We caught up with Iowa State Fair FFA Goat Judge, Josh Taylor, to ask him a few questions before he steps “INSIDE THE RING”!
Who got you involved in the industry and how?
I was introduced to the boer goat at the Ft. Worth stock show in 2000. I found them intrigueing and thought it would be a good starting point for my son to start showing livestock. We purchased our first goats in 2005 and have since maintained a herd of registered and wether bred genetics.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in west central Illinois in the town of Rushville. It is a smaller farming community with a lot of livestock influences.
Did you show livestock growing up? If so, what species?
I started showing Hereford cattle at a young age. My family raised Herefords and they became my first love. I began working in the Hereford breed throughout college and have continued to work in the purebred cattle industry my entire life.
Do you have a favorite animal that you have ever judged? if so, what was it?
The market goats that I used to win the American Royal in 2014 and San Antonio Livestock show in 2018 were two of my favorites. On the cattle side, the Grand Champion Polled Hereford heifer at the 2021 Junior National was my most recent favorite.
THIS OR THAT
Judging with Music on vs Judging in Silence
Music
Judging Does or Judging Wethers
Wethers
Judging State Fairs or Judging National Shows
State Fairs
