We caught up with Wayne Morse before he steps “Inside the Ring” at the 2026 Utah State Fair. Learn more about Wayne below…
What is “nonnegotiable” for you when judging good livestock?
Wide built, bold ribbed, stout, heavy muscled, genuine soundness and flexibility, lateness of maturity.
What is your favorite part about working with the next generation of young people?
Giving a fair, unbiased opinion while accurately describing what I see in their livestock projects. In hopes of inspiring them to love the industry and possibly judge livestock themselves.
What is your best piece of advice for someone looking to pursue a judging career?
Be true to yourself. Don’t let people influence or sway your decisions. Have a “kind” you like and be consistent sorting shows from last place all the way to champions. Be the kind of judge everyone can say they know what kind to haul to you.
Biggest showmanship pet peeve?
With sheep and goats alike, not getting them drove correctly. I like them to drive a little more aggressively than most cause that’s how I was taught and raised. The right stretch, head position and feet placement are keys to success.
Do you prefer to judge on the profile or on the walk?
Both but if I had to pick one I’d say the profile on general assessment, when it comes down to the close calls we are gonna walk them.
If judges had a walkup song, what would yours be?
White Horse by Chris Stapleton.
Favorite show you have judged?
I’ve judged bigger shows by numbers, however, for depth of quality on livestock and showmanship it would have to be the Utah Youth Expo sheep show.
Go-to road trip snack?
Big candy guy, so I’d have to say skittles or starburst.
What impression do you hope to leave on the crowd and exhibitors when you exit the ring after judging?
I want to be a judge that when I leave people will say, he gave every kid a fair chance, he has a particular kind of livestock that work to the front, and he was consistent and accurate on the microphone from start to finish.
