I wiped off the thin layer of dust that had settled upon the 30-year-old photo album. As I opened it up, the memories came flooding back. A younger version of myself stared back at me, full of big dreams and hopeful aspirations of changing the world in some little way.
During the summer of 1996, my FFA judging team represented Washington, Iowa, in the International Livestock Judging Tour. We competed at the Royal Highland Show in Scotland and traveled throughout a variety of countries, including the Netherlands, England and France among others.
Fearless and Free
I was 18 at the time and had never been on a plane until that trip. I remember feeling pretty fearless at the time – no cell phone, no parents, no worries. It was eye-opening in a lot of ways. I met future industry leaders, made close friends and walked away realizing the world was a lot bigger than I knew it in Washington, Iowa.
I also knew without a doubt that I could not wait to head off to Black Hawk College East Campus to judge livestock. I loved sorting out differences between livestock and then explaining my reasons behind those decisions. It was challenging and fascinating to me. It led me to Kansas State University where I was part of another incredible team that became my friends for life.
Most importantly, if it wasn’t for livestock judging, I wouldn’t have met my husband. I wouldn’t have started up the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA). I wouldn’t be here at Farm Journal’s PORK. It opened my eyes to so many ways that I could take those skills I developed judging to apply to my future career, but also to the more important things like my marriage and raising our kids.
Full-Circle Moments
Whether I was organizing judging contests for NJSA, supporting my husband when he was a collegiate livestock judging coach or helping coach our local 4-H judging team, I can’t remember a season of our lives where livestock judging wasn’t part of the mix.
When our senior judging team (Morgan Huls, Lane Beyers, Callie Turner and our son Hunter) won the American Royal last fall and earned the opportunity to compete in the Royal Highland Show in Scotland, I couldn’t have been more excited. Although I coach the juniors and Dan coaches the seniors, I somehow drew the lucky straw to accompany our team on this trip.
Thirty Years Later
The 13-day International Livestock Judging Tour through Scotland and Ireland was filled with incredible memories. The beauty of the Highlands was undeniable—the lush pastures, the rocky hillsides and the diversity of livestock. The castles were breathtaking, and the competition was world-class.
As I reflected on this experience, I realized what meant the most to me when I was my son’s age 30 years ago was the same thing that meant the most to me today – the people.
The differences between our priorities from one side of the world to the other are notable, and honestly, a bit strange at first. For example, they prioritize muscle more than we do because of our different environments. But when you engage in real conversation with other livestock breeders and judges, you begin to truly understand that livestock judging isn’t a science, it’s an art.
It’s about prioritizing what’s important on your farm, in your industry, in your country and then making decisions that reflect those things. Priorities change. Trends shift. Being adaptable and informed helps you make the transitions needed to succeed.
The Real Reason
I can’t help but think livestock judging is a lot like life. We are constantly presented with a “class” of choices—career moves, parenting decisions or personal hurdles—and there is rarely a perfect answer. We weigh the trade-offs, we prioritize what matters most in that season of our lives, and then we have to find the words to stand behind our decisions.
Thirty years ago, I thought judging was about the animals. Today, I realize it was always about personal growth: learning to trust your eyes, adapt your perspective and realize that while the “ideal” may change, the integrity of your process is what truly carries you long after the dust settles.
