The Coach

I had the opportunity to give back to an organization that gave to me for over 10 years as a youth member; that is 4-H.  

When I attended Iowa State in the late 90's; I joined the Iowa State University Livestock Judging Team.  I  had never judged an animal prior to my Animal Evaluation class in the fall of 1999.  I started on the team along with one of college roommates and ended up having the time of my life!  We were members of the 2000 Iowa State University Livestock Judging Team!

Property of Iowa State University Livestock Judging

We traveled the county looking at livestock ranging from beef cattle to sheep to hogs.  I learned so many life lessons both from judging and driving to multiple states in a 12 passenger van with a coach, my roommate and 8 guys. 

In 2007 when I returned home for good, I decided to give back to the 4-H program that had taught me so much many years prior.  My county had never had a livestock judging team and I decided after my time on the team at ISU; I should start one.  Now 9 years later that county 4-H judging team is still going strong!  And I have had the pleasure of watching young men and women learn not only through 4-H but through livestock judging. 

 

 I have taken judging teams twice to the National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest which is the National Championship for 4-H livestock judging teams.  In 2013 Dallas County was the 11 place team nationally! This coach is always looking forward to the next year  and the next set of kids!