We caught up with Mr. Donnie Begalka before he steps “Inside the Ring” to sort the Commercial Ewe Show at the 2026 NAILE. Get to know Donnie below!
What is something you think separates a good judge from a great judge?
Give an honest evaluation, describe each animal and be consistent in the kind you pick
What is the most rewarding part of stepping into the ring?
Getting asked to judge a show of any size is a great honor. Being a lifelong breeder who stays home making day to day decisions on a breeding program, being able to evaluate the extremely high quality of animals that walk in the ring in Louisville is a huge honor
What is one lesson from judging that you hope young people carry with them outside of the show ring?
Win or lose, try to learn from each of them. And know your hours everyday working on your project will be rewarded in some way
When you travel to judge a show, how many outfits do you take?
I always let Stacy pack for me!
Go-to meal after a long day in the ring?
Can’t beat a bacon cheeseburger anytime of the day
What do you hope exhibitors remember about your evaluation after the show?
That every sheep got an honest evaluation, they were described correctly and placed for the positive traits that I look for
