We caught up with judge Payton Dahmer before he steps “Inside the Ring” to sort the Prospect and Market Lamb Shows at the American Royal Spring Youth Livestock Show. Learn more about Payton below…
How do you ensure consistency in your judging decisions across different shows?
I’m pretty convicted in the kind of sheep I like and always strive to use that kind as consistently as I can. However, I think it all depends on the population you get to work with. Let’s face it, not every show has enough head for you to find your ideal in every single class, which results in some variation among your final drive. Sometimes that means you just have to find what is closest to ideal within each class, even if it looks a bit different from one class to another. At the end of the day, if all of my champion drive looks similar, I know it was a very good show.
What advice would you give to exhibitors to help them present their animals in the best possible way?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. There are so many talented people in our industry when it comes to daily care, showmanship, or show day fitting, and many of them are willing to lend a helping hand. Observe what the successful people do and ask questions.
What is your top-quality trait are you looking for when judging, and why?
Without question, skeletal quality. Now, they still need to have some power, but in my opinion today’s modern show sheep has plenty of muscle relative to industry standards. To me, the ones that run uphill, have a wide and shallow rib cage, and get softer back to their flank are the hardest to recreate. When they come prancing into the ring with arrogance, that’s even better!
What do you enjoy most about being a livestock judge?
While I love getting to sort through good livestock, the most enjoyable part for me is working with great kids. I remember being an exhibitor and idolizing the folks on the mic – so I make every effort to visit with as many kids as possible on show day and make it an enjoyable and educational experience for them.
If you could attend a livestock show anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Many years ago I had the chance to attend the Royal Highland livestock show in Scotland and it was an incredible experience. If I were to attend a show anywhere else in the world, I’d want to attend one of the big cattle or sheep shows in South America.
If you could judge any animal species that you haven’t had the chance to yet, what would it be and why?
I spend the majority of my time sorting in the sheep and goat rings, but really enjoy getting to work through pig shows too. Many folks don’t know it, but I actually started my show career in the pig ring, so judging some elite pig shows is definitely on my bucket list.
Growing up, did you show livestock? If so what species?
I showed multiple species growing up, but started out in the pig ring because of my mom’s background. It wasn’t until I was about 13 that I finally convinced my parents to let me get some sheep and I took off with it from there.
