Clay Carlson’s journey to becoming a respected figure in the agricultural and academic communities at California State University, Chico (Chico State) wasn’t straightforward.
Raised in Clovis, CA, Carlson’s early years were spent immersed in agricultural activities like showing cattle through 4-H and FFA. Yet, his love for competition took him in a different direction—basketball.
Basketball brought him to Chico State, where he played for the college team and temporarily drifted away from agriculture.
“It’s not that I disconnected entirely,” Carlson told WLJ. “But basketball consumed my collegiate life. It wasn’t until I finished playing that Dave Daley encouraged me to take a livestock judging class. That one decision set me on a trajectory I hadn’t imagined.”
Carlson said Daley’s approach to education and livestock judging instilled a deep sense of responsibility.
“Dave taught me to always be a lifelong learner,” Carlson said. “He emphasized improving not just ourselves, but the institutions and programs we’re part of. ‘Leave it better than you found it’ was a mantra he lived by.”
This philosophy guided Carlson as he took over the reins of Chico State’s livestock judging program in 2001, becoming only the third coach in the program’s history.
Building competitive spirit
Carlson’s commitment to building competitive and resilient individuals is at the heart of his coaching philosophy. “To whom much is given, much is expected in return,” he often reminds his students. This quote, inspired by his father, Jerry, and former basketball coach, Keith Hughes, encapsulates his belief in responsibility and gratitude.
Jessica Simpson and Joey Hutchinson, two of Carlson’s current students, credit him as the primary reason they chose Chico State, stating he has an excellent reputation.
For Carlson, Chico State has always been an underdog in the competitive world of livestock judging, where powerhouse schools like Texas A&M and Oklahoma State universities dominate. Yet, he thrives in this David-vs.-Goliath scenario.
“I take pride in representing Northern California and the entire West Coast. My goal is to make the program better and ensure it doesn’t falter on my watch,” he said.
As a teacher of carcass evaluation production courses, Carlson merges practical skills with academic knowledge. He stresses the importance of bridging the gap between commercial and show livestock.
“These two worlds often seem diametrically opposed, but understanding both is vital,” Carlson explains. “Whether my students go into show livestock, commercial cattle or another sector, I want them to have a well-rounded perspective.”
As he reflects on his career, Carlson hopes his students leave with more than just technical skills.
“I want them to have a sense of pride in what they’ve achieved and where they come from. I hope they never quit learning and always strive to be better,” Carlson said.
His influence extends far beyond the judging arena. Many of Carlson’s former students have gone on to have significant roles in agriculture, from managing livestock operations to leading organizations like the California Farm Bureau.
“Seeing their successes is what keeps me going,” Carlson says.
Carlson’s success wouldn’t be possible without his family’s unwavering support.
“I’m incredibly lucky to have a wife and kids who understand the demands of my career,” Carlson said. “They take care of everything at home so that I can focus on my students.”
His children’s involvement in 4-H and livestock projects adds another layer to his connection to the industry, keeping him grounded and continuously learning.
Carlson’s goal remains simple: to instill a love of learning, a competitive spirit and a sense of pride in his students. “I want them to leave knowing they were part of something special,” he said. “If they walk away with those values, I’ve done my job.”
Ultimately, Carlson’s journey is one of dedication and serves as a reminder that the best leaders are those who never stop learning and who inspire others to do the same.
Jessica Simpson: A lifelong passion for livestock
Growing up in Bend, OR, Jessica Simpson was immersed in agriculture from a young age. Her family raised show cattle, and as a product of 4-H and FFA, Simpson quickly became captivated by the competitive world of livestock evaluation.
“I think I went through my first judging contest when I was probably six years old,” Simpson told WLJ.
Simpson said it was a natural progression, and inspired by her older brothers, she competed through high school, becoming a member of state-winning 4-H and FFA teams. Simpson now runs her own operation, Simpson Livestock, which specializes in competitive sheep and goats.
As a senior majoring in animal science at Chico State, she said her decision to attend the university was deliberate. After competing on the livestock judging team at Linn Benton Community College in Albany, OR, she set her sights on a program that would push her further. Chico State, and specifically Clay Carlson, stood out.
“Coach Carlson and the judging program here is the main reason I came to Chico State,” Simpson said.
She was drawn by the program’s reputation for success and Carlson’s ability to compete against powerhouse schools in the Midwest despite being based on the West Coast.
“I wanted to attend somewhere where my coach had the same competitive nature I did, but also cared about helping us in every aspect of life outside of judging,” Simpson continued.
Simpson said Carlson has a unique approach to coaching, emphasizing his ability to tailor strategies to individual students.
“Regardless of whether you’re a beginner or someone like me, who’s been judging forever, he knows how to meet you where you are and push you to the next level,” Simpson explained.
Carlson’s insight into cattle and hogs has been invaluable for Simpson, who specializes in sheep and goats.
“He fills in the gaps in my knowledge and always encourages us to strive for improvement,” she said.
Simpson said Carlson’s dedication to his students is unwavering, with him encouraging people and emphasizing teamwork and resilience. When asked what she’ll take away from her experience, Simpson emphasized Carlson’s mentorship and the camaraderie of her teammates. “Traveling the country with some of my closest friends and one of my greatest mentors has been incredible. It’s not just about work; we’ve had a lot of fun along the way,” she said.
Simpson encourages others to consider Chico State for its livestock judging program.
“Coach Carlson has been an incredible mentor not only to me but to so many others. The program here offers an unparalleled experience,” she said.
As Simpson looks forward to her final contest at the North American International Livestock Exposition in 2025, she said the lessons learned and the relationships built will stay with her for a lifetime.
Joey Hutchinson: High school curiosity
Joey Hutchinson’s introduction to livestock judging was an unexpected twist in his high school journey in Livermore, CA.
Hutchinson stumbled into livestock evaluation during his junior year when the COVID-19 pandemic halted his welding team competitions. Encouraged by a teammate’s mother, he tried his hand at judging livestock and quickly discovered an innate talent.
“I stuck with it through my senior year and ended up as the high individual in California,” Hutchinson told WLJ.
Following his success in high school, Hutchinson received scholarship offers from multiple colleges, including Linn Benton Community College in Albany, OR, where he competed nationally and honed his skills. When it came time to transfer, Hutchinson considered opportunities at the University of Arkansas, the University of Nebraska and others in the Midwest. Ultimately, he chose Chico State, largely influenced by the reputation and coaching style of Clay Carlson.
“Coach Carlson’s understanding of livestock and his ability to tailor his feedback to each individual made the decision easy,” Hutchinson explained.
Hutchinson said he admired Carlson’s proven track record, particularly with students from Linn Benton who had thrived under his mentorship at Chico State.
Hutchinson’s experience at Chico State has been transformative. He said Carlson’s emphasis on grit and mental toughness has pushed him to excel in judging and personal development. “When things get hard, you have to get harder,” Hutchinson recalled as one of Carlson’s key lessons. The intense practice schedule and high expectations have refined his skills, helping him achieve accolades such as high individual at the San Francisco Grand National Cow Palace and second overall at the Western Fall Classic Livestock Judging Contest in Medford, OR.
Hutchinson said Carlson’s adaptability as a coach has been particularly impactful. He understands that every student has a unique background and skill level, and he tailors his feedback accordingly.
“He knows how to explain things differently depending on who he’s coaching, which is a rare and valuable skill,” Hutchinson said.
Reflecting on his time at Chico State, Hutchinson is grateful for the opportunities and mentorship he’s received.
For those considering livestock judging, Hutchinson offers the following advice: “If you’re not in livestock judging and have the chance to try it, do it. And if you can, I’d highly recommend Chico State with Coach Carlson as your mentor.”
Hutchinson’s hard work will culminate at the National Champion Contest at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, KY.
A junior majoring in agricultural business, Hutchinson plans to leverage his livestock judging experience in his professional life. He aims to deepen his understanding of the livestock industry and build lasting connections within the field.
“Networking is a big part of livestock judging, and the relationships I’ve built will definitely help me in the future,” he said.
