Isaak Beaman is from Huntington, Indiana, Isaak and his wife, Kelsey, operate a 60-head barrow stud operation while raising their three sons; Stockton, Stetson, and Sterling—around the same industry that shaped him.

“My name is Isaak Beaman from Huntington, IN. My wife Kelsey & I have 3 sons. We own and operate a 60 head boar stud operation in Huntington, IN.”

Isaak started his judging career at 18 he started at Black Hawk East. Isaak had the opportunity to travel all over with his team which became one of his favorite memories.

“Traveling “The Pilgrimage” for the National Barrow Show was my first big experience. Getting the opportunity to see different farms across the Midwest was a very eye opening experience for me”

Isaak’s favorite part of his judging career was having the opportunity to travel all over the United States.

“Getting the opportunity to travel all over the United States & seeing different parts of the country was a highlight.”

When an animal hits the ring Isaak wants that first impression to make him turn around for a second look. 

“General quality will get you spun back around and put back in a pen as much as anything, don’t miss the big picture, and sort through the little details deeper into the class.”

When it comes to evaluating livestock, Isaak likes to identify what immediately concerns him.

“My two biggest pet peeves are frail-featured animals and ones that need more chest. If you can check those two boxes right out of the gate, you’ve got a fighting chance.”

When asked, “As a judge and breeder what’s your take on picking muscularity over femininity and do you believe it should be that way or over all structure wins?” Isaak said,

“I think it’s relative to the class and the situation, I try not to single-trait animals. When you do that, you can lose sight of the bigger picture of quality from class to class.”

When it comes to showmanship for Isaak consistency, and that initial impression is key. 

“It’s no different than walking into a job interview, two steps in the right interviewer can read a lot into the person walking through the door.”

In showmanship consistency and the first impression comes first. But, for Isaak a trait he doesn’t love in showmanship is the bop/bounce 

“Its a little too exaggerated and over the top for me.”

When judging a Grand Drive, Isaak already has a mental framework before the animals enter the ring.

“Generally, I think back to their individual drives and have my top five in place before they walk in. Most of the time that order holds true, barring any major changes—but I’ll adjust when I get them back together.”

Isaak says he plans on taking his future day by day. He feels he has checked a lot of boxes, he has had some pretty special moments and hopes to continue his journey one day at a time. 

“Relax and enjoy the ride. There’s lots of personalities in the business, find your tribe, love them, and you cannot be beat. The loudest voice in the room doesn’t always represent the majority in this business.”