We caught up with Missouri State Fair Market Goat Judge, Barrett Carlisle, to ask him a few questions before he steps “INSIDE THE RING”!
What’s been your all time favorite goat you have judged?
I try not to be too “prisoner of the moment”, but the goat I got to use last March at Rodeo Austin is my favorite. He stuck out like a sore thumb to me that day, and was presented absolutely on the money.
What’s your biggest pet peeve while judging?
Showman with bad attitudes and bad presentation! Especially goats with too much glue, or ones that leave behind a trail of twine in their wake as they move around the ring.
Who’s your biggest influence in evaluating livestock?
Having judging coaches that are legendary, like Chris Mullinix and Dr. Scott Schaake, helped shape my formative years of breaking down livestock and emphasizing skeletal quality. As far as somebody I have always admired watching while they were in the sheep ring, Kyle Smithwick would have to be high on the list.
Do you prefer to evaluate when goats are in motion or stuck on profile?
Definitely in motion! Especially when the showmanship is on point.
Tell us about your family!
My wife Jara is smarter than all of us and the best hand in the lambing barn you’ll ever find. And a hand with some sheep shears.
My parents couldn’t be more supportive of all of us if we wanted them to be. There is no question who our biggest cheerleaders are.
Cooper and Jenna are taking on more responsibilities with Diamond C and it has been a big help!
In your mind, how has the industry changed in the show ring over the last 10 years?
The top end is more elite than it has ever been! And without a doubt, more expensive! There may be less total participants than before, but there are more people on their A game that can get it done!
What’s your occupation?
I am a Territory Business Manager for Zoetis, where I call on veterinarians and cattle producers in northeast Kansas.
We caught up with San Antonio Junior Boer Goat Judge, Barrett Carlisle, to ask him a few questions before he steps “INSIDE THE RING”!
How did you get started in the livestock industry?
I am sure my experience is like a lot of people’s who end up in this “industry”. I was very fortunate to have parents that felt it was important that I grow up learning the responsibilities and life skills that showing livestock teaches young people. I started out with a couple of show sheep that were not particularly good but taught me the passion and dedication that the project requires. From there, two show sheep turned into 100s of show sheep, plus a handful of show goats every year, and then we acquired a group of 10 ewe lambs to breed for a record book project. We still raise show sheep as a family, and all the skills I learned along the way have allowed me to be successful at my career within the greater livestock industry as a pharmaceutical rep.
Tell us about your career.
I am currently a Territory Business Manager for Zoetis within the cattle division. I spend my time calling on veterinarians, as well as backgrounder, feedlot, and cow/calf producers.
What is your all-time favorite show?
It is hard to narrow that down to just one. I do not get to attend very often because it falls during heavy lambing season, but I enjoy Denver/the National Western a lot. You can find some of the best market and breeding livestock of all species there within a short period of time.
What is your biggest show ring pet peeve?
Overly fit on livestock and exhibitors with bad attitudes. Mainly the second one.
What’s the best goat you’ve ever seen?
Perhaps the best lineup I have ever seen might have been at the American Royal this last year. The best one I have ever used is probably the goat of Cooper Bounds’ that I selected as Grand at NAILE. I had never seen a big goat that fresh handling and youthful in his build.
A FEW FUN QUESTIONS
What did you want to be when you were younger?
I will still just about pullover my vehicle to watch a crop duster in action. I think it would be cool to pilot one of those things.
It’s Karaoke Night… What song are you singing?
The odds of me landing on the moon are higher than me landing on a karaoke stage…
What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
When you are 18 years old, moving 8 hours away from home, and everything that was ever comfortable to you, seems fairly daring at the time.
FAVORITES
Favorite Quote:
“That’s the way she goes…the way she goes”- Unknown
Favorite Vacation Spot:
Anywhere without large crowds and too much humidity.
Favorite Singer/Band:
Probably George Strait
Favorite Sports Team:
I love sports, but I am not overly invested in one particular team… seems to save me the anguish most people endure with “their” teams of choice.
Favorite TV Show/Channel:
Channel- ESPN. Show- I didn’t know they made any shows other than The Office.
