EmpowerU Podcast Summary: "Once Is Luck, Twice Is Skill... The Post Game Sort Ft. Mark Hoge"
Introduction
In the February 22, 2025 episode of EmpowerU, hosts Weston Hendrix, Augustus Sexton, and Quinn Hartley engage in an in-depth post-game interview with Dr. Mark Hogue, a renowned livestock evaluator. This episode delves into Dr. Hogue’s experiences and insights from the Fort Worth Stock Show, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and triumphs involved in high-stakes livestock judging.
Pre-Show Feelings and Preparation
Dr. Hogue begins by reflecting on his emotional state before entering the Fort Worth Stock Show arena. Having judged the competition twice, he acknowledges the transition from initial nervousness to seasoned confidence.
Dr. Mark Hogue [01:16]: "The first year, I was very nervous and unsure if I could do it. But this year, inspired by positive feedback, I felt prepared to demonstrate that my initial success was not a fluke."
He emphasizes the mantra, “Once is luck, twice is skill,” highlighting how his second experience solidified his judging prowess amidst varying environmental factors like increased heat.
Judging the Angus Breed
The discussion shifts to Dr. Hogue’s approach to judging the Angus breed, where he details his strategies for evaluating cattle quality and consistency.
Dr. Mark Hogue [04:06]: "I wear my echoes this year to ensure every step I take in the Angus ring is purposeful. Last year, I walked 30,000 steps in just Class 1 Angus, and this year, the top contenders immediately gave me confidence."
He explains his method of categorizing based on quality breaks, focusing on the top 40% and further refining selections to maintain high standards.
Herefords and Shorthorns: Balancing Bulk and Athleticism
Dr. Hogue shares his observations on Herefords and Shorthorns, praising the muscularity and handling of Herefords while also noting the athleticism required in Shorthorn steers.
Dr. Mark Hogue [14:49]: "The Herefords were well-fed and athletic, maintaining the right balance of muscle and shape without becoming overfat. Similarly, the Shorthorns displayed exceptional front leg power and body shape, making them memorable."
He discusses the depth of competition within these breeds, highlighting the difficulty in distinguishing top contenders due to the high quality of entries.
Challenges with Disqualifications and Emotional Toll
A poignant moment arises when Dr. Hogue recounts the disqualification of a champion steer, an experience that deeply affected him emotionally.
Dr. Mark Hogue [37:47]: "Seeing a steer that I admired so much being disqualified was like having a corner piece removed from my puzzle. It was heartbreaking and a significant mental hurdle to overcome."
He underscores the importance of maintaining focus and not allowing setbacks to diminish his judging confidence.
American and European Crosses: Navigating Breed Characteristics
The conversation progresses to the complexities of judging American and European cross breeds. Dr. Hogue elaborates on his strategy to assess quality while respecting breed standards and industry trends.
Dr. Mark Hogue [21:34]: "In the American crosses, I focus on minimizing Brahmin influence while maintaining quality. It’s crucial to respect industry weight parameters and ensure the cattle align with current market trends."
He discusses the subjective nature of breed influences and the necessity of adapting his judging criteria to accommodate diverse cattle characteristics.
Handling Pressure and Maintaining Integrity
Throughout the episode, Dr. Hogue emphasizes the significance of passion and integrity in his role as a judge. He reflects on advice from his father, advocating for wholehearted dedication to each show without the pressure of future opportunities.
Dr. Mark Hogue [75:18]: "It takes passion and integrity to function at a high level. When you judge with these principles, good fortune follows."
This philosophy underpins his ability to navigate the emotional and technical demands of livestock judging effectively.
Grand Drive and Final Reflections
As the session nears its conclusion, Dr. Hogue shares his experiences during the Grand Drive, recounting memorable moments and the emotional weight of final decisions.
Dr. Mark Hogue [83:25]: "Grand Drive was one of the most memorable experiences of my two-year tenure. Recognizing the efforts of the syndicate and handling emotional moments with grace was pivotal."
He acknowledges the collective effort behind successful shows and the lessons learned from handling high-pressure situations.
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with Dr. Hogue offering invaluable advice to upcoming judges and livestock enthusiasts. He reiterates the importance of passion and integrity, encouraging others to stay true to themselves and their craft.
Dr. Mark Hogue [87:38]: "Keep your passion and integrity as your barometer. Make decisions true to yourself, and success will follow."
The hosts commend Dr. Hogue for his candidness and expertise, highlighting the episode as a powerful resource for anyone involved in livestock judging or the livestock industry at large.
Key Takeaways
- Experience Builds Skill: Transitioning from initial nervousness to confident expertise through repeated exposure and positive reinforcement.
- Strategic Judging: Employing specific criteria and methods to evaluate cattle quality across different breeds.
- Emotional Resilience: Maintaining focus and confidence despite setbacks and disqualifications.
- Integrity and Passion: Upholding personal principles to achieve sustained success and fulfillment in judging roles.
- Industry Awareness: Adapting to industry trends and breed standards to ensure relevant and fair evaluations.
This comprehensive interview with Dr. Mark Hogue offers a rare glimpse into the nuanced world of livestock judging, emphasizing the blend of technical skill, emotional intelligence, and unwavering integrity required to excel in the field.