A Lifetime of Passion

​Ben Cooley, the judge for the Salers Jr. Breeding Heifer Show, has judged much more than the Salers show. 

Cooley judged the Junior South Devon show last week and is also the Superintendent for the collegiate livestock judging contest. His passion for judging comes from growing up in 4-H and FFA programs. 

"I went to college and was part of a livestock judging program, so I'm really passionate about it," said Cooley. 

Cooley currently works for Zoetis as a beef territory manager and raises show pigs. Being heavily involved in the industry allows him to evolve with the livestock industry and every once in a while it allows him to come to the National Western Stock Show and judge. 

When asked about his favorite judging contest Cooley said, "My home state is Colorado, so it's always been an honor to judge at the National Western." 

However, he conceded that his most unique and possibly favorite place to judge was in Fairbanks, Alaska, judging reindeer. 

Cooley isn't quite finished at the National Western about his Salers show today. He'll judge the Premiere Exhibitor Interviews for swine. 

Looking forward to next year, Cooley said, "I always enjoy helping out with the Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest. It's a real pleasure and honor for me."

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