We caught up with market lamb judge Jason Simpson before he steps “Inside the Ring” at the Indiana State Fair. We invite you to read our candid interview with Jason below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Inside the Ring.”
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND AND CURRENT INVOLVEMENT IN THE SHEEP INDUSTRY?
I was born and raised in Aul,t Colorado where I currently live with my wife, Marinda and son, Cade. We currently run 200 head of Hampshire based club lamb ewes and another 150 recips on top of that. We also farrow 40 sows that are in production to raise show pigs as well. We have exhibited livestock at most of the major livestock shows across the country and feel there is not a better program to raise your kids in than the 4-H and FFA program.
WHAT PERSON/PEOPLE INFLUENCED OR HELPED TO SHAPE YOUR VIEW ON WHAT THE IDEAL SHEEP SHOULD POSSESS?
There have been a lot of people who have been of great influence to me in the livestock world, but if I had to pick one I would say Dr. Clay Elliott has taught me a tremendous amount about the sheep industry from evaluating lambs to lining up genetics in a breeding program as well.
WHERE DID YOU ATTEND COLLEGE & DID YOU JUDGE?
I attended Colorado State University and graduated with a degree in Animal Science. I did not judge in college as I was actively involved in our club lamb operation and did not feel I could commit the amount of time needed to be successful in the judging program at that time.
WHAT ARE YOUR INITIAL SORTS WHEN EVALUATING MARKET LAMBS?
When evaluating lambs or really any species of livestock if feel skeletal build is very important. I like to evaluate the lambs a lot on the move, feet and legs need to be square on the corners and your lamb must hold himself together on the move. You will here me talk about rib shape a lot in any species. If you don’t have that right turn to your rib I feel it is hard to get enough true muscle in your sheep. Then we must remember that this is a market show and we must have some muscle and power in these things. You will probably here the word “athlete” a lot as I feel our end product of our lambs should look like a fine tuned athlete.
WHAT’S THE BEST LAMB YOU HAVE EVER SEEN OR JUDGED?
One of the best lambs I remember from several years back was the Johnson wether Jerrod Whitcomb wins the American Royal with. That one won that day with a 10 point cut. In more recent times I thought the Straka lamb that wins Denver this past spring was an absolute beast.
WHAT DO YOU THINK THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING THE LAMB INDUSTRY TODAY?
Probably the biggest issue that I see is keeping these projects affordable for the families that are showing. Our inputs as breeders have continued to grow with the AI and embryo programs that are being implemented. Hopefully these costs can be corralled so we can continue to keep the numbers of exhibitors on the rise in the sheep industry.
WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST PET PEEVE IN THE SHOW RING?
My biggest pet peeve would be kids who are out there showing just going thru the motions. When you come in that gate it is go time and you better be dialed in ready to go and win this thing. Nothing worse than a really good lamb with a kid that is not giving there all.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE PEOPLE NOTICE MOST ABOUT YOU?
I hope at the end of the day people can say they got an honest and accurate evaluation of there animal regardless of where they place. I feel if a judge can do that the rest is just personal preference on their day to line up the placings.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD?
Nothing better than a high quality steak and baked potato. I am out on all that other fancy kind of stuff.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU ENJOY DOING THAT DOES NOT INVOLVE LIVESTOCK?
If we are not at a livestock show you will most likely find us at a college football or basketball game. We have really enjoyed traveling to watch Colorado State play at some of the top venues in the country. Hopefully we can start to become more competitive in these games.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE VACATION SPOT?
Definitely the Bahamas. One of the most laid back and relaxing places I have ever been.
