We caught up with California State Fair Market Goat Judge, Preston Lawrence, to ask him a few questions before he steps “INSIDE THE RING”!
What’s your biggest pet peeve while judging?
Everyone is trying to win and I like people that have an extra shot of competitiveness as much as anyone. At the same time, be courteous to those around you and appreciative of the your competitors and people putting on the show. I think we all should take a step back and remember it is an avenue to raise the next generation sometimes it is good to get beat. It will motivate you to keep working hard.
Who’s your biggest influence in evaluating livestock?
Growing up my parents let me figure out my own path and did not push anything on me. It took me until high school to find livestock judging and when I did I was hooked. I had terrific junior and senior college coaches being Conner Newsom and John DeClerk who were certainly great influences in judging. My biggest infuence in evaluatng livestock is someone I have spent counless hours with in the last eight plus years. He gave me a job in college and the rest is history. He taught me to let the big things hit you, trust your first impressions, and you can accomplish anything with hard work. I truly owe everything I have been able to judge or be apart of in the livestock world to him and his family.
Do you prefer to evaluate when goats are in motion or stuck on profile?
In motion.
Tell us about your family!
My wife Molly and I live in Pottsboro, TX where I work for my familys cattle and sheep operation. We are quickly approaching our first year of marriage which has consisted of traveling up and down the road doing what we enjoy.
In your mind, how has the industry changed in the show ring over the last 10 years?
I believe as a whole, the industry has made it an easier process for beginning familys to start their show career. Information is more accessible now than ever before which is huge for families starting out.
What’s your occupation?
I work for my families cattle and sheep operation in Texas and enjoy traveling around the country judging livestock shows and working with young people.
