We caught up with Mr. Austin Thompson after he judged the barrows at the 2022 Houston Livestock Show. Check out his thoughts below…

Tell us a little bit about your champion.
When he came out of the gate into the sift pen, I got goosebumps and knew then that he was something special.

Did any breeds surprise you?
The whole show in general I thought had great depth and was really enjoyable to judge.

What was the toughest class of the day/show?
I remember a class of dark crosses I think pulled over 15 to the big ring and then sorted back 8 to rework. Those top end placings were really close, it was a lot of fun to just stand back getting to judge them.

For you, what was the most memorable moment of the show?
Besides the champions I will remember the people the most. From the livestock committee to judging along side a friend Aj Genter the show was second to none. I will cherish those memories made forever.

What was the best meal you had?
The livestock committee had their own tent to feed the judges and their members, my favorite meal with them would have to be the chicken fried steak with gravy as good as a grandma could make.