We caught up with judge Sierra Nauman before she steps “Inside the Ring” to sort the Ewe Show at State Fair of Texas. Learn more about Sierra below…
What’s been your all time favorite sheep you have judged?
Of the sheep I’ve had the chance to evaluate, the ewe that won the wether dams at SFT last year is a favorite. She was the definition of genuine, wide, and muscular but she laid it on an organized skeleton that could still move awesome.
Who’s your biggest influence in evaluating livestock?
I primarily learned about livestock from my dad, and I would say he is still my biggest influence. Closely following is my husband, Austin, who never gets tired of debating stock with me. I’ve also had a stellar lineup of judging coaches and friends who have shaped me over the years.
What do you look for when evaluating?
I think people tend to judge one of two ways, either pulling on muscle and placing on structure, or pulling on structure and placing on muscle. Depending on the quality of the class, I prefer to make my first sort on muscle/width and place the top end on balance/build.
If down to the last few, what will be your sort?
When the top end all have plenty of power, at that point I’m primarily evaluating body shape, attractiveness, and how they move.
Do you prefer to evaluate when sheep are in motion or stuck on profile?
I love watching them in motion! Seeing how they collect themselves in their topline, watching their lower joints and seeing them track away is all very important to me.
Tell us about your family!
My husband, Austin, and I met while judging together at Blinn, and we’ve been discussing livestock ever since. We have 2 boys, Slaton and Stockton. This past year our oldest started showing for the time and now our little family officially has the stock show bug!
What’s one show you look forward to every year?
I look forward to almost all shows, but Houston has always been a special one to me. It was the first major I ever attended when my sister started showing, and I have loved it ever since. There is just something about those green chips!
In your mind, how has the industry changed in the show ring over the last 10 years?
We always chase trends, and the past 10 years have been no different. There have been changes in simple things like leg wool, and in the ways to feed and present them. I like to think that the show industry is ever evolving but the end product of high quality kids is consistent.
