We caught up with Arkansas State Fair Doe Judge, Payton Dahmer, to ask him a few questions before he steps “INSIDE THE RING”!
Who got you involved in the industry and how?
My parents both grew up showing and got me started at a young age. There have been countless other people along the way who have taught me a lot about the industry though.
Where did you grow up?
I was raised on a small farm in Nevada, Missouri which is in the southwest corner of the state.
Did you show livestock growing up? If so, what species?
I grew up showing all species at one point or another, but primarily exhibited sheep and pigs.
Do you have a favorite animal that you have ever judged? if so, what was it?
Thats a tough one because I’ve been able to see many good ones. A blue sheep of Jill Keller’s that was reserve in Kansas City a few years back will always stick in my mind though.
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
We caught up with showmanship judge Payton Dahmer before he steps “Inside the Ring” at the Arkansas State Fair. We invite you to read our candid interview with Payton below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Inside the Ring – Showmanship Edition”
Sponsored by Leggett’s You Gotta Believe Livestock Camps
What is your background in the livestock industry?
Grew up on a small farm and showed primarily sheep and pigs through 4-H and FFA
What is the #1 pet peeve you have in while in the ring?
Poor sportsmanship
How do you feel about switching exhibitors and stock?
I’ve done this a few times and think it can be valuable when a tough decision is on your hands. Showmen who just come in and mean business are the ones I gravitate towards, however, when it gets ultra competitive I occasionally like to see who can grab a different animal and get it stuck.
Halter or Chain?
No preference. Do whatever makes your animal look best.
Favorite Steakhouse (Or Restaurant)?
Anything mexican
Favorite College Sports Team
K-State Wildcats or Kansas City Chiefs
What is your Dream Vacation?
My typical vacations are to stock shows, but I wouldn’t mind going to Hawaii
We caught up with goat showmanship judge Payton Dahmer before he steps “Inside the Ring” at the American Royal. We invite you to read our candid interview with Payton below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Inside the Ring – Showmanship Edition”
Sponsored by Leggett’s You Gotta Believe Livestock Camps
What is the hardest to decide on, while judging showmanship?
Showmanship can be challenging, especially when you’re working with some of the best in the country like we’ll have at Kansas City. There’s so many good showmen out there and each has their own style – I don’t have much preference and tend to gravitate towards those who clearly know how to make their animal look it’s absolute best without drawing too much attention to themselves.
What do you think is the biggest struggle in the ring with this generation of showman?
Honestly, I tell people quite frequently how far I think the general population of showmen have come in recent years. The number of camps, clinics, and awesome mentors out there have really upped the showmanship game across the board. I guess the most common thing I see that tends to bug me are kids who spend more time looking for their sidelines coach than paying attention to the ring, but in general I think the number of elite showmen out there has far surpassed what it used to be when I was still showing.
Is it hard for you to judge wether showmanship vs doe showmanship? Or how do you feel about it?
To me, there’s no difference. The best showmen in my opinion are those who know how to get their animal presented at its best and make it look natural. Goat showmanship is unique because you can have kids bracing wethers or showing does off the chain – it makes no difference to me as long as they execute making that critter look it’s best
Flying or Driving?
Flying in the year 2022 is a nightmare. I’ll drive.
Halter or Chains?
No preference – whatever makes that goat look it’s best.
Favorite Sport Team?
K-State Wildcats and Kansas City Chiefs
Dream Job?
Professor and livestock judging team coach
We caught up with market goat showmanship judge Payton Dahmer before he steps “Inside the Ring” at the Arizona National Livestock Show. We invite you to read our candid interview with Payton below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Inside the Ring – Showmanship Edition”
Sponsored by Leggett’s You Gotta Believe Livestock Camps
Hometown: Nevada, Missouri
Occupation: Working on a PhD at Kansas State University
What is your background in the livestock industry?
While I grew up in agriculture, my upbringing to the livestock industry was through 4H and FFA. I didn’t get to grow up raising sheep or goats, so I surrounded myself with knowledgeable people to help get me involved. I showed through high school and then attended Butler Community College and Kansas State University where I competed on the livestock judging team at both schools. This opened the door even more for me to fully engulf myself in the industry through the numerous connections I had made.
How did you get started?
I grew up with parents who were pig and cattle folk, so it took a lot of convincing for them to get me my first lamb way back when. Fast forward a few years and I met Craig Green and Justin Nathan who really helped me learn more about the industry and meet countless other people who helped get me to where I am now.
What are some likes or dislikes you have?
When it comes to showmanship I don’t have a certain style that I’m more drawn to. The kids that can come in, make their animal look the part and be confident in doing so will surface. I’m not big on ‘trying too hard’, however. The best showman make it look natural in my opinion and don’t overdo it.
Halter or Chain?
I have no preference here – whatever makes your goat look the best.
FAVORITES
Favorite Food or Restaurant
I’m a sucker for a good hometown Mexican restaurant.
Favorite Sports Team
Anybody who knows me will tell you I’m not an avid sports follower, and its true. However, as a proud Missourian and a diehard K-Stater, you’ll find me rooting for the KC Chiefs or the K-State Wildcats.
Favorite Song or Band
I have a wide taste in music from 90’s country to rap… Flatland Cavalry or Grady Spencer and the Work are my consistent go-to’s though.
Favorite Stock Show Trip
I’ve loved getting to travel all over the country to stock shows. Ironically, my favorite trip is the shortest one to the American Royal. It was the first national show I showed at and has always held a special meaning to me since its in my home state.
