Cassville seniors and step-siblings Tierany Sloan and Jaret Hinson had their reasons in order on March 21, becoming the first ever in Cassville history to sign to judge livestock collegiately.

Sloan and Hinson simultaneously signed to the University of Arkansas at Rich Mountain, a community college in Mena, Ark. The path the pair took to Mena was also through it, as both attended a livestock judging camp at the college last summer.

“We went to the camp, and I really enjoyed the campus and the school size, and I like to judge livestock,” Hinson said. “My dad has had me doing it since I was about 3, and I show pigs. So, to be the person who decides what happens at a show is different and interesting.”

“I like judging livestock, and when we went to the camp, we enjoyed it and learned there was an opportunity for scholarship possibilities,” Sloan said. “I like looking at livestock and seeing the good qualities of animals.”

The duo’s passion for judging is reflected in their experience.

In 2021, Sloan and Hinson were on a team with Timothy Hudson that took second place at the State Fair FFA Swine Judging contest. They also have multiple awards showing animals in competition, and have won awards in speaking competitions.

Both said they are excited for the fall and working on a collegiate judging team.

“I’m excited to make new friends and have new opportunities,” Sloan said. “We will get to travel and see different places in the world, and enjoy judging livestock.”

“I’m excited for the camps and places we’ll get to go on the livestock team,” Hinson said.

Sloan and Hinson said when it comes to finding a future in livestock judging, work ethic and knowing reasons are the biggest keys.

“Work hard and take every opportunity you can to help yourself be successful, then just follow your path,” Sloan said.

“Talk your reasons [descriptive language used after judging to explain awards in a livestock class] — a lot,” Hinson said. “It’s the one thing most people hate, but it’s easier to get past the small parts of judging than to be able to talk.”

Sloan is the daughter of Talana and Jimmy Hinson, of Exeter, and Hinson is the son of Jessica and Eric Patterson and Talana and Jimmy Hinson, all of Exeter.