We caught up with judge Jeff Ripley before he steps “Inside the Ring” to sort the Market Lambs at the Houston Livestock Show. Learn more about Jeff below…
Did your high school self ever think this is what you would be doing in 2024?
Absolutely not! While I loved the livestock program growing up, my family just did not participate at the highest level back then. I have always enjoyed evaluating stock and knew that livestock would be a part of my life, but never did I imagine it would be this central to who I am what I do.
In your judging career, what is one thing that has stuck out to you?
Boiling it down to one thing is tough. I guess it is that the livestock have changed so much over the years, some for the good and some not. The main thing, though, is that the purpose of the project and the reason we do this has not changed – our young people are worth the time and effort we put into this and they continue to amaze me every time I step in the ring.
What’s your biggest pet peeve while judging?
I don’t particularly like to see kids so worked up trying to find their “coach” ringside. Keep your focus where it belongs, in the ring and on your lamb. When parents and others are putting so much pressure on these kids in the ring, it is generally counterproductive to effective showmanship.
What’s your opinion on kids who show with a halter?
I am there to evaluate the lambs, and not to judge showmanship at Houston. If a young, inexperienced exhibitor needs a halter to get the lamb to move and to keep him under control, I am OK with that.
Do you prefer to evaluate when sheep are in motion or stuck on profile?
Both are important. I will make some pulls as lambs come into the ring, and will walk and study them on the move. It is hard to hide structural issues when lambs are in motion, so that will always be a part of the process for me.
Tell us about your family!
I am beyond blessed to have a wife who is as passionate about this lifestyle as I am. Tina and I have four kids and have been married for almost 25 years. We have three daughters and one son, all of whom were actively engaged in showing lambs and goats growing up.
We have a daughter who is the competitive events manager at Rodeo Austin and has also given us our first grandchild, Tatum Rae who is 2.
Our son is a Senior at Oklahoma State and plans to enter this industry upon completion of a graduate degree.
And two daughters who live and work in the metroplex, one in financial services and one in nursing.
What’s your dream vacation?
Anyplace we go as a family is awesome. Ideally, Tina and I want to travel to Scotland and Ireland soon, and would like to go back to New Zealand at some point as well.
