We caught up with market lamb judge Brent Jennings before he steps “Inside the Ring” at the American Royal. We invite you to read our candid interview with Brent below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Inside the Ring.”
WHAT IS ONE THING THAT YOU LEARNED IN HIGH SCHOOL THAT HAS STUCK WITH YOU?
Truly exceptional hunting dogs come along once in a lifetime. I had a special treeing walker in high school that allowed me to have an extreme amount of fun in the woods and pass high school with below average grades. You are only going to live once, have fun doing it!
WHAT IS ONE QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY?
I don’t know if there is one specific quote that I live by, but these are a couple that I appreciate.
“How many people do you know who’ve had their dream come true? You’re looking at one.” – Jimmy V
“If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.” – Mark Twain
IF YOU COULD JUDGE ANY SHOW IN THE COUNTRY, WHAT SHOW WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Well, I am like every person that has ever stepped into the ring, we all have a bucket list of shows but in reality I just never figured I would get the chance to judge them. I have checked off several that were incredible over the years. American Royal and Louisville have definitely been on that list.
BEFORE YOU GET READY TO JUDGE, DO YOU HAVE A ROUTINE THAT YOU LIKE TO FOLLOW?
I realize the immense amount of time and effort that goes into getting ready from an exhibitors standpoint and want to make certain that I am 100% focused and prepared. I am always excited to judge, so honestly I just say a prayer and try to clear my head of everything else going on in the world.
DO YOU KNOW YOUR CHAMPION WHEN YOU SEE IT?
Yes!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY!
My wife Allison is a NC FFA regional coordinator. She spent twelve years teaching high school ag before this venture. We have 2 boys, Zade who is 11 and Carter who is 6. I think every family’s kids are different and my boys are no exception to the rule. Both of them enjoy showing sheep, goats, and pigs. Additionally, both really enjoy playing baseball. Zade is the detail oriented, competitive, and focused one that tries extremely hard to excel in everything that he does. Carter is the let’s have a good time and heck with everything else. I am fairly certain the good lord is going to pay me back for some things I did in my younger years through Carter.
WHAT IS YOUR DAILY OCCUPATION/DAILY ROUTINE LIKE?
With two kids, no two days ever look the same. I work as an Extension Associate at NC State University and enjoy the opportunity to work with extension and ag programs across the State. Additionally, I teach in the Fall of the year and get to coach our 4-H livestock judging team. We also have 11 head in our barn getting ready for the State Fair so between them and Fall Baseball we don’t have much free time.
LONG GRAND DRIVE SPEECHES VS A FEW WORDS
Short & Sweet
JUDGING ON DIRT VS WOODCHIPS
Woodchips
We caught up with market lamb judge Brent Jennings before he steps “Inside the Ring” at Oklahoma Youth Expo. We invite you to read our candid interview with Brent below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Inside the Ring.”
DO YOU HAVE A ROUTINE TO PREPARE YOU TO GET IN THE RING?
I think this has changed over the years. I am always excited anytime I am given the opportunity to judge a show, so for me it is more about clearing my head and making sure I am focused on what I am getting ready to do. When I am in the ring judging I do my best to just simply forget about the rest of the world. I will always say a prayer before I get started.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE GROWING UP?
When I was really little I suppose a Major League Baseball Player, but then the crude reality set it that I was not a great athlete, so an Extension Agent became a more realistic goal.
IF YOU COULD BE ANY SUPERHERO WHO WOULD YOU BE?
If you read my comments from last summer I will continue stick with Santa Clause.
I am scared of heights, slow, don’t care to fight crime, have been shot at before and that really is not much fun so one of those other superhero’s does not sound like much fun to me!!
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT MOMENT WOULD IT BE?
I have had some pretty great moments up to this point in my life, and it is challenging to pick just one. Getting the chance to marry my best friend was one of those days that would be neat to go back.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Take a minute to read this. I do believe this is sound advice we all should consider.
Don’t Feed the Trolls
From: Steve Olsher, What is your WHAT: Discover the One Amazing Thing You Were Born To Do
A key component to becoming a Star is to stop feeding the Trolls. While I’d love to take credit for this awesome expression, kudos goes to Randy Gage for coining it. Feeding the Trolls is Randy’s analogy for what far too many creators do-listen to, respond, and be affected by those who incessantly whine and complain. While everyone is certainly entitled to their opinion, trolls thrive on being included in the conversation, especially those they didn’t start. Odds are good you’ve witnessed your share. They’ll post on blogs, send emails, corner you at networking event, and never have anything nice to say. Apparently, their goal is to ridicule creators and engage them in unproductive banter. As you move forward on your path toward becoming a Star, you’ll inevitably come across your fair share of trolls. When you do, take a deep breath, chuckle, disengage, an maintain your focus on adding value to the world!
FAVORITE SONG ON ROADTRIPS?
Podcasts, a variety of them for sure!!
DO YOU SMILE OR ARE YOU SERIOUS IN BACKDROPS?
Smile, life is to short to take everything to serious.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OR TV SHOW?
The Office
We caught up with wether sire & dam judge Brent Jennings before he steps “Inside the Ring” at the Midwest Stud Ram Show & Sale. We invite you to read our candid interview with Brent below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Inside the Ring.”
DO YOU HAVE A ROUTINE TO PREPARE YOU TO GET IN THE RING?
I try to just clear my head and make sure I am focused on the task. Every time I judge I am excited so I don’t need anything to help get me pumped.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE GROWING UP?
When I was really little I suppose a Major League Baseball Player, but then the crude reality set it that I was not a great athlete, so an Extension Agent became a more realistic goal.
IF YOU COULD BE ANY SUPERHERO WHO WOULD YOU BE?
Santa Clause. You may not think he is a Superhero, but I can not think of a greater one.
I am scared of heights, slow, don’t care to fight crime, have been shot at before and that really is not much fun so one of those other superhero’s does not sound like much fun to me!!
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT MOMENT WOULD IT BE?
I have had some pretty great moments up to this point in my life, and it is challenging to pick just one. Getting the chance to marry my best friend was one of those days that would be neat to go back.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Don’t sweat the small stuff that you can not change. The crazy stuff makes for some great memories!!
FAVORITE SONG ON ROAD TRIPS?
I am more of a Podcast type of person on road trips than a specific song.
DO YOU SMILE OR ARE YOU SERIOUS IN BACKDROPS?
Smile
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OR TV SHOW?
The Office and I have enjoyed Yellowstone.
We caught up with market lamb judge Brent Jennings before he steps “Inside the Ring” at the Illinois State Fair Open Show. Read what he had to say!
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND AND CURRENT INVOLVEMENT IN THE SHEEP INDUSTRY?
I started showing sheep when I was 5 years old and have been involved with the livestock industry in some facet ever since. I currently serve as an Extension Associate at NC State University and oversee all the state-wide youth livestock programs. I have two sons, Zade (8) and Carter (3) and both of them enjoy showing sheep and goats. My wife, Allison is the Eastern Regional Coordinator for North Carolina FFA. My family has a small set of around 40 black face ewes.
WHAT PERSON/PEOPLE INFLUENCED OR HELPED TO SHAPE YOUR VIEW ON WHAT THE IDEAL SHEEP SHOULD POSSESS?
There have been lots of people that have had a major impact on my views of livestock. I was extremely fortunate to have a great coach in Chris Mullinix who taught me to truly understandable the fundamentals of quality livestock. Specifically, in regards to sheep evaluation, I have several close friends who I like to have discussions in regards to what the great ones should look like. I also enjoy watching a listening to other judges and their view points.
WHERE DID YOU ATTEND COLLEGE AND WHAT AWARDS DID YOU ACHIEVE WHILE JUDGING IN COLLEGE?
I attended Butler County Community College, in El Dorado, Kansas. The team and I will be celebrating 20 years in 2020 since we won the American Royal and North American International Livestock Judging Contests. After that, I returned to NC State University and finished my collegiate career.
WHAT ARE YOUR INITIAL SORTS WHEN EVALUATING MARKET LAMBS?
Balance and Structure. I think that as soon as the lambs take the first few steps into the ring, I have an initial impression. Once I handle the lambs and take a closer inspection, my opinion may change but it is generally close to my first impressions.
WHAT’S THE BEST LAMB YOU HAVE EVER SEEN OR JUDGED?
I have been fortunate to see many excellent lambs over the years. I am able to remember the champion lambs at each of the State Fairs that I have judged and consider each one of them to be unique. However, the ewe that won the Oklahoma Youth Expo this past spring was elite.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING THE SHEEP INDUSTRY TODAY?
The commercial industry and the show lamb industry are two very different operations but both face issues. The hot topic for the show lamb industry is the dwarfism gene and genetic testing. Also, with the general public being more generations removed from the family farm we need to continue to keep the face of animal agriculture positive.
WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST PET PEEVE IN THE SHOWRING?
Poor attitude and/or slapping. There is nothing wrong with being disappointed when things don’t go as well as expected, but keep your head up and move forward. Lord willing, there will be another show and another judge. Slapping an animal can be perceived as abusive and is not the message we want to send to the public.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE PEOPLE NOTICE MOST ABOUT YOU?
Honesty and a genuine consideration for every youth. I love the livestock industry and everything about it. I grew up showing and working hard to be competitive. It is important to me that every child and animal gets a fair look.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD?
You do not get as big as I am by not liking food, so I love a wide variety of food. Coming from northeastern NC, fresh seafood such as shrimp, oysters, fish, and softshell crabs are hard to beat.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU ENJOY DOING THAT DOES NOT INVOLVE LIVESTOCK?
After they quizzed my three year old son in Sunday school on Father’s Day, it appears my favorite thing to do is mow grass. In actuality, it is spending time with my family.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE VACATION SPOT?
While my physique may not suggest it, I do enjoy going to the beaches of North Carolina. I was raised going to the Outer Banks (Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Manteo) while my wife’s family is from Morehead City and Emerald Isle. Maybe not for the sand or the sharks, but I like the fresh seafood and some of the best is available in local restaurants. Additionally, my wife and children love the beach so I am adapting and enjoying spending time with the family.
