We caught up with Mr. Slayton Strube after he judged the Market Lamb and Ewes at the 2024 Arizona National. Check out his thoughts below…

WWhat division stood out as the toughest and deepest?​
Division 2 was really deep

What do you think is the most underestimated thing while judging a show of this caliber?
Efficiency and focus. It really is a challenge to be fully committed to judging and making decisions the entire time. I like to be moving forward with every move.

Thoughts on handshakes/fist bumps?
I’m great with either. With an animal in your hand a fist bump is quick, easy and connects judge and exhibitor. I know hand shakes can take a little time at the end of a class, however, I enjoy the brief encounter with exhibitors in which we acknowledge one another. Often times I hear sincere thank you’s and that is really appreciated. I don’t want to overlook this moment because when I slow down to look directly into the eyes of each them, it helps to remind me that what I’m there to do is much deeper than a sheep. There is a person and a soul that I care about and I’m there for each one of them.

What did you overcome the day of the show?
Nothing real big but just handling a few phone calls from home trying to keep everyone going on taking care of ewes lambing and animals in the barn.

What was the toughest call you had to make? What satisfied this call in your mind?
The classes in division 2 were deep and tough. So I knew that would be a challenging decision. However, I focused on the sheep in motion and backed up as far as I could on the last decision. I like zooming out and that really helped me on which direction I needed to go.

What do you think this generation of showman needs to be more aware of?
I serve as a judge to be a part of helping and advancing the next generation. I believe we all need more awareness of priorities. Showing is something we choose to do and it is a youth development tool that is considered an extra curricular activity. The challenge is when we are tempted to put it as our top priority in life. I see lots of families that struggle with this and unfortunately it can come out in the show ring.

What showman stood out to you? Why?
The exhibitor of the Reserve Champion Division 1 crossbred market lamb got left out  of the top 5 overall crossbreds. 6 lambs in the ring and I need to pick 1-5. This young man and his brother showed good sheep all day and they were on point. However, at the end of the division he came right up to me and his facial expression had never changed all day. He was grateful and appreciative. I was impressed with his consistency of character. It doesn’t go unnoticed.

Did you have any funny encounters?
Not in the ring but we did have an electric car for a rental. The new challenge of looking for a charging station kept us laughing.

What has been the biggest change in the ring since you were an exhibitor?
The level of competition. Animals are presented and prepped on an entirely different level.