A Senior College Livestock Judging Coach embarks on the task of guiding students through their final years of college, and beginning their careers, all while coaching students to be the most competitive evaluators. This task is not one that is taken lightly and takes an extreme amount of dedication and commitment. The most talented individuals are mentored and guided by industry leaders who dedicate their time, knowledge, and passion to the next generation of agricultural enthusiasts. The selfless act of coaching any team at the national level is a value and skill, that is second to none. Coaching a competitive livestock judging team ensures the coach holds integrity, guidance, and wisdom which is therefore passed onto their students. This year, Sullivan Supply is proud to announce Dr. Parker Henley, Head Livestock Coach of Oklahoma State University, as the Best of the Barns Senior College Livestock Judging Team Coach.
Dr. Parker Henley originates from the Fescue Hills of Central Missouri on a multi-generational cow-calf operation which instilled in Dr. Henley a deep appreciation for agriculture and animal husbandry. Dr. Henley states, “While my parents didn’t show livestock themselves, they saw its value in raising our family through 4-H and FFA.” In 1999, Dr. Henley and his sister purchased their first Charolais heifer, raising and showing cattle alongside club lambs and pigs, became a passion they shared. Following high school, family friends introduced Dr. Henley to livestock judging, where he enrolled at Butler Community College in Kansas. As he solidified his passion for livestock judging, Dr. Henley continued his education at Kansas State University, where he was a crucial member of the livestock judging team. It was through agriculture at Kansas State University that Dr. Henley met his wife, Christy Henley, and together furthered their passion for the American International Charolais Association. Following his undergraduate studies, Dr. Henley pursued his PhD at the University of Illinois, where he took his first steps in coaching livestock judging. Upon completing Dr. Henley’s PhD, Oklahoma State University was at the top of his list fitting his ideal coaching aspirations. Currently, Dr. Henley is the Head Livestock Judging Coach and the Dr. Robert “Bob” Totusek Endowed Chair Fellow, privileged with the opportunity of guiding talented students and witnessing their growth.
“My coaching philosophy revolves around three core pillars, building a championship culture, fostering individual growth through diverse learning methods, and preparing students for professional success in the livestock industry.” With an initial goal to establish a championship culture, Dr. Henley sets high expectations, nurturing a commitment to excellence, and fostering integrity and loyalty within a team. Coaching a livestock judging team of Oklahoma State University’s size raises challenges, but Dr. Henley recognizes each individual learns differently and is rooted in a unique livestock background, so he uses a diverse teaching method and tailors his coaching to each student. Ultimately, any successful program equips students for professional success, so Dr. Henley’s ultimate goal is to prepare them for careers in various areas of animal agriculture.
A good coach, in any activity, builds a connection and level of respect with his students and peers. Actively building connections with those around you is a quality of any industry leader. However, the strongest realization of a great leader is knowing there is always room for improvement. As Dr. Henley recognizes, coaching a livestock judging team means he is surrounded by the nation’s most talented livestock enthusiasts. “It’s a constant learning environment that keeps me energized. The shared passion for livestock judging is truly contagious.”
A legendary contest that Dr. Henley anticipates for all season is the National Championship at the North American International Livestock Expo in Louisville, Kentucky. “The grind leading up to Lousiville is incredibly rewarding, and witnessing their growth and ability to refine their skills throughout that process is amazing. It’s a fitting culmination to a long season of dedication and a reminder of the bigger picture – our shared passion for the livestock industry.” A memory Dr. Henley will forever cherish is, “taking a victory lap around the grounds playing, ‘Shouldve Been a Cowboy’ – these moments are some that I will never forget.”
Below are a few of the several successes Dr. Henley has coached in his career.
2024 Champion Team