We caught up with Steva Robinson before she steps “Inside the Ring” at the 2026 The Show Reno. Learn more about Steva below…
What is “nonnegotiable” for you when judging good livestock?
I’m a pretty big stickler on sheep have to balance from the side.
What is your favorite part about working with the next generation of young people?
I really enjoy working with kids that are ultra competitive, but also take your critiques in stride and are willing to learn.
Some kids are showing for the first time, others for the 100th time, but we all have stuff we need to work to improve on.
I have a real soft spot for the young ones that are just getting started – I fight that battle with my own little kids at home, so I know how much encouragement it takes to get them into the ring, so I try to make it a non-intimidating experience for them.
What is your best piece of advice for someone looking to pursue a judging career?
You don’t necessarily need to have a judging background. I judged meats in college, but I didn’t do the livestock judging team because I was still showing.
Instead, I immersed myself in the industry as a breeder, through my work career, and now as a parent as well. Over time people started asking if I’d be interested in judging some shows.
Study the sheep, learn how they feed, learn what traits you like (as well as dislike). Have conviction and place them how you like them.
Biggest showmanship pet peeve?
Halters & Bad Attitudes.
Even the best showmen have sheep that act up from time to time, so if it’s not going well, keep your cool, keep working – Showmanship is often about technique and fundamentals for me, so don’t panic if it’s not going well, just keep working hard, you’re not out of the mix just because one little thing goes awry.
Do you prefer to judge on the profile or on the walk?
Both! I think they are equally as important.
If judges had a walkup song, what would yours be?
Perhaps a little cliche, but “The Greatest Show” song couldn’t be more on-point.
Favorite show you have judged?
Southern Oregon Jr Classic
Go-to road trip snack?
Strawberry Sugar Wafers
What impression do you hope to leave on the crowd and exhibitors when you exit the ring after judging?
I think there’s a ton of give and take in the industry right now in terms of type and kind. I try to recognize that good sheep come in different shapes and sizes but still hold true to the traits I’m after.
I hope they feel that they got my honest opinion of their project but to a point where they aren’t left guessing what I saw, while also not feeling beat down about their animal.
There’s a ton of work that goes into breeding show lambs, exhibiting show lambs, and traveling to shows – so hopefully they can feel like they knew exactly what my thoughts were.
