Championdrive.com is pleased to present this week's “Beyond the Winners Circle” featuring Aspen Pirtle from Oklahoma City, OK. We invite you to read our interview with Aspen below. Please continue to check back weekly for our next edition of “Beyond the Winners Circle”. 
Where do you live?
I reside in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. However, I find myself traveling back and forth where I grew up in Copan, Oklahoma to spend time with my family and the animals.
College/Major
I graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelors in Animal Science. I am currently working on a Masters degree in Agricultural Education.
What is your job/career?
I am a Youth and Education Coordinator for American Farmers & Ranchers in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
How has showing impacted your career?
Considering all of my twenty-three years has been around livestock, most definitely it has shaped me into the person I am today. My involvement in numerous livestock associations and organizations have allowed me the opportunity to develop a strong passion towards people, as well as, educating people on the agriculture industry.
 What do you feel your biggest accomplishment is thus far?
My biggest accomplishment was receiving the honor of the Oklahoma State 4-H Livestock Judging High Individual. This accomplishment my senior year of high school wouldn’t have been possible without hard work and dedication devoted towards evaluating livestock. This is still something I am very passionate about and look forward to every opportunity I am given to evaluate livestock or teach clinics to young people.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years I see myself settling down and starting a family. But, I will also still be pursuing my passion for breeding, evaluating, and showing livestock.
What was your favorite show? Why?
My favorite show happened to be an association I belonged to when I was growing up called the Northeastern Oklahoma Lamb Association. I would attend five shows throughout the season for points. The shows were always memorable because of the lambs that were shown, the friendships I made, but most importantly the time spent with my family. One cannot truly imagine how many miles and stories can accumulate after a long day at a show but it always taught me to truly appreciate those moments because you may never get them back.
What was your favorite lamb showed? Why? 
I can still remember the day I got my first lamb. The guy pulled up into our front yard and put her on a halter. She was a Suffolk breeding ewe. People were so concerned about me showing here because she stood a lot taller than I did. Her name was “Holly” and I got to show her at my first national show which happened to be the American Royal . I was seven at the time. Holly was pretty special and even though she stopped producing after seven years, my dad promised we could keep her around. Holly was the simple reminder to keep working hard because my career would be filled with some of the biggest opportunities of my life.
What did you enjoy the most about showing?
A lot of people might think that becoming a class winner at a state fair or national show comes to you overnight. However, I will be the first to tell you that it does not. The most important part of my show career and something that I enjoyed the most was the time spent with my family. This was a family effort. It sometimes took a lot of hard work, sweat and even some tears, but I was successful because I had a great family to help me along the way.
 What do you miss about showing?
I miss not being able to step foot in another junior market show at the national or state level. I suppose that is why I become more and more involved each year. This gives me more opportunities to work with young people and still have those experiences.
If you could go back and do one thing over (showing wise) what would it be?
I am a firm believer in things happening for a reason. I believe I showed the lambs I did and attended the shows I attended for a reason. I believe that if I had the opportunity to go back and do one thing over again I would not be the person I am today. So I am very thankful for the opportunities I had the chance to be a part of when I was showing.
Who helped you along the way the most?
I had several people, so it was more like a team. My team consisted of my mom, dad, sister, Grandma Patti and Papa Jr. Whether it was working lambs at home or a show on the weekend, my family was always right beside me. As I have gotten older my team has expanded. Two people that have helped me along my path in life are Dr. Jerry Fitch who is a mentor of mine and someone I work very closely with as the Secretary/Treasurer of the NEOLA; the other person is Dr. Clay Elliott who was my former livestock judging coach when I attended Redlands Community College. These two people are those who I consult for industry and life advice, but most importantly these mentors are like “family” to me. I have had many memories with these people who have became very special to me, those in which I cherish every opportunity I am around them.
What is one piece of advice for those looking to go into your career?
Learn to have a passion for agriculture and educating young people, but most importantly have a deep sense of pride in what you do.
If you had two lambs in the grand drive, who would you get to show the other one?
Since I was little I have always had a co-pilot, my little sister, Cassie. If I had two lambs in the grand drive, even if it was the most important show in the world, I would want no one else but my sister to show it. This is mainly because I always admired how she showed. She was always very compassionate toward her lambs as well as doing an outstanding job and would always work hard in the show ring as well as at home.
Thank you Aspen and best wishes in the future! |
