We caught up with judge Nathan Haws before he steps “Inside the Ring” to sort the Ewe Show at the Indiana State Fair. Learn more about Nathan below…
How do you stay up to date with changing trends without changing your judging style?
Being a club lamb breeder and a show dad I definitely have to keep up with all the modern show ring trends. In the last decade or so, as a breeder, we have been through quite a few of them. Today, there are so many good sheep in the US the gap has substantially narrowed between the best and all the rest. In my opinion trends arise for breeders and showman alike to separate themselves from the pack. As a judge it can be used as another sorting criteria but should never be an end all be all. At the end of the day, I still try to stick to my guns and pick livestock I like. We are hired as a judge to find the highest quality livestock, as we perceive them, and sort those animals to the top. Good livestock is good livestock and always will be.
What is your favorite trend in the show ring?
I don’t know if it is a “trend” or not, but in my estimation, sheep have to be able to move around the ring with ease. Livestock that are free and flexible with muscle should always be trendy.
What is one of the most memorable moments in your judging career?
One of the first big shows I judged they brought back the top 5 in each division for the champion drive. Lights were off, spotlight on, each kid was introduced into the ring with AC/DC jamming in the background. It was a cool deal! The next day my flight was later in the day, so I went back up to watch the Sunday Show. In between showmanship and the actual show, they had a Sunday School service for all the kids. All in all, a very net experience.
What piece of advice do you give showman in today’s world?
Work hard…..in the ring, in the classroom, in life!
Work hard!
Roller coaster or games?
Roller Coasters
Corn Dog or Roasted Corn?
Both!
