We caught up with Exposition for the Youth of Oklahoma Junior Breeding & Market Goat Judge, Brent Jennings, to ask him a few questions before he steps “INSIDE THE RING”!
What’s been your all time favorite goat you have judged?
The champion wether at San Antonio in 2022 was one that left a lasting impression.
What’s your biggest pet peeve while judging?
Bad attitudes. Just remember you can do 99 things right, but make 1 mistake and everyone will remember that.
Who’s your biggest influence in evaluating livestock?
Several close friends that have helped to mold my opinion of what quality livestock look like over the years.
Do you prefer to evaluate when goats are in motion or stuck on profile?
I love to watch good livestock in motion.
Tell us about your family!
My wife Allison and I have been married for almost 17 years. She currently works for NC FFA as a regional coordinator. We have 2 sons Zade who is 12 and Carter who is 7. Zade is my responsible well mannered child, who will talk your ear off about anything. Carter….. well let’s just say he has a strong dose of the youngest child syndrome. Both boys enjoy showing sheep and goats. We also spend a tremendous amount of time at sporting events. Both boys really enjoy playing baseball.
In your mind, how has the industry changed in the show ring over the last 10 years?
The livestock just keep getting better!
What’s your occupation?
I am Extension Associate at North Carolina State University and coordinate the Youth Livestock Program.
We caught up with NAILE Market Goat Judge, Brent Jennings, to ask him a few questions before he steps “INSIDE THE RING”!
Who has had the biggest impact on your judging career?
There have been lots of people that have had a major impact on my views of livestock. I was extremely fortunate to have a great coach in Chris Mullinix who taught me to truly understandable the fundamentals of quality livestock. Specifically, in regards to goat evaluation, I have several close friends who I like to have discussions in regards to what the great ones should look like. I also enjoy watching a listening to other judges and their view points.
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Blessed!
Do you like to fly or drive to shows – and why?
Drive, but living in NC this is not always a realistic option. Several reasons I prefer to drive. 1 Who in their right mind ever said airports were fun. 2 Planes are not made for someone over 6 ft tall. 3 I am claustrophobic.
Tell us about your family!
My wife Allison is a NC FFA regional coordinator. She spent twelve years teaching high school ag before this venture. We have 2 boys, Zade who is 11 and Carter who is 6. I think every family’s kids are different and my boys are no exception to the rule. Both of them enjoy showing sheep, goats, and pigs. Additionally, both really enjoy playing baseball. Zade is the detail oriented, competitive, and focused one that tries extremely hard to excel in everything that he does. Carter is the let’s have a good time and heck with everything else. I am fairly certain the good lord is going to pay me back for some things I did in my younger years through Carter.
What job do you currently have/what do your daily duties include?
Serve as Extension Associate, 4-H Youth Livestock Specialist at NC State University. Work with agents, ag teachers, volunteer leaders, and youth who have a strong desire for the livestock program. I coordinate state-wide events such as livestock judging, skillathon, quiz bowl, leadership institutes, shows, etc… My wife was an Ag Teacher for 12 years, and now serves as the Eastern Region Coordinator for NC FFA. We spend a tremendous amount of our lives supporting the programs that have given so much to us. Additionally, my family has a small flock of crossbred ewes and my youngest son has a couple of does.
What is your biggest fear?
There is always a fear of what my youngest son might say or do at any point in time, especially telling his jokes.
Ultimately, I want to make certain I am raising good kids that will be good people. Just like every parent I want my kids to be happy and successful at life!
THIS OR THAT
Breeding Does vs Wether Dams
Wether Dams
Evaluating on the move or on the profile?
On the Move
We caught up with 2022 San Antonio Stock Show Market Judge, Brent Jennings, to ask him a few questions before he steps “INSIDE THE RING”!
What is your occupation?
Serve as Extension Associate, 4-H Youth Livestock Specialist at NC State University. Work with agents, ag teachers, volunteer leaders, and youth who have a strong desire for the livestock program. I coordinate state-wide events such as livestock judging, skillathon, quiz bowl, leadership institutes, shows, etc… My wife was an Ag Teacher for 12 years, and now serves as the Eastern Region Coordinator for NC FFA. We spend a tremendous amount of our lives supporting the programs that have given so much to us. Additionally, my family has a small flock of crossbred ewes and my youngest son has a couple of does.
How did you get started in the livestock industry?
Like many others, I am a product of the 4-H and FFA program. My mom was a high school science teacher and had a student that showed livestock and got me a lamb when I was in kindergarten. The rest was history, my family and I have not looked back and have been active in the Livestock Industry ever since.
What is your favorite show you’ve ever judged?
I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to judge livestock shows, and with that many of the smaller county shows have had as much of an impact on me as the larger ones. However, I will admit when you get to those larger shows and have a class of 4 or 5 truly special ones that leaves a lasting impact.
What is your favorite thing about livestock judging?
The opportunity to give back. While understanding that these youth have put in countless hours to get to the show so giving everyone a fair look is extremely important. Finding the ones that are the most unique to me.
What is your initial sort when evaluating market goats?
I am big on first impressions, so skeletal quality and balance rank pretty high. Then the ones that have the extra body shape and muscle get along really well. Some might say you are looking for a Unicorn, but I think Norman Kohls put it best when describing a Polar Bear.
What person/people influenced or helped to shape your view on what an ideal goat should possess?
There have been lots of people that have had a major impact on my views of livestock. I was extremely fortunate to have a great coach in Chris Mullinix who taught me to truly understandable the fundamentals of quality livestock. Specifically, in regards to goat evaluation, I have several close friends who I like to have discussions in regards to what the great ones should look like. I also enjoy watching a listening to other judges and their view points.
A FEW FUN QUESTIONS
Favorite Food/Restaurant:
This one is easy, Mike Anderson’s in Gonzales LA.
I would judge a hamster show in Louisiana just for the food.
Bucket List Place to Travel:
Anywhere with my Family!
What is one thing people might not know about you?
I am terrified of Elevators!! My family and I got stuck on one when I was a little child and that has never left me. I would rather walk up 20 flights of stairs than go up an elevator.
We caught up with San Angelo Stock Show Market Judge, Brent Jennings, to ask him a few questions before he steps “INSIDE THE RING”!
How did you get started in the livestock industry?
Like many others, I am a product of the 4-H and FFA program. My mom was a high school science teacher and had a student that showed livestock and got me a lamb when I was in kindergarten. The rest was history, my family and I have not looked back and have been active in the Livestock Industry ever since.
Tell us about your career.
Serve as Extension Associate, 4-H Youth Livestock Specialist at NC State University. Work with agents, ag teachers, volunteer leaders, and youth who have a strong desire for the livestock program. I coordinate state-wide events such as livestock judging, skillathon, quiz bowl, leadership institutes, shows, etc… My wife was an Ag Teacher for 12 years, and now serves as the Eastern Region Coordinator for NC FFA. We spend a tremendous amount of our lives supporting the programs that have given so much to us. Additionally, my family has a small flock of crossbred ewes.
What is your all-time favorite show?
North Carolina State Fair, as crazy as that sounds to many I have so many fond memories as a child participating. It is even more special watching my boys participate now.
What is your biggest show ring pet peeve?
No question, everyone wants to win I get it, but being ungrateful or disrespectful can be challenging to watch. Don’t forget we are ultimately making the next generation of advocates for the livestock industry and everyone is watching.
What’s the best goat you’ve ever seen?
That is a hard one, I have seen several that I thought were very unique over the years. As a judge the one I used to win Indiana State Fair a few years back hit me awfully hard.
A FEW FUN QUESTIONS
What did you want to be when you were younger?
From the beginning I wanted to be a County Agent.
It’s Karaoke Night… What song are you singing?
Once many years ago at a college function, I believe I sang A Country Boy Can Survive by Hank Williams Jr. For Christmas my brother gave my boys a karaoke machine. I use to think we were friends.
What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
Growing up in Eastern North Carolina, I thoroughly enjoyed hunting and in particular raccoon hunting. I am not sure if you would call it being young, being tough, being daring, or just being ignorant but I did a few things I am just happy to have lived through. Not sure I could keep up with Jerry Clower but I do have a few good stories for another time.
FAVORITES
Favorite Quote:
“Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.” Jim Valvano
“I follow three rules: Do the right thing, do the best you can, and always show people you care.” Lou Holtz
Favorite Vacation Spot:
Anywhere with my Family!
Favorite Sports Team:
NC State University. Go Wolfpack!
Favorite TV Show/Channel:
Young Sheldon or The Big Bang Theory
