WEBVTT 00:00:11.720 --> 00:00:15.060 Breaking free from the chains of the past Where 00:00:15.060 --> 00:00:18.820 truth moves faster than a Holstein calf No law 00:00:18.820 --> 00:00:21.660 waiting on some printed page We're charting new 00:00:21.660 --> 00:00:25.300 ground in the digital age From genomic codes 00:00:25.300 --> 00:00:29.120 to robot facts We cut through the noise, no hold 00:00:29.280 --> 00:00:32.460 them back not your daddy's dairy news tonight 00:00:32.460 --> 00:01:03.570 we're sparking Welcome back to the Bullvine Podcast. 00:01:04.010 --> 00:01:06.969 I'm your host, and today, picture this. The sun's 00:01:06.969 --> 00:01:09.409 beating down. The air is thick with anticipation 00:01:09.409 --> 00:01:12.590 at the fairgrounds. A young dairy judge, maybe 00:01:12.590 --> 00:01:15.730 a bit nervous but determined, steps into the 00:01:15.730 --> 00:01:18.650 reasons room. They take a deep breath, plant 00:01:18.650 --> 00:01:21.129 their feet, and for the next two minutes, they 00:01:21.129 --> 00:01:24.349 weave a tale. A tale of why they lined up those 00:01:24.349 --> 00:01:27.420 Holstein four -year -olds just so. This isn't 00:01:27.420 --> 00:01:30.099 just about points in a contest, my friends. This 00:01:30.099 --> 00:01:33.000 is where the magic happens. This is where technical 00:01:33.000 --> 00:01:35.780 observation transforms into compelling argument. 00:01:36.159 --> 00:01:38.799 It's like watching a seasoned herdsman explain 00:01:38.799 --> 00:01:42.180 their breeding philosophy, or a top -notch nutritionist 00:01:42.180 --> 00:01:44.620 lay out why a ration change is going to make 00:01:44.620 --> 00:01:48.000 all the difference. That precision, that poise, 00:01:48.019 --> 00:01:50.900 that power to persuade, it's all being forged 00:01:50.900 --> 00:01:53.459 right there. but it gets me thinking, and I bet 00:01:53.459 --> 00:01:56.019 some of you too, are we squeezing every drop 00:01:56.019 --> 00:01:58.159 of educational goodness out of oral reasons? 00:01:58.420 --> 00:02:01.079 Or have we gotten so caught up in the formalities 00:02:01.079 --> 00:02:03.540 of competition that we've kind of lost sight 00:02:03.540 --> 00:02:05.939 of how these skills play out in the real world, 00:02:06.060 --> 00:02:09.219 on our farms, in our businesses? You see this 00:02:09.219 --> 00:02:12.099 scene play out year after year, from the smallest 00:02:12.099 --> 00:02:15.180 county fair, to the grand stages of World Dairy 00:02:15.180 --> 00:02:18.319 Expo, from 4 -H gatherings, to the intense National 00:02:18.319 --> 00:02:20.879 Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest. 00:02:21.180 --> 00:02:23.840 Spectators might just see the cows and the ribbons, 00:02:23.919 --> 00:02:26.840 but those of us in the know, we understand that 00:02:26.840 --> 00:02:29.560 oral reasons, that's the proving ground for the 00:02:29.560 --> 00:02:32.699 next wave of articulate, analytical, and confident 00:02:32.699 --> 00:02:36.039 leaders in our daily industry. So why is mastering 00:02:36.039 --> 00:02:38.719 oral reasons such a game changer for your dairy 00:02:38.719 --> 00:02:42.300 career? Well, let me tell you, it's huge. In 00:02:42.300 --> 00:02:45.159 most contests, those reasons are worth a whopping 00:02:45.159 --> 00:02:48.780 50 % of your total score. Think about that, just 00:02:48.780 --> 00:02:51.129 as much as getting the placings right. It tells 00:02:51.129 --> 00:02:53.590 you something fundamental. Seeing what's in front 00:02:53.590 --> 00:02:56.129 of you is only half the journey. Being able to 00:02:56.129 --> 00:02:59.349 explain why and defend your observations, that's 00:02:59.349 --> 00:03:02.110 the other equally valuable half. I remember a 00:03:02.110 --> 00:03:05.169 veteran dairy science educator telling me, dairy 00:03:05.169 --> 00:03:07.689 judging teaches decision -making better than 00:03:07.689 --> 00:03:10.629 anything else I know. Oral reasons are necessary 00:03:10.629 --> 00:03:13.289 for that decision -making process. And he was 00:03:13.289 --> 00:03:16.050 spot on. It's a classic scenario. You identify 00:03:16.050 --> 00:03:19.360 a problem. Which cow is better? You explore alternatives, 00:03:19.819 --> 00:03:22.500 look at all their traits, you gather your information, 00:03:22.819 --> 00:03:25.620 make those keen observations, and then you make 00:03:25.620 --> 00:03:28.419 a final, defensible decision. And these skills, 00:03:28.620 --> 00:03:31.180 they don't just stay in the show ring. Talk to 00:03:31.180 --> 00:03:33.659 anyone who's been on a judging team. They tell 00:03:33.659 --> 00:03:36.199 you that making sharp observations, organizing 00:03:36.199 --> 00:03:38.840 thoughts under pressure, speaking confidently, 00:03:39.000 --> 00:03:41.780 and persuasively defending your choices. These 00:03:41.780 --> 00:03:43.860 are the golden tickets they've used throughout 00:03:43.860 --> 00:03:46.360 their professional lives. Whether you're a herd 00:03:46.360 --> 00:03:48.900 manager talking to your team about new protocols 00:03:48.900 --> 00:03:52.259 or a dairy nutritionist explaining complex ration 00:03:52.259 --> 00:03:55.219 tweets to a producer, it's the same skill set. 00:03:55.639 --> 00:03:58.699 Dr. Les Hansen, a judging coach many of us respect 00:03:58.699 --> 00:04:01.979 immensely, often says, public speaking causes 00:04:01.979 --> 00:04:04.819 students to be concise and make a point. And 00:04:04.819 --> 00:04:07.599 isn't that what we need? Clear, effective communication 00:04:07.599 --> 00:04:10.740 is king. Whether you're running a farm, in veterinary 00:04:10.740 --> 00:04:13.400 practice, out in sales, consulting, you name 00:04:13.400 --> 00:04:16.000 it. Now, let's talk about what separates the 00:04:16.000 --> 00:04:18.579 good reasons from the truly outstanding ones. 00:04:18.839 --> 00:04:21.860 When I'm listening, or when any judge is, we're 00:04:21.860 --> 00:04:24.779 looking at two main things, content and delivery. 00:04:25.060 --> 00:04:28.740 Both are important, no doubt. But content, that's 00:04:28.740 --> 00:04:31.540 the heavyweight champion. You can have the smoothest, 00:04:31.540 --> 00:04:34.259 most eloquent delivery in the world, but if your 00:04:34.259 --> 00:04:36.800 observations are off or your analysis is weak, 00:04:36.980 --> 00:04:39.100 it's like having a state -of -the -art milking 00:04:39.100 --> 00:04:41.699 parlor, but your mastitis management is terrible. 00:04:41.819 --> 00:04:44.860 It just won't hold up. So, what makes for convincing 00:04:44.860 --> 00:04:48.540 content? First and foremost, accuracy above all. 00:04:48.639 --> 00:04:52.279 Sprocity rate 3%. This is the golden rule, the 00:04:52.279 --> 00:04:55.399 one I preach constantly. Don't lie. Every single 00:04:55.399 --> 00:04:57.980 thing you say must be based on what you actually 00:04:57.980 --> 00:05:01.240 saw. If you didn't see it, don't invent it. It's 00:05:01.240 --> 00:05:04.220 like your DHI records. They need to show actual 00:05:04.220 --> 00:05:06.939 production, not what you wish the cows were giving. 00:05:07.139 --> 00:05:10.459 A seasoned judge can spot a fabricated difference 00:05:10.459 --> 00:05:14.050 a mile away. And your credibility? Poof. Gone. 00:05:14.329 --> 00:05:16.850 And here's a tough question we need to ask ourselves, 00:05:16.990 --> 00:05:21.149 especially at the youth levels. How many judges 00:05:21.149 --> 00:05:23.230 are out there feeling pressured to fill their 00:05:23.230 --> 00:05:26.629 time and just making stuff up? Describing differences 00:05:26.629 --> 00:05:29.050 they didn't truly see just to sound detailed. 00:05:29.269 --> 00:05:32.430 One instructor put it bluntly, accuracy is the 00:05:32.430 --> 00:05:35.389 most important thing in a reason set. Your credibility 00:05:35.389 --> 00:05:37.990 is shot the moment you mention traits that aren't 00:05:37.990 --> 00:05:41.730 accurate to the animals. Next up. Specific, detailed, 00:05:41.970 --> 00:05:45.129 and comparative language. Vague phrases like, 00:05:45.230 --> 00:05:48.189 she has a better udder or she shows nice dairy 00:05:48.189 --> 00:05:50.810 character, they just don't cut it. It's like 00:05:50.810 --> 00:05:53.350 telling a farmer to improve herd health without 00:05:53.350 --> 00:05:56.689 giving them any specific actions. Elite judges 00:05:56.689 --> 00:05:59.709 use language that paints a picture. Instead of 00:05:59.709 --> 00:06:02.790 cow 1 has a better udder than cow 2, you'll hear 00:06:02.790 --> 00:06:05.850 something like, 1 shows a higher, wider rear 00:06:05.850 --> 00:06:08.009 udder attachment that's more firmly attached, 00:06:08.389 --> 00:06:11.230 along with a stronger median suspensory ligament 00:06:11.230 --> 00:06:14.209 that creates more clearly defined halves, and 00:06:14.209 --> 00:06:16.709 a 4 udder that blends more smoothly into the 00:06:16.709 --> 00:06:19.370 body wall compared to 2. See the difference? 00:06:19.670 --> 00:06:22.269 That level of detail, that's what we're looking 00:06:22.269 --> 00:06:25.370 for, like a comprehensive genomic analysis giving 00:06:25.370 --> 00:06:29.180 specific data, not just an overall rank. Then 00:06:29.180 --> 00:06:31.720 prioritize by importance. When you're comparing 00:06:31.720 --> 00:06:34.579 animals, you lead with the biggest, most obvious 00:06:34.579 --> 00:06:37.899 differences. That shows sound judgment. Now the 00:06:37.899 --> 00:06:41.839 PDCA Unified Scorecard gives us weightings. Utter 00:06:41.839 --> 00:06:47.240 40%, dairy strength 25%, feet and legs 20%, frame 00:06:47.240 --> 00:06:50.680 15%. And those are crucial. But your reasons 00:06:50.680 --> 00:06:53.240 need to reflect the actual cows in front of you. 00:06:53.579 --> 00:06:56.600 Just like a herd manager prioritizes daily tasks 00:06:56.600 --> 00:06:59.620 based on immediate needs, not a rigid checklist. 00:06:59.959 --> 00:07:03.019 A successful coach once told me, within each 00:07:03.019 --> 00:07:05.500 pair, you must start with the most important 00:07:05.500 --> 00:07:08.000 and obvious difference between the two cows. 00:07:08.160 --> 00:07:11.480 If two cows have similar udders, but one clearly 00:07:11.480 --> 00:07:15.079 excels in feet and legs. Lead with that more 00:07:15.079 --> 00:07:17.600 apparent distinction, rather than forcing an 00:07:17.600 --> 00:07:20.220 udder comparison. It doesn't mean you ignore 00:07:20.220 --> 00:07:23.110 the scorecard. but your initial attack on a pair 00:07:23.110 --> 00:07:25.350 should highlight the most glaring differences. 00:07:25.769 --> 00:07:28.910 The overall emphasis on traits like utter across 00:07:28.910 --> 00:07:31.709 the whole set should still reflect their fundamental 00:07:31.709 --> 00:07:34.649 importance though. But again, let's be honest 00:07:34.649 --> 00:07:38.009 here. Have we become so fixated on those scorecard 00:07:38.009 --> 00:07:40.430 percentages that we're sometimes creating artificial 00:07:40.430 --> 00:07:43.649 hierarchies in our reasons, ones that don't truly 00:07:43.649 --> 00:07:46.490 reflect what we saw in the ring? Food for thought. 00:07:46.610 --> 00:07:49.589 And finally for content. Organize for clarity. 00:07:50.079 --> 00:07:52.779 A well -structured set of reasons flows logically, 00:07:53.019 --> 00:07:56.019 like a well -designed barn that makes cow flow 00:07:56.019 --> 00:07:59.319 easy. You know the standard format, opening statement 00:07:59.319 --> 00:08:02.120 with your placing, then systematic comparisons, 00:08:02.439 --> 00:08:08.600 pair by pair, 1 over 2, 2 over 3, 3 over 4, remembering 00:08:08.600 --> 00:08:11.639 to give grants where lower -placed animals excel, 00:08:11.899 --> 00:08:14.699 and a neat conclusion, and within each pair, 00:08:14.879 --> 00:08:17.740 talk about all the utter traits, then all the 00:08:17.740 --> 00:08:20.579 dairy strength. then feet and legs don't jump 00:08:20.579 --> 00:08:23.519 around this isn't just about making it easy for 00:08:23.519 --> 00:08:26.079 the judge to follow it's showing you can organize 00:08:26.079 --> 00:08:29.139 information logically a skill that's gold in 00:08:29.139 --> 00:08:31.839 any part of our industry from breeding strategies 00:08:31.839 --> 00:08:36.080 to sops for your team now this traditional structure 00:08:36.080 --> 00:08:39.120 it served us well for generations it's a fantastic 00:08:39.120 --> 00:08:42.789 foundation but i have to ask Is this rigid format 00:08:42.789 --> 00:08:45.429 always the best way to build the real -world 00:08:45.429 --> 00:08:48.190 communication skills our industry demands today? 00:08:48.809 --> 00:08:51.690 Think about it. Out in the commercial dairy world, 00:08:51.870 --> 00:08:54.909 you rarely get two minutes for a perfectly polished 00:08:54.909 --> 00:08:57.490 comparative monologue. You need to make your 00:08:57.490 --> 00:09:00.870 point and make it fast. A vet explaining treatment 00:09:00.870 --> 00:09:03.950 options, a sire analyst backing up their mating 00:09:03.950 --> 00:09:07.110 choices, a nutritionist defending a ration change, 00:09:07.250 --> 00:09:10.169 they need to be clear, persuasive, and efficient. 00:09:10.450 --> 00:09:14.259 Often, in 30 seconds or less. Are we sometimes 00:09:14.259 --> 00:09:16.840 training contestants to be so good at reciting 00:09:16.840 --> 00:09:19.440 a format that they struggle to adapt when they're 00:09:19.440 --> 00:09:22.600 not in that reasons room? The most successful 00:09:22.600 --> 00:09:25.440 pros I know can tailor their communication on 00:09:25.440 --> 00:09:28.019 the fly, whether they're talking high -level 00:09:28.019 --> 00:09:31.279 stuff with peers or simplifying things for someone 00:09:31.279 --> 00:09:34.299 less technical. This isn't about throwing out 00:09:34.299 --> 00:09:37.120 structure. Not at all. It's about teaching the 00:09:37.120 --> 00:09:40.299 why behind the structure. so students can apply 00:09:40.299 --> 00:09:43.320 those principles flexibly. Maybe, just maybe, 00:09:43.519 --> 00:09:45.919 the next step in reasons training needs to include 00:09:45.919 --> 00:09:48.519 practice scenarios that feel more like those 00:09:48.519 --> 00:09:51.700 real -world, time -crunch moments. Let's talk 00:09:51.700 --> 00:09:54.120 about the lingo, mastering the language of champions. 00:09:54.500 --> 00:09:57.299 Our dairy industry has this incredibly rich, 00:09:57.500 --> 00:10:00.799 specific vocabulary for describing cow confirmation. 00:10:01.629 --> 00:10:04.429 It allows us to pinpoint those subtle yet significant 00:10:04.429 --> 00:10:07.830 differences that really do impact how long a 00:10:07.830 --> 00:10:10.210 cow lasts and how much milk she'll put in the 00:10:10.210 --> 00:10:13.629 tank. The absolute heart of good reasons is comparative 00:10:13.629 --> 00:10:16.990 language. You're always comparing, never just 00:10:16.990 --> 00:10:21.029 describing. That comparison gives context. It 00:10:21.029 --> 00:10:23.789 shows you're making an evaluative judgment. It's 00:10:23.789 --> 00:10:26.789 like DHIR records. They're most useful when you 00:10:26.789 --> 00:10:29.429 see them compared within a herd, not just as 00:10:29.429 --> 00:10:33.340 standalone numbers. The easiest trick, use adjectives 00:10:33.340 --> 00:10:37.299 ending in "-er". Taller, wider, deeper, sharper, 00:10:37.500 --> 00:10:41.419 cleaner. Or add more if "-er doesn't work. More 00:10:41.419 --> 00:10:44.919 dairy, more capacious, more correct. And please 00:10:44.919 --> 00:10:47.720 avoid the word better like the plague if you 00:10:47.720 --> 00:10:50.799 can't specify how. Instead of one has a better 00:10:50.799 --> 00:10:54.019 utter, say one has a higher, wider rear utter 00:10:54.019 --> 00:10:56.860 attachment and a more strongly attached foreutter 00:10:56.860 --> 00:11:00.690 than two. Specificity is key. Let's run through 00:11:00.690 --> 00:11:03.250 some essential terms for each scorecard category. 00:11:03.590 --> 00:11:06.629 For udder, 40 % of the score, you want terms 00:11:06.629 --> 00:11:09.409 like stronger fore -utter attachment with less 00:11:09.409 --> 00:11:12.350 bulging at the quarter junctions, higher rear 00:11:12.350 --> 00:11:14.970 -utter attachment with the secretory tissue starting 00:11:14.970 --> 00:11:18.309 well above the hock, deeper crease in her udder 00:11:18.309 --> 00:11:21.409 indicating a stronger median suspensory ligament, 00:11:21.450 --> 00:11:24.090 carries her udder higher above the hocks with 00:11:24.090 --> 00:11:27.350 more youthful suspension, more symmetry and balance 00:11:27.350 --> 00:11:29.710 of quarters with teats more centrally placed 00:11:29.710 --> 00:11:33.509 beneath each quarter. For dairy strength, 25%, 00:11:33.509 --> 00:11:37.409 think about capacity and efficiency. More angularity 00:11:37.409 --> 00:11:40.210 with a longer, leaner neck transitioning more 00:11:40.210 --> 00:11:42.929 smoothly into the shoulder. Cleaner about the 00:11:42.929 --> 00:11:45.750 head, neck, and withers with more defined bone 00:11:45.750 --> 00:11:49.230 structure. More open and well sprung in her ribs 00:11:49.230 --> 00:11:52.409 with greater chest capacity. More incurving thigh 00:11:52.409 --> 00:11:55.350 providing evidence of adipose mobilization for 00:11:55.350 --> 00:11:58.649 milk production. Sharper over her top line while 00:11:58.649 --> 00:12:01.009 maintaining adequate widths across the loin. 00:12:01.210 --> 00:12:03.730 But let's be honest again, and this is a tough 00:12:03.730 --> 00:12:06.549 one. How often do we see significant differences 00:12:06.549 --> 00:12:09.149 in these dairy strength traits that genuinely 00:12:09.149 --> 00:12:12.009 impact production, versus just finding small 00:12:12.009 --> 00:12:14.730 things to say to fit our placings? It's something 00:12:14.730 --> 00:12:17.899 to chew on. Alright, let's rewind. Before you 00:12:17.899 --> 00:12:20.019 even step into that reasons room, there's the 00:12:20.019 --> 00:12:22.879 critical phase, ringside to reasons room, the 00:12:22.879 --> 00:12:25.440 note -taking process. This is your lifeline, 00:12:25.519 --> 00:12:28.059 folks. Good notes are the bridge between what 00:12:28.059 --> 00:12:30.899 you saw in the ring and what you say later. Without 00:12:30.899 --> 00:12:33.320 them, even the sharpest mind will forget those 00:12:33.320 --> 00:12:36.059 crucial comparative details. It's like a dairy 00:12:36.059 --> 00:12:38.580 farmer trying to make management decisions without 00:12:38.580 --> 00:12:42.039 good herd records. You're flying blind. So what 00:12:42.039 --> 00:12:44.320 should you be jotting down? Focus on the key 00:12:44.320 --> 00:12:46.419 differences that drove your placing decisions. 00:12:47.000 --> 00:12:49.419 Maybe start with something distinctive to identify 00:12:49.419 --> 00:12:53.440 each cow, the roan cow, tallest in class. Then 00:12:53.440 --> 00:12:56.159 once you have a tentative placing, zero in on 00:12:56.159 --> 00:12:59.440 those major comparisons between your pairs. Biggest 00:12:59.440 --> 00:13:02.519 differences first. Be specific. And here's a 00:13:02.519 --> 00:13:04.860 hard truth many coaches might not shout from 00:13:04.860 --> 00:13:07.919 the rooftops. Great note -taking is often more 00:13:07.919 --> 00:13:10.919 valuable than a photographic memory. Trust me, 00:13:10.980 --> 00:13:13.840 even top judges can forget vital details in the 00:13:13.840 --> 00:13:16.870 hour or more. between seeing the class and giving 00:13:16.870 --> 00:13:20.350 reasons. Your ability to capture the right observations, 00:13:20.610 --> 00:13:23.610 right then and there, often matters more than 00:13:23.610 --> 00:13:26.809 raw talent or how smooth a talker you are. Now 00:13:26.809 --> 00:13:29.389 you've got your notes, your content is solid. 00:13:29.610 --> 00:13:32.409 Let's talk about delivering with impact, the 00:13:32.409 --> 00:13:35.269 performance aspect, because even the most accurate 00:13:35.269 --> 00:13:38.090 reasons can fall flat if the delivery isn't there. 00:13:38.309 --> 00:13:41.370 How you present yourself and your words massively 00:13:41.370 --> 00:13:44.750 influences how they're received and scored. It's 00:13:44.750 --> 00:13:47.870 like nutrition advice. The same info can land 00:13:47.870 --> 00:13:50.169 very differently depending on whether it's coming 00:13:50.169 --> 00:13:53.090 from a confident nutritionist or an uncertain 00:13:53.090 --> 00:13:57.570 rep. Project that confidence. Stand squarely, 00:13:57.590 --> 00:14:00.990 good posture, about 5 to 8 feet from the judge. 00:14:01.409 --> 00:14:04.330 Many like to clasp their hands behind their back. 00:14:04.750 --> 00:14:07.710 Keeps you from fidgeting. Your voice needs to 00:14:07.710 --> 00:14:11.149 be clear, distinct, and confident. Loud enough 00:14:11.149 --> 00:14:13.610 to be heard easily, but you're not shouting. 00:14:13.960 --> 00:14:16.399 Think of a respected herds person getting clear 00:14:16.399 --> 00:14:18.899 instructions that carry across the holding pen. 00:14:19.100 --> 00:14:22.740 An eye contact. Maintain it with the judge. It 00:14:22.740 --> 00:14:25.639 shows conviction. It builds a connection. But 00:14:25.639 --> 00:14:27.879 here's another uncomfortable reality we need 00:14:27.879 --> 00:14:31.519 to face. Do we sometimes reward an overly rehearsed, 00:14:31.519 --> 00:14:34.440 almost artificial delivery more than genuine 00:14:34.440 --> 00:14:37.159 knowledge and passion? Are we accidentally teaching 00:14:37.159 --> 00:14:39.659 students to be theatrical performers instead 00:14:39.659 --> 00:14:42.320 of articulate professionals? It's a fine line. 00:14:42.700 --> 00:14:44.740 So how do we get to that point of excellence, 00:14:45.100 --> 00:14:48.179 training, practice techniques that create champions? 00:14:48.799 --> 00:14:51.899 Mastering reasons takes dedicated practice, just 00:14:51.899 --> 00:14:54.159 like developing a high -producing herd needs 00:14:54.159 --> 00:14:57.379 both top genetics and stellar management. One 00:14:57.379 --> 00:15:01.039 technique I absolutely love is repeat sets. You 00:15:01.039 --> 00:15:03.799 give your reasons for a class, get specific feedback, 00:15:04.059 --> 00:15:06.919 and then boom, you deliver them again, right 00:15:06.919 --> 00:15:09.769 away, incorporating those suggestions. It's an 00:15:09.769 --> 00:15:12.649 iterative process, and it works wonders for rapidly 00:15:12.649 --> 00:15:15.649 improving both content and delivery. That immediate 00:15:15.649 --> 00:15:18.610 application helps lock in good habits and fix 00:15:18.610 --> 00:15:21.549 errors before they stick. Kind of like immediately 00:15:21.549 --> 00:15:24.169 correcting milking technique to keep those somatic 00:15:24.169 --> 00:15:27.429 cell counts down. Another great tool. Recording 00:15:27.429 --> 00:15:30.389 for self -assessment. Video or audio record your 00:15:30.389 --> 00:15:33.110 practice sessions. It lets you be your own objective 00:15:33.110 --> 00:15:36.549 critic. Look at your posture, eye contact, pacing. 00:15:37.070 --> 00:15:39.570 how you're using your terminology i always tell 00:15:39.570 --> 00:15:41.830 my students to review recordings with different 00:15:41.830 --> 00:15:45.429 focuses first for content organization then for 00:15:45.429 --> 00:15:49.110 delivery volume enthusiasm and then for specific 00:15:49.110 --> 00:15:52.090 word choices and transitions this layered review 00:15:52.090 --> 00:15:54.889 helps isolate different parts for targeted improvement 00:15:54.889 --> 00:15:58.870 much like we analyze milk components repro records 00:15:58.870 --> 00:16:01.850 and health data separately to get the full picture 00:16:01.850 --> 00:16:04.629 of herd performance and here's a practice technique 00:16:05.000 --> 00:16:07.539 that I think many coaches overlook. Have students 00:16:07.539 --> 00:16:10.759 deliver reasons in real -world scenarios. Get 00:16:10.759 --> 00:16:12.860 them to explain a class to someone who knows 00:16:12.860 --> 00:16:16.580 nothing about dairy, in just 30 seconds. Or have 00:16:16.580 --> 00:16:19.179 them justify their placing to a skeptical farmer 00:16:19.179 --> 00:16:22.779 who completely disagrees. These exercises build 00:16:22.779 --> 00:16:25.500 an adaptability that formal contest prep often 00:16:25.500 --> 00:16:28.580 misses. Transition to a slightly more serious, 00:16:28.820 --> 00:16:32.120 analytical tone. Let's touch on common pitfalls 00:16:32.120 --> 00:16:35.210 and how to avoid them. Knowing the frequent mistakes 00:16:35.210 --> 00:16:38.970 helps everyone. Using better without specificity. 00:16:38.990 --> 00:16:42.230 We've hit this one, but it bears repeating. Swap 00:16:42.230 --> 00:16:45.169 it for specific comparatives. One is higher in 00:16:45.169 --> 00:16:47.830 the rear udder attachment. Not one has a better 00:16:47.830 --> 00:16:50.610 rear udder. Just like specific breeding goals, 00:16:50.809 --> 00:16:53.470 like increasing component percentages, are way 00:16:53.470 --> 00:16:56.970 more useful than just improving the herd. Describing 00:16:56.970 --> 00:17:00.070 instead of comparing. Always, always compare 00:17:00.070 --> 00:17:03.679 directly. One is taller than two. Not just one 00:17:03.679 --> 00:17:06.680 is a tall cow. Production records are most valuable 00:17:06.680 --> 00:17:10.880 in contemporary groups, right? Same idea. Disorganized 00:17:10.880 --> 00:17:13.859 flow. Stick to that standard structure. And within 00:17:13.859 --> 00:17:16.759 a pair, finish one trait category before moving 00:17:16.759 --> 00:17:20.240 on. Like a milking routine, consistent, logical 00:17:20.240 --> 00:17:23.920 sequence works best. And the most insidious pitfall 00:17:23.920 --> 00:17:26.680 of them all, in my opinion. Going through the 00:17:26.680 --> 00:17:29.259 motions without genuine understanding, I've seen 00:17:29.259 --> 00:17:31.599 too many contestants who can recite a perfect 00:17:31.599 --> 00:17:34.680 set of reasons, but don't truly grasp why the 00:17:34.680 --> 00:17:37.059 differences they're describing actually matter 00:17:37.059 --> 00:17:40.299 to a cow's function, her productivity, her longevity. 00:17:40.779 --> 00:17:43.799 So ask yourself, are you explaining real functional 00:17:43.799 --> 00:17:46.440 differences or just spitting bat phrases you've 00:17:46.440 --> 00:17:49.339 been taught? The beauty of mastering oral reasons 00:17:49.339 --> 00:17:52.960 is that it goes so far beyond the contest. It 00:17:52.960 --> 00:17:55.759 shapes industry leaders, the structured decision 00:17:55.759 --> 00:17:59.220 -making, the defense of that placement. It cultivates 00:17:59.220 --> 00:18:02.180 critical thinking that applies everywhere, from 00:18:02.180 --> 00:18:04.960 picking replacement heifers to evaluating big 00:18:04.960 --> 00:18:07.559 farm investments. You're creating the complete 00:18:07.559 --> 00:18:11.039 professional. That concise, persuasive communication 00:18:11.039 --> 00:18:13.720 under pressure builds public speaking confidence 00:18:13.720 --> 00:18:17.119 that will serve you your entire career. As one 00:18:17.119 --> 00:18:20.460 industry pro put it, dairy judging teaches talking 00:18:20.460 --> 00:18:23.130 and interacting with people. working with others, 00:18:23.230 --> 00:18:26.150 being part of a team, having a boss or coach, 00:18:26.390 --> 00:18:28.950 working toward a common goal, and getting a job 00:18:28.950 --> 00:18:31.930 done. These are essential skills, whether you're 00:18:31.930 --> 00:18:35.369 managing a 5 ,000 -cow dairy or consulting as 00:18:35.369 --> 00:18:38.710 a vet. Plus, those habits of careful observation, 00:18:39.049 --> 00:18:41.529 methodical note -taking, and evidence -based 00:18:41.529 --> 00:18:44.289 reasoning. They make you a better problem solver. 00:18:44.410 --> 00:18:47.009 Period. Invaluable when you're troubleshooting 00:18:47.009 --> 00:18:50.390 milk quality, tackling repro challenges, or fine 00:18:50.390 --> 00:18:53.390 -tuning feed efficiency. So, this brings me to 00:18:53.390 --> 00:18:56.269 a crucial point. A call to rethink our approach. 00:18:56.549 --> 00:18:59.150 It's time for a really candid chat about how 00:18:59.150 --> 00:19:02.470 we teach and evaluate oral reasons. The tradition 00:19:02.470 --> 00:19:05.450 is valuable, no doubt. But we must ensure we're 00:19:05.450 --> 00:19:07.690 prepping students for the realities of modern 00:19:07.690 --> 00:19:10.609 dairy communication, not just for contest ribbons. 00:19:10.750 --> 00:19:13.450 So, I want you to ask yourself whether you're 00:19:13.450 --> 00:19:16.210 a contestant, a coach, or just someone passionate 00:19:16.210 --> 00:19:19.329 about this industry. Are your reasons truly reflecting 00:19:19.329 --> 00:19:22.019 what you saw? Or are you kind of nudging observations 00:19:22.019 --> 00:19:24.920 to fit a pattern? Could you explain your dairy 00:19:24.920 --> 00:19:27.400 evaluation to someone completely outside our 00:19:27.400 --> 00:19:29.839 world in a way they'd understand and find convincing? 00:19:30.039 --> 00:19:32.839 Are you building transferable communication skills 00:19:32.839 --> 00:19:35.880 or just contest techniques? I want to challenge 00:19:35.880 --> 00:19:38.940 every single one of you, coaches, judges, contestants, 00:19:39.279 --> 00:19:42.000 to weave these practical exercises into your 00:19:42.000 --> 00:19:44.839 reasons practice. The 30 -second elevator pitch. 00:19:45.099 --> 00:19:47.740 Deliver a super concise version of your reasons 00:19:47.740 --> 00:19:50.609 to someone with zero dairy background. Can you 00:19:50.609 --> 00:19:52.829 capture the essence of why your top cow won? 00:19:53.230 --> 00:19:56.869 Focusing on just one or two key functional advantages. 00:19:57.190 --> 00:19:59.970 In the time it takes for an elevator ride. This 00:19:59.970 --> 00:20:02.369 hones your ability to be concise and impactful. 00:20:02.869 --> 00:20:05.569 The skeptical producer. Explain your placing 00:20:05.569 --> 00:20:08.029 to a producer who flat out disagrees with you. 00:20:08.190 --> 00:20:10.890 This builds your ability to persuade and handle 00:20:10.890 --> 00:20:14.569 pushback. No jargon allowed. Justify your evaluation 00:20:14.569 --> 00:20:17.950 without using any industry -specific terms. Can 00:20:17.950 --> 00:20:20.960 you make your case in plain language? the authenticity 00:20:20.960 --> 00:20:24.559 check, record yourself, then listen back, critically, 00:20:24.839 --> 00:20:27.660 do you sound authentic? Or like you're reciting 00:20:27.660 --> 00:20:30.420 a script. Our dairy industry needs professionals 00:20:30.420 --> 00:20:33.279 who can communicate effectively in all sorts 00:20:33.279 --> 00:20:36.200 of diverse contexts, not just those who shine 00:20:36.200 --> 00:20:38.819 in the admittedly artificial setting of a reasons 00:20:38.819 --> 00:20:41.859 room. By broadening how we practice and what 00:20:41.859 --> 00:20:45.019 we value in evaluation, we can better equip the 00:20:45.019 --> 00:20:47.720 next generation for true, real -world success. 00:20:48.319 --> 00:20:50.660 all while cherishing the valuable tradition of 00:20:50.660 --> 00:20:53.720 formal reasons. The next time you step into that 00:20:53.720 --> 00:20:56.400 reasons room, or you're coaching a young judge, 00:20:56.599 --> 00:20:59.440 remember this. The ultimate aim isn't just to 00:20:59.440 --> 00:21:02.140 perfect a two -minute memorized speech. It's 00:21:02.140 --> 00:21:04.259 to develop the power to make sound decisions 00:21:04.259 --> 00:21:07.140 and communicate them persuasively, no matter 00:21:07.140 --> 00:21:10.200 the setting. That is the true legacy, the enduring 00:21:10.200 --> 00:21:13.099 value of the oral reasons tradition. And it's 00:21:13.099 --> 00:21:15.819 on all of us to make sure it stays relevant and 00:21:15.819 --> 00:21:19.009 powerful for generations to come. So my question 00:21:19.009 --> 00:21:22.509 to you is, how will you transform your approach 00:21:22.509 --> 00:21:25.170 to oral reasons to better prepare yourself or 00:21:25.170 --> 00:21:27.490 your students for real -world dairy industry 00:21:27.490 --> 00:21:30.450 communication? The answer to that might just 00:21:30.450 --> 00:21:33.609 define not only competitive success, but professional 00:21:33.609 --> 00:21:36.890 impact for years down the road. Thanks for tuning 00:21:36.890 --> 00:21:39.750 in to the Bullvine Podcast. Until next time, 00:21:39.829 --> 00:21:42.690 keep those conversations flowing and those standards 00:21:42.690 --> 00:21:43.009 high.