We caught up with the Texas Stars Wether Doe Show Judge, Patrick Padgett, to ask him a few questions before he steps “INSIDE THE RING”!
How did you get started in the livestock industry?
I grew up on a diversified crop and livestock farm. I raised and showed hogs and lambs throughout my 4-H and FFA career and that set a great foundation. After I graduated high school, I can think back and point to three things that really sparked my interest in the livestock show industry. The first was getting the opportunity to judge livestock in college. The second was an internship with McGolden Club Lambs in the late 90’s and the third was becoming an ag teacher in Texas in the early 2000’s right when goat showing was starting to really take off. Of course my father was my greatest influence by sharing his love for agriculture with me. Something I am trying to do with my students and my children everyday.
Tell us about your career.
I started judging shows while I was in junior college and I have really enjoyed getting the chance to work with kids and sorting good livestock ever since. I have been an agricultural science teacher for over twenty years and I have had the opportunity to judge many local and county shows and I enjoy working with those shows as much as I do the larger shows.
What is your all-time favorite show?
My all time favorite show when I showed was the North American Livestock Exposition. It was the big one for me, but now as an ag teacher in Texas my favorite show is a toss up between the San Antonio Livestock Show and the Houston Livestock Show. It seems that the best animals always end up in San Antonio every year, but the facilities at Houston are the best in the country.
What is your biggest show ring pet peeve?
I think my biggest pet peeve is when showmen push out of line to cover up the animals in front and behind them. I’ll add another as one that puts our industry in a bad light. That is the use of excessive force in the ring. We all certainly know you have to handle animals correctly and attitude adjustments at times are necessary, but never in the show ring. We never know who is watching or videoing and how they will interpret what we are doing with these animals.
What’s the best goat you’ve ever seen?
There are too many to pick just one. I’ll always lean towards those unique goats that put balance, structural correctness and muscle together in one package.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
I wanted to continue my family farm. That didn’t work out, but I think I have the best alternative career as an ag teacher and it doesn’t have to rain to get a paycheck.
It’s Karaoke Night… What song are you singing?
I will not be singing one on stage, but I’ll sure sing along to just about anything from my seat.
What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
I would say whitewater rafting would be the most daring thing I’ve ever done. I’m not a huge fan of water and not a particularly strong swimmer, but it was a lot of fun and I lived to tell about it.
FAVORITES
Favorite Quote:
The one I use a lot with my sons when we are working animals and with my ag students when we are preparing for contests is, “Expect good things to happen and they will, expect bad things to happen and they will!”
Favorite Vacation Spot:
Costa Rica
Favorite Sports Team:
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Favorite Singer/Band:
Pat Green
Favorite TV Show/Channel:
Yellowstone
