Meet the Judges

Joel Lemley

Merrilou Russell

Kaso Kety

Tammy Tiner, along with her husband and daughter, Kenn and Laura Harding, began raising Registered Texas Longhorns in 1998 when Laura received a donated heifer. They have been actively involved with the breed ever since. Rafter H Longhorns is proud to have raised and exhibited a number of grand and reserve champions and TLBAA Hall of Fame Winners. Their initial focus was raising animals for Laura to exhibit with the Texas Longhorn Breeders of tomorrow. However, they have acquired and raised a number of straight butler animals and have enjoyed learning the history and traits of this important family of Texas Longhorns. In 2010, it was Tammy's distinct honor to serve as one of the trophy steer judges at the TLBAA World Show. She has also served as TLBT Gold Merit chair. Tammy retired from the department of chemistry at Texas A & M University in 2015.

Russell Hooks lives in McGregor, Texas with his wife Felicia Hooks and is a Fifth generation cattleman. Russell has worked as a Ranch Manager, herdsman, custom cattle fitter and showman. Russell has produced numerous area and regional Champions, as well as world and national champions. He and Felicia own and operate Chosen One Genetics, a Embryo Transfer and A.I. Facility. Russell and his wife Felicia raise and maintain a herd of Texas Longhorn cattle that are of the Historic Butler bloodline. Russell travels the country judging numerous Texas Longhorn shows in the our industry for the ITLA and TLBAA. Russell is currently serving as the Vice President and Secretary of ITLA as well served several years on the TLBAA Breed advisory Committee.