We caught up with Indiana State Fair Market Goat Judge, Terry Burks, to ask him a few questions before he steps “INSIDE THE RING”!
What are you looking forward to the most while judging the show?
Obviously any judge looks forward to evaluating quality livestock, but for me it’s the competitive drive in the young people and the atmosphere surrounding this show that creates the excitement associated with judging the Indiana State Fair!!
What species did you show?
I grew up showing Simmental cattle and was very active in the American Jr. Simmental Association. My last few years of eligibility as an FFA member I also showed market lambs.
Who is one judge that left an impact on you? How did they do that?
Without a doubt the judge that has had the greatest impact on me was/is Mr. Warren Beeler. Although I never showed under Warren as he was considered more of a swine judge and because he is not much older than me, he has greatly influenced me in regard to how I work shows and how I interact with young people in the showring. Warren has always believed that the young person was more important than the livestock and that the child in 20th place is just as important as the one in 1st. I have tried to adopt that same mentality and approach when I’m given the opportunity to set foot in the ring.
What is one thing you stressed about as an exhibitor that didn’t matter?
To be perfectly honest, as a young showman I stressed over EVERYTHING!! It was when I came to understand that as long as I worked hard, prepared well at home, and always gave my best effort in the showring, then whatever the outcome, I had done my best!
Funnel Cake or Elephant Ear
Elephant Ear
Corn Dog or Roasted Corn
Corn Dog
