Meet Your 2016 Junior National Show Judges
Sammy Lorena - Lipan, Texas | Taery Taylor - Smeyer, Texas | Jason Brashear, - Cornettsville, KY Judging in the spotlight at the National Junior American Boer Goat Show is something that many judges dream about. This year, Team Taylor-Lorena-Brashear sorted through the livestock in a way that was both exciting for the juniors in the ring as well as the spectators and family members. Terry Taylor of Smyer, Texas, said that the group worked well together. “We really were a cohesive unit when it came time to select the placings. Our similarities in the design of the ideal animal and thought patterns allowed us to work extremely well together. Our Goal was to find the most complete animal that had structural integrity, strong production traits, and breed characteristics. This team made for a fun judging experience.” The team also judged the PeeWee, Junior, Intermediate and Senior Showmanship classes, where they challenged each Jr. to perform at their finest -- something at which Taylor said they excelled. “What a great group of young exhibitors the JABGA has,” Taylor said. “Each individual rose to the challenge and presented their animal with poise. I challenged the seniors to talk through a pair of does. We were impressed with each senior and it made for a difficult decision in the end.” Being selected as a Nationals Judge was humbling for Taylor. “I am grateful for the opportunity to judge the Junior National Show, it was an experience I will never forget,” Taylor said. “It was an honor to sort through and evaluate such an exceptional group of goats, but most importantly, to work with these outstanding young people and with Jason and Sammy.” Sammy Lorena of Lipan, Texas, also said the experience was something he cherishes. “A lot was going through our mind as we were out there those two days. But as an individual I felt extremely honored and humbled to be out there as one of the trio of judges in selecting this year’s national champions for the Junior show,” Lorena said. Lorena reached back to his own years showing as a junior. “Growing up in the industry basically and being in the
same spot as those juniors really brought back some great memories for me.” Lorena said. “As we were sorting through the goats in the junior show we all took great pride in searching and selecting our winners. We wanted them of course to abide by ABGA standards, but have that certain style but yet structural integrity.” Lorena went on to say that working with Terry Taylor and Jason Brashear was an absolute blast. “The two are very knowledgeable men about the breed. It made it enjoyable to sort livestock with them.” Lorena said. “As a team, I was thrilled to see us working so well together; we enjoyed ourselves, but most of all we wanted to make it enjoyable for the kids showing as well. For Brashear, judging at the national level will be something to remember. “Judging to 2016 JABGA Nationals was the highlight of my judging career,” Brashear said. “Working with our finest youth, most competitive goats, and 2 outstanding judges made for a great time.” Selecting top-notch goats that were complete in their structural design was something on which all three judges agreed. “Sammy, Terry, and I saw the classes sort very similar and we remained true to selecting goats from the ground up, awarding national champion titles to only the most correct and complete,” Brashear said. Lorena said that, “having the opportunity to judge the JABGA National show was an incredible experience and it meant a lot to Terry, Jason and myself to be voted in by the junior members.” “It’s an experience that I will keep with me forever and definitely reflect back on it,” Lorena said. The team worked so well together, they were looking for more goats to evaluate at the end of the junior show. Brashear said, “Honestly, at the end of the show, the three of us wanted another day. It truly was an honor and extremely humbling. I’d like to thank the JABGA members who put confidence in our team. See y’all down the road!!!”
The Boer Goat - 11
