We caught up with judge Caleb Boardman before he steps “Inside the Ring” at the Nebraska State Fair 4-H Show. Learn more about Caleb below…
What’s been your all time favorite sheep you have judged?
Champion at Tulsa in 2021
Who’s your biggest influence in evaluating livestock?
My college coaches – Jake Franke, Cody Sloan, Jake Thorne, Brian Anderson and Cary Crow along with my dad were all big influences early.
What do you look for when evaluating?
Good skeletoned Livestock that prop up neat from the side. Have to have muscle and handle good, don’t like fat sheep.
If down to the last few, what will be your sort?
Which one I think is most unique and just hits me the hardest from the first time I see them.
Do you prefer to evaluate when sheep are in motion or stuck on profile?
They better be good at both, but always enjoy seeing livestock move.
Tell us about your family!
My wife Kylie is a mental health counselor and we have 3 children – Cash (5), Tatum (3) and Tinsley (3).
What’s one show you look forward to every year?
I look forward to all the national shows and Texas majors every year. Each one is unique in its own way.
In your mind, how has the industry changed in the show ring over the last 10 years?
The industry continues to fine tune exercise programs and feeding abilities to where it’s such minute differences on the top end. The hope is we continue to push the envelope and keep making them better!
