We caught up with breeding ewe judge Justin Benz before he steps “Inside the Ring” at the Minnesota Youth Livestock Expo. We invite you to read our candid interview with Justin 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?
I was born into it. My family has raised Rambouillet sheep for 50 years. My mom grew up in a seedstock Angus operation. When I was born, I was gifted a Southdown ewe lamb by Larry and Deb Mrozinski.
WHAT IS A DREAM YOU HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO ACCOMPLISH?
My dreams seem to continuously shift, right now it’s mostly trying to be happy.
WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO WHERE YOU CURRENTLY LIVE?
I currently reside in Wamego, KS. I’m here essentially because my sister is a professor at K-state. My parents moved here to be close to grandkids and I moved to be close to family.
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT MOMENT WOULD IT BE?
The Craig Corriedale ewe that was supreme at Louisville is pretty high on my list.
WHAT IS A PET PEEVE OF YOURS IN THE RING?
Once we’re a couple classes into the show, please understand how I’m working the ring.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE ROAD TRIP SNACK?
Mountain Dew and Beef Jerky
SHOWING BY WEIGHTS OR BY BREEDS?
Breeds
STATE FAIRS OR NATIONAL SHOWS?
National Shows
EVALUATING STOCK ON THE MOVE OR ON THE PROFILE?
On the Move
We caught up with breeding ewe showmanship judge, Justin Benz before he steps “Inside the Ring” at the Minnesota Youth Livestock Expo. We invite you to read our candid interview with Justin below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Inside the Ring – Showmanship Edition.”
WHO GOT YOU INVOLVED IN THE LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY AND HOW?
I was born into it. My family has raised Rambouillet sheep for 50 years. My mom grew up on a seedstock Angus operation. When I was born Larry and Deb Mrozinski gifted me a Southdown ewe lamb.
WHAT IS A PET PEEVE YOU HAVE IN SHOWMANSHIP?
Often the focus of some kids is on someone outside of the ring giving the hand signals instead of being inside the ring.
ARE YOU A FIRST IMPRESSION JUDGE?
First impression and consistency are most important to me.
FAVORITE TYPE OF FOOD?
Steak, crab legs
DREAM VACATION?
There’s lots of options. I would like to see all the history in Europe. I would also like to go in a cabin in the mountains where I don’t see anyone else.
COLLEGE OR PROFESSIONAL SPORTS?
College
FAVORITE SHOW YOU HAVE JUDGED?
The green chips are always special.
