stoutness and body shape with the added intangibles of look, balance and extra quality. Now don’t get me wrong, I never questioned the brood cow […]
Through the Judge’s Eyes: Callis Looks for Courteous Confidence
Brandon Callis is no stranger to the show ring or the cattle industry. He grew up with grandparents who raised both registered Brahman and commercial cattle in South Texas, and his dad was a 4-H Extension Agent, demonstrating at a young age how to make an impact on youth. Callis was active in 4-H and FFA and showed several of the smaller […]