We caught up with associate judge Connor Brew before he steps “Inside the Ring” at the American Royal. We invite you to read our candid interview with Connor below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Inside the Ring.”
WHAT IS ONE QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY?
“The pain you feel today, is the strength you will feel tomorrow”
IF YOU COULD JUDGE ANY SHOW IN THE COUNTRY, WHAT SHOW WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
I have always loved the National Western and hope to one day get the opportunity to sort sheep there!
BEFORE YOU GET READY TO JUDGE, DO YOU HAVE A ROUTINE THAT YOU LIKE TO FOLLOW?
A large cup of coffee is a necessity before a show, as well as some good music on the drive there.
DO YOU KNOW YOUR CHAMPION WHEN YOU SEE IT?
It certainly depends on the show, but I do believe great show sheep have a glow about them the moment they step in the ring!
WHAT IS YOUR DAILY OCCUPATION/DAILY ROUTINE LIKE?
Recently starting a new career as a Collegiate Livestock Judging Coach, my routine has been a touch different. Most days are spent practicing, looking at stock, and talking reasons with the team. When we aren’t practicing, I have been enjoying spending time on the golf course.
LONG GRAND DRIVE SPEECHES VS A FEW WORDS
Short & Sweet
MUSIC ON DURING THE SHOW OR SILENCE?
Turn it up!
JUDGING ON DIRT VS WOODCHIPS
Dirt
We caught up with breeding ewe judge Connor Brew before he steps “Inside the Ring” at the Missouri State Fair. We invite you to read our candid interview with Connor below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Inside the Ring.”
WHO GOT YOU INVOLVED IN THE LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY AND HOW?
My introduction to the livestock industry was a touch different than most involved. I began showing pigs very early on just as a county fair project, but my interest quickly sparked as I reached high school. My best friend, Ethan Bontrager, as well as my high school Agriculture teacher, Kraig Bowers, started hauling me with them to jackpot shows and National Southdown shows. I was there for another set of helping hands, but the showing and judging immediately became my passion.
WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO WHERE YOU CURRENTLY LIVE?
I’m originally from Elkhart, Indiana, however I currently reside in Lubbock, Texas. I ventured to Texas after high school to attend South Plains College as a member of the Livestock Judging Team. I recently completed my Bachelors in Animal Science from Texas Tech University, and I have accepted a new coaching position back at SPC.
WHAT IS A PET PEEVE OF YOURS IN THE RING?
I normally am very laid back while in the ring, so not much bothers me. Recently though, I think on the sheep we have gotten a touch carried away with hitting the sheep on their sides constantly the whole time they are walking.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE ROAD TRIP SNACK?
Can never go wrong with a large coffee and a bag of peppered beef jerky!
SHOWING BY WEIGHTS OR BY BREEDS?
Breeds
STATE FAIRS OR NATIONAL SHOWS?
State Fairs
EVALUATING STOCK ON THE MOVE OR ON THE PROFILE?
On the Move
We caught up with market lamb judge Connor Brew before he steps “Inside the Ring” at New Year’s National. We invite you to read our candid interview with Connor below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Inside the Ring.”
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY?
Although my path was a little different than most, I was fortunate to have multiple family members that helped me show a few pigs growing up, even though it was nothing more than a 4-H project. My freshman year of high school, I took an introduction to agriculture class with Kraig Bowers and he really sparked my interest in judging and showing small ruminants. It’s been a crazy ride since then, but I am fortunate for the great people I’ve meet in this industry that have taken me under their wing and helped me along the way.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER.
I attended South Plains College in Levelland, Texas where I was lucky to be a member of the Junior Collegiate Team of the Year. I am currently finishing my Bachelors in Animal Science at Texas Tech where I just completed judging. Along with this, I will be helping as the assistant judging coach at SPC this spring.
WHAT IS YOUR ALL-TIME FAVORITE SHOW?
It’s hard for me to choose now that I have gotten to experience the Texas majors, but I would say Denver is still my favorite show.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SHOW RING PET PEEVE?
I am pretty relaxed on a lot of things, but what really makes a show enjoyable for me is seeing showman show respect to each other.
IT’S KARAOKE NIGHT… WHAT SONG ARE YOU SINGING?
I haven’t got the chance to bust it out yet, but definitely Play That Funky Music!
WHAT’S THE MOST DARING THING YOU’VE EVER DONE?
I’m fairly boring now a days, but when I was younger, my cousins and I built a bicycle jump and I was the test dummy to jump it first. I landed short and crashed the first time and hurt my wrist, but decided to jump it again with the same result. After a few days of trying to go to baseball practice, we learned that I had broke my hand and wrist.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?
“The pain you feel today is the strength you will feel tomorrow.”
FAVORITE VACATION SPOT
Ireland
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM
The Average Joe’s
FAVORITE SINGER
Cody Jinks
FAVORITE TV SHOW/CHANNEL
Prison Break
