When the 2026 Hill District Grandstand Livestock Show kicks off its Market Lamb competition, exhibitors will be showcasing their hard work in front of a judge who knows the industry inside and out. Marty Gibbs, a seasoned livestock judge from Ballinger, Texas, will bring decades of experience, passion, and dedication to the role. His background and commitment to youth programs make him the perfect fit to evaluate the best of the best in the lamb division.

A Legacy of Knowledge and Expertise

Marty Gibbs boasts an impressive educational foundation rooted in agriculture. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree from Angelo State University. During his time at Texas A&M, Gibbs showcased his own competitive skills as a member of the Reserve National Champion Livestock Judging Team, an achievement that speaks to his deep understanding of livestock evaluation.

But Gibbs’ knowledge doesn’t stop in the classroom or the show ring. With over 35 years of judging experience, he has evaluated lambs and goats across Texas and 15 other states. His expertise spans diverse breeds and exhibitor styles, making him well-equipped to bring fairness, professionalism, and thoughtful critique to the Hill District Grandstand (HDGS) Market Lamb competition.

A Passion for Livestock and Youth Development

For Gibbs, judging livestock is more than a profession – it’s a lifelong passion. “Livestock have always been my passion since I was young, and I’ve always loved the art of livestock judging,” he says. This passion has fueled a decades-long career and inspired his dedication to youth programs like 4-H and FFA.

Gibbs understands the life-changing impact these programs can have on young people and their families. “The youth program was how I raised my family, and I realized the value of this program in youth development,” he shares. Indeed, 21 years of raising and guiding his own six children through the world of lambs and goats reinforced his belief in the power of livestock competitions to nurture skills like responsibility, discipline, and perseverance.

Now, as his kids have grown, Gibbs continues to give back to the community by staying involved as a judge. His goal? To help create a positive and rewarding experience for exhibitors and their families.

Words of Wisdom for Exhibitors

While Marty Gibbs doesn’t have a personal motto, he holds close to a quote his son once cherished. It’s one he now shares with exhibitors as a guiding principle for the show ring and beyond:

“Good, better, best, never let it rest, ’till your good is better and your better is best!”

Whether you’re a seasoned exhibitor or stepping into the ring for the first time, Gibbs encourages you to follow this mantra, continually striving for improvement.

Life Beyond the Show Ring

When Gibbs isn’t on the road judging competitions, he devotes his time to family and his other great passion: breeding livestock. Together with his wife Cindy, Gibbs maintains a small flock of Southdown ewes. “That has to be considered my hobby, as that is where I spend most of my time when not at work,” he remarks. The couple takes great pride in breeding high-quality livestock and watching their breeding decisions come to life in the show ring.

Excitement for the 2026 HDGS Market Lamb Competition

For Gibbs, the Hill District Grandstand Livestock Show is an event steeped in tradition, excellence, and community spirit. He looks forward to seeing the hard work and dedication of exhibitors culminate in the show ring. As someone who has spent decades celebrating and contributing to youth livestock programs, Gibbs is committed to ensuring that every participant has a positive and memorable experience.

Exhibitors, as you ready your market lambs for the show ring, know that you’ll be judged by someone who truly values your hard work and passion. Marty Gibbs brings not only credibility but a genuine understanding of what it takes to succeed in the livestock world.

We can’t wait to see all of you at the 2026 Hill District Grandstand Livestock Show. Prepare to give it your all, and remember Marty Gibbs’ words of encouragement:

“Good, better, best, never let it rest, ’till your good is better and your better is best!”

Best of luck to all our exhibitors—we’ll see you in the ring!