We caught up with junior sheep judge Logan Newsom before he steps “Inside the Ring” at the California State Fair. We invite you to read our candid interview with Logan 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 fortunate to grow up in a progressive club lamb operation that raised blackface sheep for wether production as well as seed stock to breeders around the county. Currently, we run 350 blackface club lamb ewes and 150 Rambouillet ewes in the Texas Panhandle. I have been blessed with a group of mentors around me growing up that helped me learn to evaluate Livestock. My dad laid the foundation and helped me understand how to actually sort though an entire pasture of sheep in order to come up with the best ones to evaluate. My Grandad tought me to read structure in show pigs and that’s stuck with me in every sheep purchase I’ve ever made. Finally, having an opportunity growing up to listen to late night sheep discussions with customers helped to shape my opinion of high quality club lambs and how we can continually make them better.
WHAT IS A PET PEEVE OF YOURS IN THE RING?
We all know that everyone is trying to win and I like someone that has an extra shot of competitiveness as much as anyone. At the same time, be courteous to those around you and appreciative of the ring help who more than likely is volunteering their time.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE ROAD TRIP SNACK?
Sunflower Seeds
SHOWING BY WEIGHTS OR BY BREEDS?
Weights
STATE FAIRS OR NATIONAL SHOWS?
National Shows
EVALUATING STOCK ON THE MOVE OR ON THE PROFILE?
On the Move
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND AND CURRENT INVOLVEMENT IN THE SHEEP INDUSTRY?
I was fortunate to grow up in a progressive club lamb operation that raised blackface sheep for wether production as well as seed stock to breeders around the county. Currently, we run 350 blackface club lamb ewes and 150 Rambouillet ewes in the Texas Panhandle.
WHAT PERSON/PEOPLE INFLUENCED OR HELPED TO SHAPE YOUR VIEW ON WHAT AN IDEAL SHOW LAMB SHOULD POSSESS?
I feel fortunate to have been blessed with a group of mentors around me growing up that helped me learn to evaluate Livestock. My dad laid the foundation and helped me understand how to actually sort though an entire pasture of sheep in order to come up with the best ones to evaluate. My Grandad tought me to read structure in show pigs and that’s stuck with me in every sheep purchase I’ve ever made. Finally, having an opportunity growing up to listen to late night sheep discussions with customers helped to shape my opinion of high quality club lambs and how we can continually make them better.
WHAT ARE YOUR INITIAL SORTS WHEN EVALUATING MARKET LAMBS?
I am a first impression person I believe that you can read Livestock on the move as well as you can in any setting, no matter the specie. I like sheep that are athletic and shapely when they hit the ring. I’ve looked at more livestock loose and by myself more then I ever have with someone catching them to show off so I’m comfortable seeing them in their natural state. I believe handling quality and composition are important factors but once I have deemed them acceptable then I’m probably not going to pet on your project many more times.
FOR AN AUGUST STATE FAIR, WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER AN ACCEPTABLE WEIGHT RANGE OR DOES IT MATTER THE SIZE IF ITS A GOOD ONE?
I have always believed that midwest state fair exhibitors have felt with similar issues as we do at southwestern spring shows, just on different sides of the spectrum. Early shows are trying to push them to get sheep mature enough to be competitive while we have to manage projects in order to maintain weights, condition, freshness, etc. The point being, high quality show stock comes in different packages and I don’t like to set parameters before I ever step into the ring.
WHAT’S THE BEST MARKET LAMB YOU HAVE EVER SEEN?
I have been to a lot of shows over the years so I don’t think I could begin to justify one over the other and come up with a clear cut favorite. A few that stand out though would be Matt Cramblett’s wether that barnstormed the country in the late 90s and won Houston, Walker’s Grand at San Antonio, or Hargrove’s Grand at Ft. Worth. There have been a lot of high quality ones that took home banners over the years, those are just a few that stand out.
IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO PICK A SHOW YOU WOULD LOVE TO JUDGE, WHAT SHOW WOULD THAT BE?
I am humbled and appreciative anytime a show calls and asks me to evaluate the livestock and work with the youth. However, I don’t aspire to judge from coast to coast as some do. We are trying to become one of the breeders that have high quality ones at those shows.
YOU’VE GOT ONE NIGHT TO GO ANYWHERE IN THE COUNTRY AND WATCH ONE BAND, WHERE IS IT AND WHO YOU WATCHING?
If you have been around me much you know I have quite a variety in my music selection, from Christian rock to red dirt county to 90s grunge bands…however, if you are only going to give me one night to see anyone – easy…Kid Rock.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SHOW RING PET PEEVE?
We all know that everyone is trying to win and I like someone that has an extra shot of competitiveness as much as anyone. At the same time, be courteous to those around you and appreciative of the ring help who more than likely is volunteering their time.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU ENJOY DOING THAT DOESN’T INVOLVE LIVESTOCK?
My family can frequently be found floating the river in New Braunfels, Texas.
