Meet the Judge
Meet Jason A. Craig from Paw Paw, MI
Address:
Phone:
269-598-2752
Email:
Qualified to Judge:
Sheep, Club lambs, Swine, Meat goats
Judge Classification:
Breeder, Coach/Teacher, College Alumni
Available in Region(s):
North East, North West, Midwest, South East, South West
Available in State(s):
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Available in Canada:
Yes
Judge personal information:
Jason Craig is a livestock evaluator, club lamb producer, and agricultural professional from southwest Michigan. His experience in the sheep industry spans breeding, fitting, exhibiting, and evaluating livestock throughout the Midwest and eastern United States.
Jason has judged market lambs, breeding sheep, commercial ewe shows, and showmanship contests across eight states, including state fairs, regional showcases, jackpot exhibitions, and numerous county fairs. His experience includes evaluating competitive classes ranging from local youth exhibitions to premier showcases exceeding 200 head.
As the owner of a competitive Southdown and crossbred club lamb operation, Jason remains actively involved in the sheep industry, giving him firsthand knowledge of current genetics, feeding programs, structural integrity, and the traits that produce successful show sheep while maintaining commercial relevance.
Jason believes every exhibitor deserves a fair opportunity and a clear understanding of class placings. His judging philosophy emphasizes structural correctness, balance, muscle quality, skeletal integrity, and production value while providing educational reasons that encourage youth to continue learning and improving their livestock programs.
Jason enjoys mentoring young livestock exhibitors and considers every judging assignment an opportunity to promote sportsmanship, integrity, and the future of the sheep industry.
Education:
Fort Hays State University (KS)- B.S. Agricultural Business
Activities:
Club lamb producer Nationally marketed genetics Clinics presented Youth mentorship Livestock judging competition background Breed association involvement
Judging Experience & Honors:
Judged in 8 states. Judged a state fair. Judged multiple 200+ head showcases. Repeat invitations from several fairs. Active breeder of competitive crossbred club lambs. Experience with both breeding and market sheep. Comfortable judging showmanship. North Carolina State Fair – Commercial Ewes & Showmanship Pickaway County Palooza Jackpot (OH)- 400 head of lambs and 150 head of goats Appalachian Youth Livestock Showcase (WV) – 200 head Rock County Fair (WI) x2 Preble County Fair (OH) Sanilac County Fair (MI) Eaton County Fair (MI) x2 Lenawee County Fair (MI) x2 Clinton County Fair (MI) Berrien County Youth Fair (MI) Historic Wagner Farm Stock Show (IL) Converse Jackpot (IN) Jackson Jackpot (OH) Tip of the Thumb Jackpot (MI)
Career History:
2026 Pickaway County Palooza, OH 400 lambs and 150 goats (the showbox society) 2024- North Carolina State Fair, Ewes and Showmanship 2024- Appalachian Youth Livestock Showcase, WV 200 hd, Lambs 2023- Converse IN Jackpot Show 150 hd, Lambs