EmpowerU Podcast: "Having An Opinion Is Healthy... Featuring Chris Mullinix"

Episode Information:

• Title: EmpowerU
• Host/Authors: Weston Hendrix, Augustus Sexton, Quinn Hartley
• Episode: Having An Opinion Is Healthy... Featuring Chris Mullinix
• Release Date: January 10, 2025

Introduction of Guest: Chris Mullinix

In the season finale of EmpowerU’s third season, hosts Weston Hendrix, Augustus Sexton, and Quinn Hartley welcome Chris Mullinix, a distinguished livestock judging coach and advisor at Kansas State University (K State). Chris brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the livestock industry, making him an ideal guest to conclude the season.

Early Life and Agricultural Roots

Chris Mullinix shares his agricultural upbringing in Maryland, highlighting his 8th-generation family farm operations. Despite Maryland not being traditionally recognized for deep agricultural roots, Chris emphasizes the extensive farming activities his family engaged in, including ground farming, grain elevators, and a custom fertilization business.

Chris Mullinix [01:46]: "I grew up in Maryland and was 8th generation born on our family operation... my passion was probably never dirt farming and was always on the animal side of what we did."

Chris’s early exposure to livestock, particularly Hereford cattle, ignited his enduring passion for animals over crop farming. This foundation laid the groundwork for his future career in livestock judging and education.

Educational Journey and Career in Livestock Judging

After high school, Chris pursued an undergraduate degree in animal science at Kansas State University. He reflects on the stigma associated with junior colleges during the early 1990s but expresses no regrets about his educational choices, describing his time at K State as life-changing.

Chris's competitive spirit led him to excel in livestock judging, ultimately coaching at Butler Community College for 16 years before returning to K State as a coach for 11 years. His dedication culminated in being part of a nationally championship-winning judging team in 1995.

Chris Mullinix [32:34]: "I was part of the second national championship team at K State in 1995. It was a pretty awesome experience and a great way to end my collegiate career."

Influence and Mentorship in Maryland’s Livestock Industry

Chris discusses the significant impact of mentors like his former county agent, Martin Hamilton, and highlights the success of livestock professionals emerging from Maryland. He recounts organizing judging clinics and contests in Maryland, providing young competitors from various states exposure to high-level judging experiences.

Chris Mullinix [16:20]: "We put on a clinic in Maryland at my parents' farm judgment clinic... it was nothing short of amazing how many spectacular young people were part of that from the Mid Atlantic region."

Chris proudly mentions several of his former students who have made notable contributions to the livestock industry, underscoring the importance of mentorship and providing opportunities for the next generation.

Evolution of Livestock Judging and Recommendations for Contestants

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the evolution of livestock judging over the years. Chris observes that today's competitors are more polished and accurate, often receiving higher scores in the reasons room compared to the past.

Chris Mullinax [35:27]: "The game has changed. There is no doubt about that. But it should consistently evolve... the ability to break them apart is something that can separate yourself from others."

He emphasizes that while technical skills have improved, judges should focus on the relative performance of contestants rather than solely on numerical scores. Chris advocates for a more nuanced scoring system that reflects genuine evaluations rather than inflated numbers.

Chris Mullinax [44:23]: "The number is not what matters. It is where does it sit amongst your contemporaries."

Chris advises current and aspiring judges to develop critical thinking and maintain personal standards, ensuring that their opinions remain unbiased and authentic.

Effective Communication in the Reasons Room

The conversation touches on the importance of concise and effective communication during the reasons sets. Chris advises competitors to tailor the length of their presentations to the specific class and scenario, rather than striving for a fixed duration.

Chris Mullinax [55:03]: "Every set's different... short in the right places is what's important to me."

He shares personal anecdotes about managing time during presentations, highlighting the balance between thoroughness and brevity to maximize impact without overstepping allotted time.

Personal Insights: Coaching, Parenting, and Empowerment

Reflecting on his coaching career, Chris emphasizes the significance of the journey over mere achievement. He shares lessons learned from his own experiences, advocating for perseverance and resilience among his students.

Chris Mullinax [61:34]: "The journey was more important to get to that end result... you don't give up on somebody just because they're making mistakes."

As a father, Chris draws parallels between coaching and parenting, focusing on empowering his children and students to develop their own opinions and judgments confidently.

Chris Mullinax [90:30]: "My students have always empowered me... watching them mature into their careers makes me excited to walk back into a classroom."

Future Endeavors and Industry Trends

Looking ahead, Chris expresses excitement for upcoming events like the International Brahmin Show, anticipating witnessing high-quality livestock displays. He discusses the importance of maintaining industry standards that balance show aesthetics with real-world functionality.

Chris Mullinax [80:49]: "I can't wait to see it firsthand... expecting absolute greatness, nothing less."

Chris voices concerns about maintaining the integrity of livestock breeds, advocating for practices that ensure show animals retain commercial viability alongside their show qualities.

Chris Mullinax [82:23]: "These are animals that hopefully can work in the real world, but have a look of eliteness in the show ring at the same time."

Inspirational Guidance and Closing Thoughts

Chris concludes with inspirational remarks, emphasizing the value of genuine opinions and the importance of personal growth and empowerment in the livestock industry.

Chris Mullinax [97:39]: "It's healthy to have an opinion... it's way bigger than any judging contest will ever enter."

He encourages listeners to embrace their unique perspectives and continue striving for excellence both personally and professionally.

Notable Quotes

• Chris Mullinix [01:46]: "My passion was probably never dirt farming and was always on the animal side of what we did."

• Chris Mullinax [35:27]: "The game has changed. There is no doubt about that. But it should consistently evolve."

• Chris Mullinax [44:23]: "The number is not what matters. It is where does it sit amongst your contemporaries."

• Chris Mullinax [61:34]: "The journey was more important to get to that end result... you don't give up on somebody just because they're making mistakes."

• Chris Mullinax [82:23]: "These are animals that hopefully can work in the real world, but have a look of eliteness in the show ring at the same time."

• Chris Mullinax [97:39]: "It's healthy to have an opinion... it's way bigger than any judging contest will ever enter."

Conclusion

Chris Mullinix’s insights offer invaluable lessons on passion, mentorship, and the evolving landscape of livestock judging. His emphasis on authentic opinions and continuous improvement serves as a guiding principle for both current and future leaders in the livestock industry. The episode underscores the importance of balancing tradition with innovation, ensuring the industry's growth while maintaining its foundational values.

References:

• Timestamped quotes are extracted directly from the provided transcript for accuracy and contextual relevance.