Meet the JUDGE: Josh Stehans

Meet ABGA Certified Judge: Josh Stephans by Karla Blackstock

Many breeders and exhibitors step into the ring weekend after weekend looking for a judge’s decision. Where will your animal be in the lineup? This reoccurring feature will highlight the individuals who answer that question week after week in ABGA shows.

Josh Stephans has been raising goats since 1999 on his family ranch in Missouri where he admits his family stumbled into the goat business.

“We raised commercial cattle and did some brush hogging for a neighbor. She paid us with 4 Nubian wethers,” Stephans said. “We put them in a pen in the brush and within a few days, they had the entire pen cleared.”

These goats proved that they had a place on the ranch.

Stephans knew from an early age that he wanted to be a certified ABGA judge, but it wasn’t in the cards until 2014. After working for a couple of Boer goat breeders, he found the right opportunity when the ABGA judge’s certification school was held in Columbia, Mo. That location made it possible for him to take the time off to attend the week-long seminar.

As a markets reporter for the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Stephans finds time to fit animals for shows and production sales. But, he said, he enjoys spending his time narrating the production sales and working the ring. “By narrating production sales, I have a great opportunity to see the larger scope,” Stephans said. “It keeps me up-to-date on the market and in tune with what producers are looking for.”

Sometimes we see a difference in the style of goats selected in the commercial world and the show ring, but Stephans said all producers should be looking to the breed standards when selecting animals. “There is a reason behind every breed standard. It’s not all about pounds,” he said. “For example, we all want bone on the animals. Some argue that you can’t eat bone. Well, you don’t eat teeth, but there is a good reason for having good sound teeth.” Stephans went on to say that having enough bone and

frame to carry muscling is important in both the show and commercial environment. “If one good buck with the right characteristics can improve your average daily gain by 10% on market day, then that buck pays for itself.”

He went on to say that the industry should be able to prove that winning bucks in the ring will also win at the market, and that may be through performance testing as it has been done in other species.

But for now, Stephans is committed to improving the Boer goat by selecting solid animals in the ring. “Not every show has the same types of animals, but consistency is one of the most important factors in being a judge,” he said.

As a judge he said that it is critical to be honest and consistent. His advice to young exhibitors in the ring is to keep doing what you enjoy. “Don’t give up,” he said. “It’s okay to get beat.” And, for parents and breeders who are new to showing, “figure out what your goal is and work toward it.” After spending a year on the other side of the ring (as a judge), Stephans added that exhibitors of all ages should become familiar with the breed standards so that no one is caught off guard by a fault.

Josh and Cassie Stephans

Photos provided by Josh Stephans

JUDGES’

CORNER

To judge: to form an opinion; to decide.

The Judges’ Corner is designed to provide ABGA judges with announcements and updates from the office.

• A continuing education class will be held at the 2016 National Show. Remember, you must attend one every four years. • NEW THIS YEAR: Judges must maintain a continuous membership. Be sure you renew before Dec. 31, 2015. • Smaller stamps are now issued without a date, making them easier to carry so be sure you have it on hand when you travel. • Exhibitors can now print single inspection forms off the website. Your stamp on the back of the registration papers will validate your inspection. Don’t forget your stamp!