inside the ring

 

What is your background and current involvement in the sheep industry?
In 1995, I started raising Montadales. I showed them extensively at the state and national level. After consulting for a Tunis farm in Massachusetts when I was living in Boston, I transitioned my farm over from Montadales to Tunis. We currently raise Tunis, Columbias, and commercial sheep. In addition to raising sheep, my career in research addresses animal husbandry and livestock genetics as well as the role that animals play in biotechnology.

What do you enjoy most about judging shows? What are you most looking forward to about judging the AAJS?
I am excited to judge the All American for the same reason I enjoy judging shows. AAJS was the most influential show for me growing up. I showed in Franklin for many years before it started to rotate, so my show career was sort of a bridge between those two eras.

In judging, I enjoy playing a role in young showmen competing, learning, and growing. For me, AAJS is at the top of the list for youth shows in creating a competitive atmosphere while also providing opportunities to learn, spend time with family, and build relationships with other showmen from across the country.

It’s for that reason that I feel a responsibility to share my perspective on sheep and do my part in helping the show continue to have a positive and lasting impact on the next generation of showmen and producers.

When it gets down to the top enders, what do you sort on/what traits do you value most?
I try to select for well-built sheep that are balanced and complete. When I get down to the top-end sheep, that is what I look for. At a show as competitive as AAJS, my ideal sheep would add a little show-ring appeal to those more practical priorities.

What is your favorite sheep that you've either judged or shown?
This is an easy one. I showed a Montadale ewe in 2003 named Princess. She was the best ewe I have ever shown, and she capitulated me as a showman and what we were trying to do with our sheep program. In addition to winning at AAJS, she went on to go undefeated at the state fairs and expositions in the Midwest and on the East Coast. Her success at NAILE was her crowning achievement. Honestly, everything I have done since, inside and outside the livestock industry, traces back to that ewe.

What person/people influenced or helped to shape your view on what an ideal show sheep should possess?
Joyce Burnham

If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Eccentric

Favorite band/musician?
Brandi Carlile

If you could travel to anywhere on earth, where and why?
I have a long list of new places I want to travel. Singapore is at the top of that list followed by Peru and South Africa. For a variety of reasons, but I find every travel experience to be an opportunity to relax and enjoy and also immerse and learn. I am particularly interested in food and agricultural traditions and systems that differ from what I grew up with.

Most embarrassing moment at a livestock show?
I won the overall breeding stock showmanship at the Indiana State Fair in 2001. The very next day, I showed some never-shown-before Columbias for Dave Bruner. He warned me about a fall ewe lamb that he said I could not show by myself. I arrogantly rejected his advice and tried to setup her back legs by myself—I was too impatient to wait for my foot setter—and she took off running over the fence and leaving me in the sawdust. I still have not forgotten this lesson!!

 

 

What is your background and current involvement in the sheep industry?
I started my sheep endeavor as a freshman in high school. Along the way, I raises several different breeds and was fortunate to have a fair amount of success along the way. At this point, I do not have any sheep.

What do you enjoy most about judging shows? What are you most looking forward to about judging the AAJS?
The opportunity to see good sheep is the most enjoyable - the same would be said for judging at the All-American.

When it gets down to the top enders, what do you sort on/what traits do you value most?
Correctness and functionality are most important. Good feet and lets, long straight top, adequate extension and an attractive look.

What is your favorite sheep that you've either judged or shown?
Star - SW 04-09, Supreme Champion 2005 NAILE

What person/people influenced or helped to shape your view on what an ideal show lamb should possess?
As a younger person, I idolized and respected the talents and abilities of Mike Nelsh, Jim Heggemeier, and Tom Gilmore.

If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Reclusive

Favorite band/musician?
John Denver

what is one thing you cannot leave the house without?
K Swiss Tennis Shoes

Most embarrassing moment at a livestock show?
Springfield, IL sale - in the top deck of the trailer, trying to get sheep down and ending up with my shorts almost completely off after the button popped off.

 

 

What is your background and current involvement in the sheep industry?
I was fortunate to be raised in a family that enjoyed competitive livestock. My Grandfather and my Dad raised Suffolk and Corriedale sheep that were exhibited competitively throughout the US during the 50’s to the 80’s. My family and I currently raise , exhibit and market Montadale and Suffolk sheep. I currently serve as a Montadale Assn Director and a Director with the California Suffolk and Hampshire Assn.

What do you enjoy most about judging shows? What are you most looking forward to about judging the AAJS?
Junior shows give you an opportunity to teach and educate youth about the trends and marketability of the livestock industry. Interactions with the exhibitors is a great opportunity to leave lasting memories, that hopefully will provide a lifestyle for the next generation. Being asked to work with the youth at the AAJS is a huge honor! Being able to give advice in showmanship and giving a fair evaluation of their livestock can be an opportunity to improve and compliment the students programs.

When it gets down to the top enders, what do you sort on/what traits do you value most?
I appreciate livestock that are built on sound square feet and legs, Level in their skeleton and are nicely balanced. Muscularity and quality breed type adds value to my priorities.

What is your favorite sheep that you've either judged or shown?
Being able to evaluate and judge Supreme Championships at shows and sales give me an opportunity to see and compare many traits that make a great one.

What person/people influenced or helped to shape your view on what an ideal show lamb should possess?
I have been blessed with 3 men that have made a huge impact in livestock evaluation. My Father, Wes Jacobsen, and my Judging Coaches Dr. John Edwards and Jim Porter instilled lifelong evaluation priorities.

If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Honest

Favorite sports team?
San Francisco Giants

If you could travel to anywhere on earth, where and why?
I would love to travel the United States and be able to see Rural America! We have a great Country with so many good people. Traveling the backroads would be a great opportunity!

Most embarrassing moment at a livestock show?
Not finishing a fit job at the California State Fair, and being called out on it by the Judge. She did win her class.

 

 

How Did you get started in the sheep business? What is your background in the sheep industry?
I started in 4-H with Southdowns. They were the popular breed in the 50's. I Had good luck showing wethers. I also showed breeding sheep at Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin County Fairs. I showed McKerrow Farms Shropshires and Oxfords along with my Southdowns. In 1959 I made enough money to buy a new truck and pay cash, I don't think that could be done today! I have also worked with Green Mountain Dorsets, Mithoefer Dorsets & Riverwood Farms.

What person/people have influenced you the most while raising sheep?
In 1960 I started helping Bob Reed at Willobee Farms Hampshires. I helped trimming for shows and sales. I learned a lot from him about management. Buster Wilson was a great friend, I have many great friends in the sheep industry.

Van Vleck Farm was a major influence in the Hampshire breed, can you give us some history, thoughts, memories of your years of managing the farm?
In June of 1963, I got a call from Bob Reed after the Eastern Stud Ram Sale. He and Larry Mead had talked to Natalie VanVleck about me being her shepherd. Kathie and I took a bus from Wisconsin to Conneticutt to look at the farm. I took the job and had many great years there. Kathie and I raised our 3 kids on the farm - Wendy, Bobby & Holly. They all helped with the sheep. Holly and her husband Ron are raising White Dorpers. Wendy still lives in Conneticutt. Our son Bobby has recently passed away.

What was your favorite sheep that you have ever shown?
In my lifetime the two sheep that stood out for their time were the Dorset ram Legacy owned by Cardinal Creek Farm & Riverwood Farms and a Hampshire ewe named Sweetheart owned by Heggemeiers.

Favorite/most influential stud buck?
Of all the rams I've used in all the breeds I think the one that impressed me the most was a Hampshire ram named "Charlie O", he was a Norman Olsen ram that Van Vleck had purchased.

You've judged alot of shows over the years, did you have a favorite show to judge?
I have judged in 26 states & Canada. I was honored to judge Chicago in 1973. I was one of the first judges to start judging from the bottom up. It shocked people when I first started! For me it was easier, because that's the way you pick your top sheep at home.

Do you have a pet peeve that bothers/bothered you when judging/watching a show?
Judges who handle the second place sheep too much before they select a champion. A judge should only handle the second to the champion.

What traits do you value most in a show sheep?
Straight topline, long bodied, with not too much front end. Legs on the corners, short pasterns, breed type and the ability to walk.

What advice would you give someone just getting started in the sheep business?
Look at the flocks from top breeders of the breed you want to purchase. Real good sheep from poorer breeders are probably just freaks!

Most embarrassing moment at a livestock show?
Losing a sheep in the ring at Louisville with Buster Wilson judging!

Favorite Sports Team?
UCONN Basketball - men & women
Green Bay Packer Football

If you could travel to anywhere on earth, where and why?
Oregon, Washington,northern Idaho - they are the only continental states I haven't been in!

 

 

What is your background and current involvement in the sheep industry?
From day one there were sheep in my life. Dad & Mom had their own Shrops & Montadales, Dad custom showed for some major producers. I grew up filling water buckets, shaking straw & putting show blankets on. In the winter it was forking corn sileage and feeding hay. Always plenty to do when school let out at 3:15! Through the summer I went showing with Dad, then when school started, Dad stayed on the circuit through October. When winter came around, there was lambing. Trimming consignment sales and production sales week to week from March til July was the norm in the 70's & 80's. I learned sheep skills, as well as people skills, from each. I now consult with several flocks, as well as recommend flocks to choose groups of ewes or stud rams for several breeders.

What do you enjoy most about judging shows? What did you most enjoy about judging the NAILE Supremes?
I do enjoy judging, and have always enjoyed showing! I enjoy getting to start the class with the sheep that I like and trying to be consistent from #1-20. I've shown enough and fitted enough sheep to realize how important it is to get it right (at least in my mind). I don't want to be driving or flying home wishing that I had switched a pair or changed a winner. I felt honored and fortunate to be selected to judge the Supreme Show at Louisville last year. The sheep representing the breeds in the supreme drive are pretty much the best in the barn. I was very happy picking the Suffolk ewe and the Polled Dorset ram - I would have liked to been showing both if I was trying to win!

What traits do you value most in a show sheep?
Soundness, eye appeal, length of hindsaddle, the type of wool they are carrying for their breed, as well as breed type. Soundness covers many areas - feet, pasterns, hocks, eyes, mouth, testicles, topline.

What is your favorite sheep that you've either judged or shown?
Many of our own Montadales, because they were our own sheep - family pride! I had many favorites over the years - One of my favorites was a Hampshire ram lamb of Dan Strahl's. I showed him in the late 70's when the classes weren't split, there would be 60-100 in a class. He was a lamb that could have won it and came close! In the late 70's there was "People's Choice", a Suffolk ewe lamb I was showing at the Midwest Sale for Duane Sickels. "Happy Jack", a Suffolk ram also in the 70's, he was raised by Larsen and purchased by Hellwedge & Burke from Oklahoma at the Midwest Sale, there were 300 yearling rams entered, he brought $2,600. I took a lot of pride and satisfaction in every one of the Montadales consigned by Weston Farm (Katherine Gabriel) in the shows and sales as well as Louisville. Best job I can imagine having, if my health hadn't taken a wrong turn, I'm pretty sure I'd still be there. I was also fortunate enough to road sheep for 5 years for Sugarloaf Dorsets (Warren & Brammie Cook/Debbie Jo Holmquist) from Kingfield, Maine. The Centennial Dorset Show at Louisville was a big highlight and honor for me. The Suffolk Show at the Indiana State Fair was the MAIN EVENT! The stands were always full, as well as five deep around the ring. That was when you were at your best.

What person/people influenced or helped to shape your view on what an ideal show sheep should possess?
Growing up mostly my Dad, there were many others. Some I was fortunate enough to work with from the 6th grade on - like Buster Wilson, Newt and Oren Wright. But by trimming and showing other breeds I learned other people's opinions that I valued and respected. Bud Westlake and Dan Strah are two others that come to the top, during the 60's and 70's, and Don Sellers, who has the natural eye for the best ones, he knew where to find them! Later, I was fortunate enough to work for Jack Larson and found a whole new respect for the commercial and range flocks, as well as range ram sales, sorting ewes for breeders and shipping by rail from Utah to the Midwest Sale.

If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Fortunate….VERY FORTUNATE

What advice would you give to someone just getting started?
That's a good question that I can answer the same for any aspect of the sheep industry - club lambs, breeding sheep, frame sheep or whatever title you want to give each type. If you are just getting started you're going to have to buy some some - make sure you buy from someone you believe you can trust. That's #1!

Do you have a pet peeve that bothers you when you are judging?
Overaging lambs, to me it's getting out of control. It is more difficult in sales than shows, because in a sale the sale order can become a shambles, as the buyers don't seem to care if they are 60 days to old or not.

Favorite band/musician?
Willie Nelson to the Allman Brothers

Favorite sports team?
S.F. Giants Baseball

What is one thing that you cannot leave the house without?
Wallet, hat, pocket knife

If you could travel to anywhere on earth, where and why?
All over the U.S.A, especially the west. I wish that I had bought a little place in the west back in the 70's, but as it turned out I'm fortunate that I didn't.

 

 

What is your background and current involvement in the sheep industry?
I grew up on my family’s sheep and cattle ranch in Northern California, and showed sheep in 4-H. Today, besides running about 120 head of black faced wether dam ewes (both registered Suffolks as well as crossbreds), I have also had the pleasure of working with my wife Mary’s family and their Suffolk flock for over 25 years.

Professionally, I’ve worked for Superior Farms for 22 years, which is the largest American lamb harvester/processor/distributor in the US. Over those 22 years I have worked in many portions of the organization, including quality control, fabrication (carcass deconstruction), General Manager of the California facility, producer relations, and sales and marketing. Currently, I serve as the Vice President of Sales.

Additionally, I currently serve as a Board Member on the American Lamb Board, and President of the California Suffolk and Hampshire Sheep Breeders Association. I am also Past President of the California Wool Growers Association, and Past Chairman of the American Sheep and Goat Center. All aspects of my life have always had sheep and sheep industry involvement.

What do you enjoy most about judging shows? What are you most looking forward to about judging NAILE?
With junior shows, it’s working with kids. If there are good sheep to look at, that is an added bonus; but in reality those kids are the future as well as future voices of agriculture. Anyone who grew up in the youth programs needs to pay it forward and make time to help and give back. With open shows, it is fun to look at good livestock, especially some that I don’t get to see or handle all that often.

As far as judging at the NAILE, I’m looking forward to handling more good slick sheared Suffolks than anyone else in the barn will get to do that day. This is THE Suffolk show of the year, and much of the future genetics of the Suffolk breed will be in front of me to evaluate that day. What isn’t there to look forward to?

When it gets down to the top enders, what do you sort on/what traits do you value most?
I like function, usefulness, and structural correctness. What is the application for the sheep I will be evaluating? The heyday of the Suffolk breed was built on their commercial industry application. They sired, and still continue to sire, the bulk of commercial lambs that our industry processes annually. They need to be sheep that can gain/grow quickly, remain correct and useful in their kind and design, and survive.

What is your favorite sheep that you've either judged or shown?
I had a wether dam who was the Supreme Champion ewe at the California State Fair Open Show in 2009. What made it special was that after Leonard Bianchi passed away, his wife Karen gave me a couple of his favorite brood ewes, one of them being Bianchi 748. My ewe who won that year was one of her daughters, and it made the win a very emotional and sentimental moment for me.

What person/people influenced or helped to shape your view on what an ideal sheep should possess?
This is fun and allows me to reminisce. I’ve had a fantastic mix of people to influence me over the years. Leonard Bianchi took me under his wing while I was in college. He was a great man, and true livestock breeder. One of my fondest memories was helping show his first Supreme Champion Wether Sire Ram at Sedalia in 1997 (and then again in 1998 and 2000). Ben Beam always quietly preached the concept of you chased extremes in breeding pieces but optimals in true evaluation. Dana Van Liew who was my judging team coach and ran the sheep unit at UC Davis while I was there talked about usefulness and application. Each breed has a purpose, and we lose that purpose if all we do is cross breed. Just like we can’t make an oak tree a redwood, we can’t make a Suffolk a Finn. Remember what each breed is supposed to do. My father in law, Bob Paasch, has always been fun to talk sheep with, especially at the commercial ram sales. Believe in your product and nurture your relationships (usually with a good drink!). He has always believed that happy customers were repeat customers.

If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Passionate

What is one thing that you cannot leave the house without?
Lots of coffee and my cell phone.

If you could travel to anywhere on earth, where and why?
The pyramids, or Russia in the winter. So much history. Seeing the result of ancient engineering, human strength and commitment in the pyramids in person I would imagine to be awe inspiring. Ever since I was little I’ve wanted to see St. Basil’s cathedral surrounded in snow. Hearing the legend that the Tsar had the architect blinded so he could never recreate the masterpiece elsewhere - I just want to see it. Both of those examples of sacrifice and commitment make me think we shouldn’t whine as much as we do as a culture now….

what is your Most embarrassing moment at a livestock show?
This year at the Arizona State Fair open breeding sheep show. In the class of fine wool natural colored spring ewe lambs, my back completely locked up and went out, I dropped to the ring floor and I think everyone thought I was having a heart attack. I finished the class and picked champion ewe from a chair, they suspended the show for about an hour to give me a chance to try to be able to move again. Later on, as I was hobbling through the Hampshire yearling ewe class, a (later to be named class winning) ewe got loose and mowed me over from behind and I ended up curled up like a sow bug in the shavings. I honestly thought I might have to be carried out on a stretcher. Somehow finished the show and flew home that evening. Amazingly, to my knowledge no pictures of this ever surfaced and I survived. Here’s to hoping that doesn’t happen again on green shavings! There was also the year I was showing a Donner Trail yearling ram at Sedalia when it was one of those years with the “extra special” weather years. He ended up rearing up and launching himself head first directly into the center of a fan. At the end of that scuffle the fan was banging and clanging, I was laying on the ground, he was on top of me, and I had a chipped front tooth. The best part of that whole experience was that it happened in a time prior to cell phone cameras!

 

 

 

What is your background and current involvement in the sheep industry?
I was born and raised on a diversified sheep, cattle, and grain operation in South Dakota. Most people know me though my family involvement with registered Corriedale sheep that have won numerous national honors. I received my Bachelor’s Degree from South Dakota State University in Animal Sciences; and a Master’s Degree and Ph.D. in Meat Sciences from Colorado State University with an emphasis in lamb quality, value, and consumer perception. Now, I am currently employed at North Dakota State University and the University of Minnesota as the Extension Sheep Specialist for North Dakota and Minnesota and based in Fargo, ND.

What do you enjoy most about judging shows? What are you most looking forward to about judging NAILE?
Living the dream in the green chips, I keep the atmosphere light and entertaining. It is a joy to talk with the youth, and enjoy the experience with a smile. Certainly, I am intrigued by the results of producer’s sheep breeding programs, but for me it is about people.

When it gets down to the top enders, what do you sort on/what traits do you value most?
Structural Correctness. I emphasize functional skeletal design, and prefer an extra lap around the ring to place the tight pairs.

What is your favorite sheep that you've either judged or shown?
Trent, Cruz, & Olivia Nichols exhibited “Sweetness,” an impeccable Dorset that was wedged-shaped before it was cool and named Supreme Ewe at 2009 NAILE Jr. Show.

What person/people influenced or helped to shape your view on what an ideal show lamb should possess?
I have been surrounded by many superb mentors. My father, Bruce, helped me as a young stockman, and I attribute my evaluation success to Dr. Kelly Bruns, my South Dakota State University livestock judging team coach. It is a moving industry, and staying current assists in incorporating practicality in the “ideal” sheep.

If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Passionate

Favorite band/musician?
Josh Abbott Band or Aaron Watson

Favorite sports team?
Minnesota Twins

Most embarrassing moment at a livestock show?
I was judging a sheep show in Spanish Fork, Utah on a gorgeous May morning. Minutes before the show, I jumped over the hog panels between the barn and the ring. I heard a rip and caught my pants on the gate causing a small tear above my knee. The hotel is 20 minutes away, and a mentor of mine Dr. Brett Kaysen is about to judge the swine show. I said to myself, “WWBKD, what would Brett Kaysen do?” Rock on and just sort livestock: Good ones up, and bad ones down!

 

 

 

What is your background and current involvement in the sheep industry?
I grew up on a 200 head Corriedale farm. My wife and I along with our two children currently have around 80 head of club lamb ewes and help with the family’s Columbia herd which consists of around 25 head.

What do you enjoy most about judging shows? What are you most looking forward to about judging NAILE?
I think the thing I enjoy the most about judging shows is watching people compete and presenting their animal. The thing I look forward to about judging at NAILE is having the opportunity to work with the youth and having them present their animals to me. It is truly an honor. Secondly I love the green shavings. The green shavings in November tends to always bring the elite ones to the ring.

When it gets down to the top enders, what do you sort on/what traits do you value most?
I think for me it comes down to structure, movement and the one that is the most balanced in its makeup. If it’s still a coin toss at that point then I look at the extras.

What is your favorite sheep that you've either judged or shown?
I have been blessed with the opportunity to judge tons of great sheep on the breeding side and on the market lamb side so to limit that to one would be a tough one. I think my favorite sheep that I ever showed was a sheep that we called “THE BIG DAWG” - he won a lot for me and was a fun one to feed.

What person/people influenced or helped to shape your view on what an ideal sheep should posess?
The person who has influenced me the most is an easy one for me, it would be my DAD. Although I have had the opportunity to learn from and become friends with many top notch evaluators he’s the one that has always pointed me in the right direction.

If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Passionate

Who is your favorite musician?
George Strait

What is your favorite sports team?
Nebraska Husker Football and ILLINI Basketball

 

 

What is your background and current involvement in the sheep industry?
I'm a redneck hillbilly from southwest Missouri - I raised cattle and hogs in 4H and FFA. I have a BS degree in Animal Science from Missouri State.

What do you enjoy most about judging shows?
Being able to compare the different approaches breeders use to try and reach their ideals.

When it gets down to the top enders, what do you sort on/what traits do you value most?
Structural correctness, sound feet and legs, high square docks, extension in fronts, breed type, plus even bold crimped fleeces that carry into the britch.

What is your favorite sheep that you've either judged or shown?
I have judged several that I really liked. Kuykendall's Natural Colored ewe at NAILE, Taylor's Border Leicester ewes at NAILE, Champion Corriedale Ewe from Humphrey at NAILE, Champion White Romney ewe at this year's Big E, plus many more.

Favorite ewe was Reserve Champion Columbia at NAILE 1988 and favorite ram was Supreme Champion Romney Ram at NAILE 2004.

If you could go anywhere on vacation, where would it be?
I'm cruising Northern Europe after NAILE and looking forward to spending a day at Normandy.

 

 

 

What is your background and current involvement in the sheep industry?
My involvement in the sheep industry dates back to 1990 when my family started our flock of registered Hampshires that is still in existence today and is known as Baa Baa Acres. Along with our Hampshire flock, I am currently the shepherd at North Dakota State University where I oversee the management and breeding program of a 400 head flock that consists of four breeds of sheep.

What do you enjoy most about judging shows? What are you most looking forward to about Big E?
What I enjoy most about judging sheep shows is the opportunity to see some of the very best sheep in the country and to the chance to see stock from a variety of breeders. As I come back for the second year at the Big E, I look forward to seeing and evaluating sheep from a part of the county that we typically don't see in the Midwest. Each year there is a number of elite animals from elite breeders from the Northeast that are always competitive on the national level and having the chance to sort them at the Big E is exciting and enjoyable. Plus, I'm not going to lie, being in New England and eating some amazing seafood ranks pretty high on my list when I'm at the Big E.

When it gets down to the top enders, what do you sort on/what traits do you value most?
When it gets to a close placing, I always break those ties on structural correctness and breed type. I feel that structural correctness forecasts longevity within the individual, and to me, there is nothing better than seeing a sheep that represents that particular breed with ideal type.

What is your favorite sheep that you've either judged or shown?
I have had the opportunity to judge some of very elite sheep over the years. I have had the chance to evaluate a few individuals that have gone on to be named Supreme Champions in Louisville. Those include a Suffolk ewe from Ruby Mountain Sheep Co. in 2014 and Rambouillet ewe from Dew Drop Farms in 2015. I will also admit, there is no greater feeling than being able to shake the hand of an exhibitor on the green chips in Louisville and crown a breed champion at the NAILE.

If you could go anywhere on vacation, where would it be?
If I could go anywhere on vacation I would love to go to either New Zealand, Australia or the UK to see sheep operations. Now, my wife might put a limit to the number of sheep farms we visit, but I think that would be a dream trip!

 

 

 

What is your background and current involvement in the sheep industry?
I have been raising sheep almost all my life beginning in 4-H with Montadales. I grew up showing sheep on the county fair circuit in Ohio as well as the Ohio State Fair and NAILE. In my spare time, I sheared sheep to be able to have extra spending money. After attending and graduating from meat cutting school in Toledo, I began consulting and fitting sheep professionally for several top breeders across the United States. In 1999, I married my wife Stacy and we started Jadewood Valley Hampshires. After the birth of our daughter Callie in 2005, we added Border Leicesters and today also raise Shropshires and Katahdins. Currently we run 300 brood ewes with our main focus being selling purebred frame seedstock as well as wether type seedstock and market lambs. In addition, we supply lamb for a farm to table market in Pittsburgh. I have been judging livestock for over 25 years and have had the pleasure of judging all across the United States and in Mexico.

What do you enjoy most about judging shows?
The thing I enjoy most about judging shows is the opportunity to travel around the country and see the various animals and breeding programs. It gives a person the chance to see animals they might not otherwise have the chance to see. Also I greatly enjoy the camaraderie between people in the sheep industry. No matter where I have traveled, breeders have been very welcoming and hospitable. Lastly but certainly not least however, is the opportunity to work with the youth in our industry. Anytime, I get a chance to encourage youngsters to continue and/or increase their involvement in the sheep industry I believe it is my responsibility to do so.

When it gets down to the top enders, what do you sort on/what traits do you value most?
When evaluating livestock I am very critical on structure and movement. Any animal no matter the species needs to be sound and be able to move about the ring very free and easily. Also that animal needs to be able to hold itself together while in motion. I look for an animal that runs up hill and has a lot of showring presence. An eye appealing, complete animal that can get out and go will always do well in the ring when I am judging.

What is your favorite sheep that you have either shown or judged?
I have been blessed with the opportunity to have been involved with so many wonderful sheep in my career. If I had to choose one, it would have to be a Suffolk ewe named “High Tower”. There was just something special about this female from the time she was born at Hardcash Suffolks in New Philadelphia, Ohio. I had a great relationship with High Tower and had the privilege to raise and show this female her entire career. As a yearling ewe, she was named Champion Ewe at the 1992 Ohio Suffolk Sale where she was purchased by another breeder that I worked and showed for. Continuing her career, she won the All-American Junior Suffolk show before going to NAILE where she was Champion ewe and Supreme Ewe Overall. Her career didn’t stop there however as she continued to impress in the lambing barn raising most notably a ewe lamb named “Penthouse” that sold to Tad Thompson of Indiana.

If you could go anywhere on vacation, where would it be?
It would have to be England and New Zealand. I would greatly enjoy the opportunity to see the differences in the way they raise sheep as compared to the way we do in the United States. When I was growing up, my family hosted an exchange student from England and I found the stories he told extremely fascinating. To be able to experience these differences first hand would be a great learning tool for any sheep breeder.

 

 

 

What is your background and current involvement in the sheep industry?
Over 40 years ago the Held’s 4-J’s Hampshire flock was created along with my two brothers and a sister at Oakfield, WI. By the late 1980’s the ownership shifted to my wife Mary and I with the flock renamed Held’s Hampshires. In 1990 I accepted the faculty sheep extension position at South Dakota State University with current responsibilities including extension, teaching and research programming. The flock moved with us to South Dakota and later our twin boys added a small flock of Southdowns. During the past 30 years I’ve had the opportunity to judge numerous youth and open sheep shows across the country, ranging from county fairs to NAILE open shows.

What do you enjoy most about judging shows?
In my opinion the focus and responsibilities related to judging is dependent on the type of show, youth or open show. In the youth shows the enjoyment for me is observing young people having a positive experience during the exhibition process, it should be FUN!! I expect my role includes to make the youth exhibitors feel comfortable while in the showring. On the other hand with open shows it’s a privilege to be given the responsibility to focus on evaluating the top end individuals a breed has to offer….it can’t get any better than that!!!

What is your biggest pet peeve in the show ring?
Great question!! Answer: If the show ring is too small resulting in the head to tail view line up configured in a circle rather than a straight line. As a judge it is more challenging to evaluate a class of sheep when you are surrounded with sheep.

What are you most looking forward to about judging the
All-American?
Rather simple! Seeing the shinning smiles of the hundreds of youth that are enjoying the opportunity to take part in the “All-American” experience!

What is your favorite show, and why?
Whether it’s a small local show or a major big time event like the All-American or an open show at NAILE….. they are all special! The common thread is people engaged in sheep exhibition, in many cases these are family activities that provide great joy for years.

If you could go see anyone in concert, who would it be?
From a past era – Styx

 

 

 

What is your background and current involvement in the sheep industry?
I grew up raising and showing Suffolks, we showed at many shows in the upper midwest and sent a few head to Louisville over the years! I also helped Dew Drop Farms show and trim for a number of years. My Dad brought me to many shows and sales when I was younger and it has stuck with me to get where I am today. Currently my family shows market lambs, pigs, and cattle. That leaves me just enough time to judge a few shows, with nothing better than a good ol' breeding sheep show.

What do you enjoy most about judging shows?
I enjoy evaluating good stock that are presented well! It is an adrenaline rush when you find one you really like. But the thing that makes all shows good is the "livestock family."

What is your biggest pet peeve in the show ring?
My pet peeve is the exhibitors that are always late to the ring so they can get in one spot of the ring. I do understand that sometimes a person is farther from the ring but...

What are you most looking forward to about judging the
All-American?
The kids and the quality of sheep! Plus meeting many new people who have not heard of me before.

What is your favorite show, and why?
That's a tough one: Louisville is the "super bowl," Sedalia is a great event, MN State Fair is fun minus all the people... but sometimes the good old county fair is the best!!!

If you could go see anyone in concert, who would it be?
Not much of a concert person, would have to say Pentatonix cause the wife likes them! But Katherine said I had to pick somebody, so I would say Blackhawk.

 

 

 

What is your background and current involvement in the sheep industry?
I am a fourth generation shepherd. My great grandfather raised Southdowns and Dorsets then both sets of my grandparents raised Corriedales. When I was younger we had Dorsets, Southdowns, and Corriedales. When I was eight my parents bought me my first Natural Coloreds and soon after we sold the Dorsets and the Southdowns followed. I currently serve on the American Corriedale Association board and am the Regional President of the NCWGA.

What do you enjoy most about judging shows?
There are two things I really enjoy about judging. One is getting to work with the youth. They are the future of the industry and I really enjoy seeing the passion the kids have for showing while still having fun. The second is getting to go through all the sheep. I've always enjoyed evaluating livestock whether it be in a pasture or in the showring.

What is your biggest pet peeve in the show ring?
Showmen that don't try to control their animal so you can handle it.

What are you most looking forward to about judging the
All-American?
Besides getting to evaluate the livestock and work with the kids, I'm looking forward to seeing the facility. Sounds like a great place.

What is your favorite show, and why?
NAILE will always be my favorite. The atmosphere around those green shavings is unrivaled to me. You can visit with all the people you only see a few times a year and compete with the best in the nation.

If you could go see anyone in concert, who would it be?
The king George Strait!