We caught up with Mr. Josh Kouns before he steps “Inside the Ring” at the 2025 Mississippi Youth Expo. Get to know Josh below!

Who first encouraged you to step into the ring as a judge?
My collegiate livestock judging coaches were very good at pushing me and making me a better evaluator. I think because of their motivation and high standards, by the time I stepped into a ring as show judge, I was hungry and ready.

Do you have a “pre-show ritual” or way you get in the right mindset before walking into the ring?
I try to get a good meal the night before I judge and the morning of the show, I usually just listen to some music while I get ready.

What’s one lesson showing livestock taught you that you still use today?
To be resilient. Not everything will bounce your way so you have to be tough and get better.

What’s the very first thing you notice when an animal/exhibitor enters the ring?
Depending on how the entrance is set up I usually check out the animal’s head and chest width as they come in but mostly I want to see if that animal has any quality or presence to them.

One word or a short phrase you’d use to describe your judging style?
Consistency