By Tom Collins
TORONTO — Sometimes a good showman can impact judging in conformation classes, said a beef judge at the upcoming Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto next month.
Hampton Cornelius, judge of this year’s Angus show, said it’s the showman’s job to present his animal to get the best advantage.
“If someone’s not doing that, then you don’t see that animal at its best,” he said. “I’m not going to hold it against the person leading, but I’m going to judge the cattle in front of me. And if one looks better, acts better and I get better looks at it, then it’s probably going to be more favourably judged because I get a better look at its best traits.”
Beef judge Cody Green offered that the difference between a good showman and a bad showman is the difference between Green’s pitching and a Toronto Blue Jays’ pitcher.
Three judges share what they are thinking when they are in the Royal ring.
Judge: Cody Green
Judging category: East National Hereford
Background: From a 500-head Angus cow/calf operation on fifth-generation Arkansas farm
Years judging: 11
Top show previously judged: National Western Stock Show at Denver, Colorado
Previous years judging at the Royal: 0
What do you look for in a winning cow? “Functionality is probably the number one most important trait. What I mean by functionality is cattle that got some substance to them, that look like they’re easy flushing and can survive out in the real world. I guess people nowadays like show cattle that are fluffy and pretty and maybe give up a little muscle to get a little prettier looking ones. In my opinion, a lot of times when those cattle are kicked out in a real-world situation, they don’t always become the best milkers and have some trouble come calving time.”
If two cows were evenly matched, what would be the deciding factor? “If there are two cattle that are both big bodied and good structured and equal in terms of muscle, the next most important trait is femininity and having some female character about them in the head, their neck, their chest floor and especially their udder in terms of their teat placement and size and the way their udder is put together as well.”
Judge: Hampton Cornelius
Judging category: Angus
Background: Owns Coyote Ridge Ranch, a Colorado purebred Hereford farm with 160 pairs
Years judging: 30-plus
Top show previously judged: National Western Stock Show at Denver, Colorado
Previous years judging at the Royal: 0
What do you look for in a winning cow? Balance, function, quality, muscle and volume.
If two cows were evenly matched, what would be the deciding factor? “I don’t really believe there’s ever really a tie. It comes down to personal preference. It’s a give and take. Depending on how the day is going and what kind of cattle is being exhibited, I’m going to try to find something that will match my previous division winners so I stay consistent in my type and kind.”
What’s one thing that can lose the competition for a cow? “Poor structure and a lack of balance and quality are pretty big factors in cattle I don’t like.”
Judge: Bloyce Thompson
Judging category: TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic
Background: Milks 80 cows at Eastside Farm Inc. in Prince Edward Island and was a co-breeder of Eastside Lewisdale Gold Missy, the supreme champion of both the World Dairy Expo and the Royal Winter Fair in 2011. In 2009, Missy was auctioned for $1.2 million in 2009, only the second Canadian cow to ever be sold for $1 million.
Years judging: 27
Top show previously judged: 2013 Royal Red and White Show
Previous years judging at the Royal: 2
If two cows were evenly matched, what would be the deciding factor? “On a milking cow, you probably go with the mammary systems. If it’s a heifer, legs are very important. Analyze those and maybe that’s where you’re going to find your advantage.”
What’s one thing that can lose the competition for a cow? “She’s not in the right show condition. A good cow that’s not quite (right), whether she’s too fresh or too stale, she might carry excess condition and might not place as high.”
Do the presenters have impact on the conformation show? “No. Obviously, certain showmen can exhibit the animal to its full potential a little better. So, an animal could have a slight advantage if the handler is really good, but it’s just a slight advantage.”
