We caught up with breeding sheep showmanship judge Terry Burks before he steps “Inside the Ring” at the Ohio State Fair. We invite you to read our candid interview with Terry below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Inside the Ring – Showmanship Edition.”
What is the hardest thing about judging showmanship?
I think one of the hardest aspects of judging showmanship is when a young person obviously is talented and has a natural ability to show stock but their animal just loses its mind in the ring and doesn’t allow the exhibitor to truly display their skills and proficiency.
When you showed – what showmanship tip or trick changed your game?
WAY back in the day when I showed that “light-bulb” moment for me was when I came to understand that showmanship was truly won at home and not at the show.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
I really have two things that I would say are issues for me when I sort showmanship competitions.
1) I want the head of the sheep presented in a natural position and at the same angle as the top line. I really dislike noses being too high and the ears on breeding sheep being flipped up.
2) I want the exhibitors to set feet. I’m not a fan of the “push-pull” method of setting feet. However, I do understand that sometimes the size of the sheep and the exhibitor make this a challenge.
What is the most impactful piece of advice you have received?
This advice goes far beyond just showing livestock: Treat everyone as you would like to be treated and always know that God is in control of everything!
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