Q&A with Morgan Thomas

• I grew up actively involved in 4-H and FFA serving on state 4-H council in 2014-2015 and showing cattle, sheep, and goats competitively across the country.

• My family owns and operates Thomas Charolais Inc. in Raymondville, TX where we have raised and marketed purebred charolais cattle all over the world since 1936.

• The All-American program recognizes students who have made a personal commitment to livestock judging and have excelled in academics, university and industry activities, and community service.

• Went to Texas A&M and made the TAMU Wool Judging Team which went on to win the title of Reserve National Champions in 2017

• Was on the 2019 Texas A&M Livestock Judging Team that claimed championship honors at the San Antonio Livestock Show Exposition and the State Fair of Texas

Being involved in the Livestock Judging Program at Texas A&M has equipped me with skills such as public speaking, decision making, and confidence in defending your findings. However, the most valuable asset that I have gained through this program is the connections I have made with not only my teammates and coaches, but students and industry professionals from across the nation. There is a unique bond between livestock

judgers, regardless of your school affiliation and that is something that I will forever be thankful for. My coaches have instilled in me a work ethic that is second to none and I am certain that this will help me in all of my future endeavors.

You see, what is special about this program is the connections and lessons learned through your time in the van go way beyond the day you mark your last card. Livestock Judging is a family, and I am truly blessed to be involved in the tradition and legacy that is the Texas A&M Livestock Judging Team.

My dad, Mitch Thomas, was a member of a very competitive livestock judging team at Texas A&M in 1990. Seeing what he was able to accomplish and what the livestock judging program has done for him is what drove me to want to judge for Texas A&M. I can remember growing up watching my dad sort shows and all I could think about was when was it going to be my turn to sort shows? To this day, I still love to watch my dad judge and learn a little bit more from the man who taught me how to judge, show, speak and most of all be confident in myself. My dad was my “coach” for a lot of things, but most of all he was my biggest supporter and that is something I am forever grateful for.