We caught up with breeding ewe judge Mona Lisa Estes before she steps “Inside the Ring” at the 2022 Indiana State Fair. We invite you to read our candid interview with Mona Lisa 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?
My parents were the biggest reason I got started with sheep. They bought my brother and I our first lambs and then got us involved in 4-H. Billy Wade took me under his wing and taught me so much about health care, fitting and showing by letting me tag along all across the country.
WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO WHERE YOU CURRENTLY LIVE?
I grew up in Bothell Washington and then 12 years ago Greg Ahart introduced me to Ryan. Ryan lived in the Fresno area and so I moved down here when we got married. We bought the farm we currently live on in Sanger California the day before we got married.
WHAT IS A PET PEEVE OF YOURS IN THE RING?
Exhibitors shaking my hand while giving reasons and leaving the ring before I’m done giving reasons.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE ROAD TRIP SNACK?
Nerds candy, nacho cheese doritos and chocolate chips cookies
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 market lamb judge Mona Lisa Estes before she steps “Inside the Ring” at the Indiana State Fair. We invite you to read our candid interview with Mona Lisa 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?
It all started when I was 4 years old and my parents bought my brother and I a lamb a piece. From there we got involved in 4-H and it snowballed. I first started with frame sheep breeding Dorsets and Lincolns as well as fitting and showing sheep for people all over the country. When I met Ryan 10 years ago, it started my first hand involvement with the wether industry. Since then Ryan and I have grown our flock and I have been doing it every day since.
WHAT PERSON/PEOPLE INFLUENCED OR HELPED TO SHAPE YOUR VIEW ON WHAT THE IDEAL SHEEP SHOULD POSSESS?
here are so many people that have helped me in so many different ways though out the years look at and evaluate sheep. Having experience in many different aspects of the show sheep industry and involvement with many great people has helped shape my views on what an ideal sheep should posses. Also lambing out as many ewes as we do a year I think helps shape my view on ideal sheep and what actually works.
WHAT ARE YOUR INITIAL SORTS WHEN EVALUATING MARKET LAMBS?
To me the first thing that catches my eye is how well they can move. I like to watch lambs move around and I think that it a good indicator of initial quality. Muscle and some look are very important to me as well.
FOR AN AUGUST STATE FAIR, WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER AN ACCEPTABLE WEIGHT RANGE OR DOES IT MATTER THE SIZE IF ITS A GOOD ONE?
For me it really doesn’t matter on size as long as it’s a good one. I think sometimes they can be too small in August and just to immature but I think this time of year they can’t really be too big
WHAT DO YOU THINK THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING THE LAMB INDUSTRY TODAY?
Well this year has kinda throw a wrench in every aspect of life and the sheep industry. For the show lamb side of the industry I think we need to make sure we still have shows and opportunities out there for the youth to show in and socialize at. There really is not a show lamb industry without the youth. And with all that has happened this year this is so important going forward. SO many kids have lost the opportunity to showcase their projects and all of their hard work. We need to give them something to work towards and look forward too. As for the whole industry I think we need to continue and try and grow the commercial market and get more people wanting to eat lamb. If all different sectors of the industry could all get along and work together I think we could prove that positivity will accomplish more than any amount of negativity.
WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST PET PEEVE IN THE SHOW RING?
I have a few of them;
Belly wool especially when its not fit or blended.
Paint, it drives me nuts and draws my attention to what you are trying to hide.
Lots of clicking and kissing by the exhibitor, its not a horse show.
Loud slapping or hitting of the lamb. There are lots of people out there watching and it just bad animal husbandry to be doing that.
YOU’VE GOT ONE NIGHT TO GO ANYWHERE IN THE COUNTRY AND WATCH ONE BAND, WHERE IS IT AND WHO YOU WATCHING?
In all honesty I’m not a big concert type person. I would love to see George Strait again anywhere and I do want to see Wayne Newton in Las Vegas. I have no idea if it will be any good but its like a little piece of old Vegas that just isn’t there any more.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU ENJOY DOING THAT DOESN’T INVOLVE LIVESTOCK?
I really enjoy wine tasting, traveling, Disney parks, entertaining and good food with my husband, daughter and family. I also enjoy college football but nearly as much as Ryan.
