We caught up with Ryan Rash before he steps “Inside the Ring” at the 2026 Kansas Junior Livestock Show. Learn more about Ryan below…
What is “nonnegotiable” for you when judging good livestock?
Structural Integrity and Soundness!
What is your favorite part about working with the next generation of young people?
Meeting and interacting kids all over the country keeps me inspired and motivated to keep doing what I am passionate about and to give back to an industry and a group of like minded people that have truly changed my life.
What is your best piece of advice for someone looking to pursue a judging career?
Judge the stock in the arena, not who is behind them or exhibiting them!
Biggest showmanship pet peeve?
Racing the sheep around the arena … it’s a show ring not a race track!
Shoving the sheep’s nose to the rafters… a sheep can not push or brace with its head and neck positioned like that and it breaks the entire silhouette of the animal.
Do you prefer to judge on the profile or on the walk?
With the way my mind works the large majority of the classes are sorted as soon as they walk in.
If judges had a walkup song, what would yours be?
My Way
Favorite show you have judged?
Arizona National
Go-to road trip snack?
Red Bull
What impression do you hope to leave on the crowd and exhibitors when you exit the ring after judging?
My goal is to give an honest sort of the stock and that my reasons are accurate and articulate and I try to be entertaining.
It is extremely important to me that every kid knows that they were “seen” , that I spoke to each kid and want them know they are far more than an exhibitor number to me and that I respect, appreciate and admire them.
