AAOK
Well-known member
Great article by Marty Ropp in the Feb. ASA Register. If anyone could scan it and put up the whole article, I think it would open the eyes of many Planeteers. I will list a few key points below.
Judge - A moderator, referee, umpire, authority, connoisseur, an assessor and one who gives a decision or opinion.
The uncontrolled desire to win at all costs, the dark and long-running tradition of misrepresentation of livestock, either genetically, physically or chronologically, the pressure to select animals withe traits that are right at the edge of ridiculous in terms of form and function and the political ugliness that permeates parts of the judging fraternity has brought the reputation and future of livestock exhibition and evaluation to the breaking point.
Paraphrased: I truly love being part of the great tradition of livestock exhibition and judging. I gew up idolizing the great stock producers & educators evaluating livestock, bringing years of respect and sincerity whose opinions were anticipated because they protected the integrity of the event. Even when disappointed, the exhibitors would shake the judge's hand and thank him for sharing his/her wisdom. You reflected on what the judge had to say, went home and worked even harder so that next time your reward would be higher.
This is a society that embraces winners. Our mistake is giving others the higher power to decide whether we are or are not a winner. If we don't enter the ring with a confidence as to the extent of our efforts and pride in ehat has already been acheived then we have only a slim hope of having a satisfying experience in the ring.
Many young people miss out on the experience of working and learining with their livestock. No favor is done for a young person who acheives without effort. Success without commitment or by short-cut is an unhealthly life lesson that can be hard to unlearn.
Participation in livestock shows seems to be on the decline. Too often its because of the perception and impropriety among exhibitors in an attempt to win and or collusion between exhibitors and unscrupulous judges predetermining the day's outcomes.
Respect, integrity and self-policing are the keys to moving forward. Exhibitors and Judges alike must clean their own houses. Evaluating livestock without regard to ownership, historical relationship or predjudice toward the exhibitor is only fair and honest. The use of illegal drugs on livestock, practices such as cosmetic surgery and the injection of air under the skin of livestock has to stop. No amount of Show Rules or witch hunts will have the effect that self-policing could render.
Judge - A moderator, referee, umpire, authority, connoisseur, an assessor and one who gives a decision or opinion.
The uncontrolled desire to win at all costs, the dark and long-running tradition of misrepresentation of livestock, either genetically, physically or chronologically, the pressure to select animals withe traits that are right at the edge of ridiculous in terms of form and function and the political ugliness that permeates parts of the judging fraternity has brought the reputation and future of livestock exhibition and evaluation to the breaking point.
Paraphrased: I truly love being part of the great tradition of livestock exhibition and judging. I gew up idolizing the great stock producers & educators evaluating livestock, bringing years of respect and sincerity whose opinions were anticipated because they protected the integrity of the event. Even when disappointed, the exhibitors would shake the judge's hand and thank him for sharing his/her wisdom. You reflected on what the judge had to say, went home and worked even harder so that next time your reward would be higher.
This is a society that embraces winners. Our mistake is giving others the higher power to decide whether we are or are not a winner. If we don't enter the ring with a confidence as to the extent of our efforts and pride in ehat has already been acheived then we have only a slim hope of having a satisfying experience in the ring.
Many young people miss out on the experience of working and learining with their livestock. No favor is done for a young person who acheives without effort. Success without commitment or by short-cut is an unhealthly life lesson that can be hard to unlearn.
Participation in livestock shows seems to be on the decline. Too often its because of the perception and impropriety among exhibitors in an attempt to win and or collusion between exhibitors and unscrupulous judges predetermining the day's outcomes.
Respect, integrity and self-policing are the keys to moving forward. Exhibitors and Judges alike must clean their own houses. Evaluating livestock without regard to ownership, historical relationship or predjudice toward the exhibitor is only fair and honest. The use of illegal drugs on livestock, practices such as cosmetic surgery and the injection of air under the skin of livestock has to stop. No amount of Show Rules or witch hunts will have the effect that self-policing could render.
