We caught up with State Fair of Texsas Market Goat Judge, Skyler Scotten, to ask him a few questions before he steps “INSIDE THE RING”!
What’s been your all time favorite goat you have judged?
I’ve been fortunate to see a lot of really unique ones in the last couple of years. Two that I thought were really special have to be the grand at OYE and grand at Dixie National. They were very very stout and built how I like them.
What’s your biggest pet peeve while judging?
I just ask that all exhibitors to be nice to one another and to the volunteers helping with the show. Emotions are high at a livestock show, but let’s remember the real reason why we do what we do.
Who’s your biggest influence in evaluating livestock?
My dad and brother Spencer. We’ve spent a lot of hours discussing livestock!
Do you prefer to evaluate when goats are in motion or stuck on profile?
On the move. In the best classes I’ll make one last circle with the final 4 or 5. I watch them come at me and go away, that tells me what I usually need to see.
Tell us about your family!
My family is kind of all over the place right now; Dad and Mom are back home raising cattle and goats and mom still teaches school. My brother is the judging coach at Redlands community college and I’m currently at Texas Tech coaching and working on my PhD.
In your mind, how has the industry changed in the show ring over the last 10 years?
It’s honestly amazing how far our industry has come in the last 10 years. The one thing that I’ve recognized is it has become a business more so than a hobby. Families have dedicated their lives to the show ring and junior livestock events. In the pursuit of success at a high level the price and quality has certainly increased as well.
What’s your occupation?
Livestock Judging Coach and PhD student focusing on Ruminant Nutrition and beef cow sustainability.
We caught up with National Western Stock Show Market Goat Judge, Skyler Scotten, to ask him a few questions before he steps “INSIDE THE RING”!
Who has had the biggest impact on your judging career?
My dad and my brother.
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Consistent
What is your dream show to judge and why?
I’ll be honest, there are a lot of neat shows that I have done or would like to do. I take it as a huge honor to get asked to do any show and take them all very seriously with a high regard and respect to the exhibitors and the people behind the scenes.
Do you like to fly or drive to shows – and why?
Once I moved to west Texas I generally fly to about all of them now. Although, I do enjoy a good drive especially if I can stop and see some friends or look at livestock along the way.
Tell us about your family!
My family originated at the corner of 1800 road in Nevada, Missouri. We’re very proud of where we come from and the roots that we have at the ranch. We are a very tight knit family that focuses on livestock as a tool to create better young people. We currently raise cattle and goats that are marketed throughout the country. My brother and I are judging coaches so we are on the road constantly while mom and dad are holding the fort down at home.
What job do you currently have/what do your daily duties include?
I’m in a unique role at Texas Tech University where I am a PhD student and coach the livestock judging team. I’m living my dream and have the job I have worked for since I can remember. I don’t have much down time and my daily work life includes reading research articles, writing papers, studying and working with my team alongside Dr. Rathmann. It’s a busy life but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What is your biggest fear?
Being complacent with where I am and not advancing myself or other people around me to be better than we were the day before.
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 Aksarbarn Stock Show Judge, Skyler Scotten, to ask him a few questions before he steps “INSIDE THE RING”!
How did you get started in the livestock industry?
I was lucky to be born into the industry and have been involved with raising livestock with my family for my entire life. My dad grew up in the sale barn business and transitioned into raising club calves in the late 90’s. We still raise a few goats and several cattle that are primarily marketed in the south.
Tell us about your career.
I attended Butler Community College and Kansas State University where I was a member of the livestock judging team at both schools. I’m currently working on a masters at Kansas State.
What is your all-time favorite show?
To be honest there’s no such thing as a bad stock show, however my favorite has to be the American Royal in Kansas City. That show is really close to my hometown and it’s been a special place for my family and I.
What is your biggest show ring pet peeve?
I don’t necessarily have a “pet peeve” but I always appreciate and notice when exhibitors are nice to the other showman as well as the judge. It’s not hard to be nice and people always recognize a good attitude and upbeat mentality, that will get you a long ways in my opinion.
What is the best goat you’ve ever seen?
I may be biased but the champion goat at Missouri State Fair we had in 2019 has been my favorite to date. I thought his build and skeletal width were incredible and hard to replicate.
A FEW FUN QUESTIONS
What did you want to be when you were younger?
A livestock judging coach.
It’s Karaoke Night… What song are you singing?
Take me home, country roads by John Denver. That’s always my go to!
What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
I try not to do many things out of the ordinary. However there was a good fishing spot that was forbidden to the public I found over the summer in Manhattan. It was a dam under construction and the fishing was incredible because no one was allowed back in there. I guess karma got me in the end and I got chased out of there about 2 am by a guy wearing a full fur coat in the middle of summer screaming at the top of his lungs. I don’t know how fast a guy can run with a tackle box and 3 fishing poles in hand but I might’ve set the land speed record that night. Talk about an adrenaline rush…..
FAVORITES
Favorite Quote:
“Just because my path is different doesn’t mean I’m lost.”
Favorite Vacation Spot:
Edinburgh, Scotland at the Royal Highland Show. If you ever get a chance to go, do it!
Favorite Singer/Band:
Morgan Wallen
Favorite Sports Team:
Kansas City Chiefs
Favorite TV Show/Channel:
MeatEater with Steven Rinella
