Ringside March/April 2023

RINGSIDE

May 11-13, 2023

Darke County Fairgrounds | 800 Sweitzer St., Greenville, OH

Entry Deadline: March 25, 2023 | Online Entries available at www.selectls.net

Catalogs available at www.selectls.net | Shows will broadcast on YouTube

Sale will be broadcast with online bidding available at BreedersWorld.com

*New for 2023 - Used Equipment Auction, Thursday evening in the Coliseum

Consigned by Northern Starr Livestock

Show Schedule:

Thursday, May 11, 10:00 am

Ring 1-Swine Bldg

National Corriedale - Jeff Held

National Lincoln/NC Lincoln - Tor Sorenson

National Border Leicester/NC Border Leicester - Tor Sorenson

National Merino - Jeff Held

Rambouillet - Jeff Held

Columbia - Jeff Held

Natural Colored- Jeff Held

Polled/Horned Dorset - Jeff Held

Wether Sires & Dams - Evan Snyder

RING 2-Cattle Pav.

Katahdins - Tor Sorenson

National Tunis - Neal Knapp

Montadale - Neal Knapp

Cheviot - Neal Knapp

Eastern Regional Texel - Neal Knapp

Friday, May 12, Cattle Pavillion, 8:00 am

National Southdown - Evan Snyder

National Shropshire - Neal Knapp

Eastern National Suffolk - Jeff Held

Eastern Regional Hampshire - Jeff Held

Oxford - Jeff Held

Great Lakes Regional Dorper/White Dorper - Eric Bruns

**Show & Sales times may be adjusted

Hotels - Check the Ohio Showcase Information on our web site www.selectls.net for a list of area hotels.

P.O.Box 25, Rushsylvania, OH 43347 www.selectls.net

Gary: 937.597.7214 - gary@selectls.net

Pat: 937.935.1975 - pat@selectls.net

Jim: 937.658.3119 - jim@selectls.net

Dan: 937.243.5111 - dan@selectls.net

2022 High Selling Ewe (Southdown)

Established in the spring of 2019, Integrity Livestock Sales, LLC, has been committed to bringing customer service, honesty and integrity to the online livestock sales arena. Our slogan “Everyone…Always” is more than a marketing talking point. It’s how my family has always done business. We will continue to work for you, our valued customers, to create a positive, productive sales platform that will benefit both the buyer and seller.

We titled this cover ad “Timeless Traditions” as we feature the Sink Family. Steve and Sheila have spent countless years supporting the youth in the stock show world and as time continues to move forward, they are passing the torch to their grandchildren. Watch for MKP Southdowns and KP Livestock in the near future. We are proud to represent this outstanding family.

Family, tradition, respect the past, represent the future. In a world full of half-truths, misdirection, and just plain fraud, you can rely on Integrity Livestock Sales continuing our motto of “Everyone…Always”. I just don’t know of any other way to do business.

If we can help you this year, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Mike Crowder, Owner Integrity Livestock Sales, LLC

765-366-3135

mike@integritylivestocksales.com

SPRING FEVER...

I am unsure about you but I have some serious SPRING FEVER going on. I am ready for warm weather to stay, putting cows on green grass, planting flowers and getting my garden kicked off.

Spring is what truly marks the new year for me. It means we have a new calf crop on the ground, new customers we are working with for the upcoming show season and the signs of spring planting just indicate a fresh start of growth. For many of you it marks spring sale season and finding the perfect new pieces for your flock or show string.

This issue highlights many of those breed sales and online sales happening soon. Be sure to take a look at the offerings. If you are interested we offer eblast for sale day promotion with a social media ad. Reach out to Morgan or myself to get on that schedule today.

We hope you have a great spring. If you are a farmer I hope planting season goes smoothly, you get timely rains and much needed days of sunshine to help that crop grow.

As always if Cruz, Morgan or myself can help with any of your marketing needs, photography, design work, or consulting please reach out we are always happy to help.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US RINGSIDE!

Emily Adcock

2023 DEADLINES

JUNE 2023

Ad Deadline: May 12

Camera-Ready Ads Due: May 19

NOV. 2023

Ad Deadline: Oct. 6

Camera-Ready Ads Due: Oct. 13

It seems like I spend a lot of my spring on the road traveling to sales and then climb in a tractior cab for spring planting.

The last few weeks have been full of the National Dorset Sale and my own online sales with many more sales coming up in the next few weeks. I truly enjoy going to all these sales, visiting with friends, meeting new families, and looking through the breeding results of all of you. Nothing gets me more excited than the hunt for the next breeding pieces for our flock.

Harper is always excited for daddy to bring home more sheep (especially Babydoll Southdowns), my wife not so much. Hope to see you on the road.

As always, if there is anything we can do to help you market your flock, please reach out to us.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US RINGSIDE!

Cruz and Sarah Nichols

SPRING IS ALMOST HERE…I HOPE!

I’m sure most of you have been out in the barn finishing up lambing and starting sale season. I love seeing the upcoming sales and lambs that will be hitting the ring this summer. Next thing you know, we will be busy getting those lambs ready for the summer shows!

It’s crazy that this is my last year as a junior exhibitor! I’m unsure what to do after switching to a new role in this industry. Still, I am ready to continue impacting the sheep industry and helping influence and teach younger showmen about the opportunities, experiences and connections that the many breeders and influencers across the country give us.

Many changes are happening for me in the following months, but I am always willing to chat about photography, design, and video needs!

I look forward to seeing all of you very soon at upcoming shows and sales!

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US RINGSIDE!

H O O F T R I M M I N G

A q u i c k g u i d e t o t r i m m i n g s m a l l r u m i n a n t h o o v e s

T H E E S S E N T I A L S

The frequency and timing of trimming varies based on multiple factors. The type of terrain, age, level of activity, nutritional level and genetics all come into play. Typically rocky and harder areas will wear down hooves faster meaning less trimming. Small ruminants in soft pastures will need trimming more frequently. If an animal has trouble walking, it is time to check its hooves.

H E R D H E A L T H

T r i m m i n g y o u r s m a l l r u m i n a n t ' s h o o v e s i s i m p o r t a n t f o r t h e i r o v e r a l l w e l l b e i n g . I t c a n i m p a c t t h e i r p e r f o r m a n c e , d i s e a s e r e s i s t a n c e a n d w e l f a r e A s p a r t o f a h e r d h e a l t h r o u t i n e h o o v e s s h o u l d b e c h e c k e d f o r d i s e a s e a n d e x c e s s g r o w t h o f t e n . A n i m a l s e x h i b i t i n g c h r o n i c h o o f d i s e a s e o r e x c e s s i v e a b n o r m a l h o o f g r o w t h s h o u l d b e c u l l e d M a i n t a i n i n g h o o v e s a l l o w s f o r b e t t e r a i r f l o w r e d u c i n g t h e c h a n g e s o f b a c t e r i a t h a t c a n c a u s e i n f e c t i o n T r i m m i n g h e l p s p r e v e n t l a m e n e s s a n d p r o m o t e p r o p e r h o o f g r o w t h i n y o u n g a n i m a l s

T R I M M I N G P R O C E S S

O n c e y o u h a v e a l l t h e p r o p e r t o o l s a n d h a v e p r a c t i c e d y o u r r e s t r a i n t m e t h o d , y o u c a n b e g i n t h e t r i m m i n g p r o c e s s G r a s p o n e l e g b y t h e p a s t e r n ( a n k l e ) a n d b e n d i t b a c k . M a k e s u r e t h e a n i m a l i s n ' t o v e r r e a c h i n g a n d c a l m . W i t h t h e p o i n t o f c l o s e d s h e a r s , s c r a p e a w a y a n y d e b r i s P r y o p e n a n d s n i p o f f t h e o u t e r h o o f w a l l f l a p f o l d e d u n d e r t h e h o o f T r i m d o w n u n t i l y o u s e e t h e w h i t e s o l e Y o u w i l l t h e n s e e a g r o w t h r i n g p a r a l l e l t o t h e h a i r l i n e T r i m a w a y r a g g e d e d g e s o f i n n e r h o o f w a l l b e t w e e n t h e t w o h a l v e s o f t h e h o o f T r i m t h e s o f t h e e l , o n e t i n y s l i c e a t a t i m e u n t i l t h e h e e l i s t h e s a m e l e v e l a s t h e t o e S t o p t r i m m i n g i f y o u b e g i n t o s e e p i n k T h i s m e a n s y o u a r e c l o s e t o t h e f o o t ' s b l o o d s u p p l y . I f b l e e d i n g o c c u r s , s p r i n k l e t h e a r e a w i t h b l o o d s h o p p o w d e r .

Hoof shears or trimmers

Hoof knife, straight vs. curved Brush

File or Hoof Rasp/Plane Spray bottle and gloves

P R O P E R E Q U I P M E N T R E S T R A I N T T E C H N I Q U E S

There are a variety of restraint techniques to utilize. It is best to practice before actually trimming. Standing against a fence or on a stand or work platform can work for goats. Sheep can be tipped onto their rump or use a deck chair. Laslty, a tilt table or "squeeze" that is manual or automatic can work.

Ringside Magazine Playlist

Taylor, Morgan and Delaney make up the Crouch Sisters of Crouch Dorsets in Illinois. These three are sharing there pre National Dorset Sale prep playlist with Ringside this month.

ADVERTISE IN RINGSIDE TODAY

*NEW PRICING FOR 2023

Please note we do not charge a subscription fee and run this based on ad sales!

Reach out to Cruz, Emily or Morgan, or email ringsidesheep@gmail.com to reserve your space today!

AD PRICING

FULL PAGE $600 | FRONT COVER $700

1/2 PAGE $450 | BACK COVER $700

1/4 PAGE $350 | INSIDE COVERS $650

1/8 PAGE/BIZ CARD $175

• 10% discount for print ready ads provided by deadline

Crouch Girl’s Top Ten

1. Last Night - Morgan Wallen

2. Sunshine & Whiskey - Frankie Ballard

3. Simple Man - Warren Zeiders

4. Caroline - Colter Wall

5. Barefoot Blue Jean Night - Jake Owen

6. One Beer - Hardy

7. Californication - Red Hot Chili

Peppers

8. American Idiot - Green Day

9. Damn Strait - Scotty McCreery

10. Flower Shops - Morgan Wallen

*Bonus- Creeps - Koe Wetzel

NO BETTER WAY TO NO BETTER WAY TO

MOVE FORWARD MOVE FORWARD

LEAD STUD BUCK

LAST FALL LAMB

Sired by “Brutus”

MM 0112 MM 0112

Res. Breed Champion/3rd Overall Supreme: Wisconsin State Fair

Champion Dorset: Iowa state fair

Champion Dorset: Wisconsin Sheep Wool Festival

3rd Place: NAILE

THAN TO USE THAN TO USE GENETICS THAT WORK GENETICS THAT WORK

TAKE PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING HEAT LAMPS FOR NEWBORN LIVESTOCK

As spring approaches, many ranchers are preparing a clean, dry and warm place for newborn animals. Frigid temperatures in the Upper Midwest make it a challenge for producers to keep our newborn livestock warm and protected from the harsh, winter elements.

One option for keeping newborn livestock warm is to provide supplemental heat by installing heat lamps. However, severe risks can accompany the use of heat lamps inside a barn.

“As livestock producers, we want to do everything in our power to establish the best outcome for our newborn stock,” says Travis Hoffman, North Dakota State University and University of Minnesota Extension sheep specialist. “Sometimes we need to help our newborn livestock by providing supplemental heat to prevent hypothermia.”

The lower critical temperature for newborn lambs and kids is 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Providing additional heat in the form of heat lamps for newborn lambs, kids and calves inside a “hot box” can aid in newborn survivability.

Unfortunately, the use of heat lamps also adds increased fire risk to barns, especially when heat lamps are placed over deep, bedded straw.

“The risk of barn fires increases anytime you add a heating system to your barn, especially the use of heat lamps,” says Angie Johnson, NDSU Extension farm and ranch safety coordinator. “Ranchers must use extreme caution and preventative measures when using heat sources for your barn, especially heat lamps.”

If ranchers decide that using heat lamps is their best option to provide a supplemental heat source for newborn livestock, Johnson and Hoffman provide the following tips to help reduce the risk of fire:

Secure all heat lamps with a non-flammable hanger. The best option is to use a chain and a locking chain connector to prevent the heat lamp from falling into the straw. Do not use twine or rope. Heat lamps should be secured as if they are permanent.

Purchase high quality, heavy-duty heat lamps and thick glass bulbs.

Utilize a heat lamp that is designed to withstand a fall and lay in a pen without starting a fire. Utilize heat lamp bulbs that won’t break if they fall into the pen. Farm and ranch stores that specialize in lambing and kidding equipment have heat lamp and bulb options.

Clean off dust, cobwebs and dead insects before using the heat lamp.

Inspect heat lamps for exposed wiring, loose bulb sockets or broken bulbs stuck in the heat lamp socket before using.

Directly plug your heat lamp into an outlet, not an extension cord.

Outlet receptacles should be both ground fault (GFCI) and arc fault (AFCI). An arc fault is an unintended arc created by a current flowing through an unplanned path that could create a fire, such as a heat lamp sparking when knocked into the pen. Ground fault trips when there is a sudden change in the amount of current going out versus coming back. Together, these two help prevent fire from a spark or electrocution if an animal chews on the wire. Additionally, ensure that you do not overload the circuit.

Place a fire extinguisher near each entrance of the barn.

Have a 10-pound, ABC-rated (multipurpose) fire extinguisher ready to use in case of a fire. Check extinguishers periodically to ensure that they have maintained their charge by reading the indicator dial.

Consider investing in a barn temperature monitoring system or fire monitoring system.

“Using heat lamps in your barn means that ranchers must be diligent in checking the heat lamps every day, multiple times a day,” says Johnson. “If one animal bumps the heat lamp or chews on the electrical cord, causing exposed wires, a barn fire could easily occur in a matter of minutes. However, with proper safety considerations, heat lamps can be a viable option for protecting newborn livestock.”

NDSU Agriculture Communication – March 2, 2023

Source: Angie Johnson, 701-231-1873, angela.b.johnson@ndsu.edu

Source: Travis Hoffman, 701-231-2222, travis.w.hoffman@ndsu.edu

Editor: Elizabeth Cronin, 701-231-5391, elizabeth.cronin@ndsu.edu

Your Source for Winning Ways Invest In Your Next Champion:

BREED

ROMNEY NEWS

The All American Jr Sheep Show will be June 28th to July 2nd, 2023 in Madison Wisconsin. This year, for the first time, the AAJS Romney Show will also be designated as a National Junior Romney Show. We are pleased that we were able to bring the two together and are looking forward to a great turn out. Trailers will be coming from the east and west, so travel options should be available for purchasing or selling sheep. Entry and show information can be found on their website, allamericanjuniorshow.com This is the biggest Junior Show, with the most to offer kids of all ages and their entire family…it is more than a sheep show. Every family needs to do this at least once.

There are several online Romney Sales planned this spring so check out Willoughby’s and Integrity for further details. ARBA’s online sale is May 9th, 2023 through Integrity. There will be Futurity nominated ewes in the sale. It’s a great time to either sell some of your top sheep/lambs/ewes or look for that special one to add to your flock. If consigning, make sure you get those sheep shined up and take good photos to present their best attributes. Details on ARBA’s online sale can be found in this edition of the Ramblings.

The North East Youth Sheep Show will be held in West Springfield, MA from July 14th through July 16th, 2023. Another youth show not to be missed. Details and entry packets can be found on their website, nesheep.org Deadline is 6/10/2023. This is another great family show.

Midwest Stud Ram Sale

Sedalia, Missouri - Missouri State Fairgrounds

2023 - June 12-17

2024 - June 11-16

www.midwestsale.com

ZoLo Halters

Welcome to ZoLo Halters - a family-ran business providing durable, soft to the touch sheep halters.

We offer two different sizes (Regular and Large) in 11 different colors with 9 different colors in stock.

LOOK FOR OUR DEBUT BOOTH/GRAND OPENING DISPLAY AT THE ALL-AMERICAN JUNIOR SHOW IN MADISON, WI.

Reach out to Wendell to order your halters today: 815.275.1706

Recipes

INGREDIENTS

MORE RECIPES CAN BE FOUND ON AMERICANLAMB COM

SLOW BRAISED LEG OF LAMB

4-5 lb. boneless leg of American lamb

4 tsp kosher salt

Fresh ground black pepper

2 tbsp olive oil

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

10 cloves of garlic, quartered

2 cups white wine

1 cup chicken or beef stock

4 fresh rosemary sprigs

Make slits all around the leg of lamb using a paring knife, and insert a piece of the prepared garlic into each slit. Generously season lamb with salt (1 tsp per pound) and pepper.

Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear lamb on all sides until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Add wine and simmer for 1 minute. Add stock and the fresh rosemary sprigs; bring to a boil. Cover dutch oven with lid, and braise the lamb in oven for 4 hours, rotating the leg of lamb every hour.

Transfer lamb to a platter. Skim fat from the top of the juices in the dutch oven. Simmer remaining juices over medium heat until reduced by half, about 10. Spoon sauce over lamb when serving.

5 SPICE STUFFED LAMB BREAD

INGREDIENTS

For the bread

3 ½ cups all purpose flour

1 cup rice flour

2 tsp kosher salt

2 tsp white sugar

1.5 tsp instant dry yeast

1 ½ cups warm (105F) water

DIRECTIONS

For the Bread

Lamb Stuffing

¼ cup olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, peeled, diced

3 cloves garlic, peeled, minced

2 tsp Chinese five spice powder

½ tsp shiitake powder (optional)

1lb ground American lamb

Kosher salt, to taste

Mix together all ingredients using a stand mixer outfitted with a dough hook until well combined. Place dough on a lightly dusted surface and knead again, by hand, 2-3 minutes until smooth.

Place dough in a large bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm location for 90 minutes, or until doubled in size. Once risen, punch the dough down and divide into 6.

Lamb Stuffing

Heat oil on medium heat in a medium skillet until slick and shiny. Add onions with a dash of salt. Reduce heat to low and let cook until well-caramelized, approximately 30 minutes.

Increase heat to medium, and add garlic. Cook 2-3 minutes. Add lamb, five spice, shiitake powder, and some more salt. Let cook 3-5 minutes, or until lamb has no pink (USDA recommends ground lamb reach an internal temp of 160F) Select some fully cooked lamb pieces to taste, and add more salt if necessary. Remove pan from heat and let mixture cool to room temperature.

BREED

COLUMBIA NEWS

15TH ANNUAL U.S. TARGHEE SHEEP ASSOCIATION STARTER FLOCK

Three Free Registered Targhee Sheep to be Awarded to Deserving Youth

The U.S. Targhee Sheep Association (USTSA) will again, for the 15th straight year, be offering a free registered Targhee Starter flock to a deserving youth at the 2023 USTSA National Show and Sale, held July 13-15, 2023, in Little Falls, Minnesota. In previous years, the generous members of the USTSA have awarded 20 starter flocks, totaling 66 head of sheep, and have also donated almost $16,000 towards buyers credits for the award winners to purchase additional sheep at USTSA national sales. The winner must be present to receive the flock and will be awarded one (1) ewe lamb, one (1) yearling ewe, and one (1) brood ewe donated by members of the USTSA. Each animal will be a USTSA registered animal, and at least QR in Scrapie Codon 171 genotype. The winner will also receive a $150 credit for use toward purchase of additional animals at the national sale.

Applications, due April 1st, are now available to download at www.ustargheesheep.org or by contacting Mardy Rutledge at the USTSA office (ustargheesheep@gmail.com or 702-292-5715). Any young person, ages 9-17, as of January 1, 2023, whose family does not raise Targhee sheep may apply. Applicants should possess a keen interest in the U.S. sheep industry, commitment to raising Targhee sheep over time, and a firm belief in the abilities of the breed. Applicants must demonstrate proof of care, facilities, and transportation. Aside from receiving the flock of sheep, the winning youth, will be paired with a Targhee breeder living near them who will act as a mentor. The association is committed to helping the winner succeed.

Entries are open through April 15, 2023 for the National Columbia Show and Sale to be held in Spencer, IA on June 5-10, 2023. You can find more details on columbiasheep.org.

TARGHEE NEWS

DORPER NEWS

Date Announcement:

2023 Great Lakes Regional Junior Dorset Show

When: Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Where: Ohio State Fair

Time & Details: TBA

Ohio State Fair is back to their old/traditional schedule, so this will be on move in day for Dorsets like it used to be when the regional was at OSF.

NATIONAL DORSET SALE RESULTS:

The 2022 Downsborough Sire of the Year keeper awards were presented to “Hammer Down” and owners Glenn Stunkel and Purple Ribbon Farm.

Continued on page 22

2023 National Polled Dorset Sale Champions. Grand Champion Ram & Ewe were won by Nichols Sheep Farm, IL; Reserve Grand Champion Ram went to Myerscough Sheep Farm, IL and Reserve Grand Champion Ewe was awarded to Pine Knob Farm, CT.

Champion Horned Dorset Awards went to Cassell Horned Dorsets VA on their Champion Ram & Ewe and Reserve Champion Ewe. Kim Root & Family, OH won the Reserve Grand Champion Ram honors.

Supreme Champion RamChampion Polled Dorset - Shown by Nichols Sheep Farm

Supreme Champion EweChampion Horned Dorset - Shown by Cassell Horned Dorsets

Dorset Hall of Fame Inducteees: The Late Greg Deakin and Larry E. Mead

BREED

Continued on page 28

SUFFOLK NEWS - USSA

Email your breed news to ringsidesheep@gmail.com

POLYPAY NEWS

AMERICAN POLYPAY SHEEP ASSOCIATION -STARTER FLOCK GRANT PROGRAM 2023

Purpose: To promote the growth and usefulness of the Polypay Breed, and to encourage youth involvement and education in the breed.

Who may apply? Any American Citizen ages 13-18 whose family does not raise Polypay Sheep.

The starter flock Grant will consist of: A one time $2000 grant from APSA to be used for the purchase of registered Polypay ewes or ewe lambs from a current APSA member of their choice. A purchase agreement between the APSA member and the grant recipient must be submitted to the APSA board of directors for approval by June 1, 2023. Funds will be distributed to the owner of the flock that is chosen upon transfer of registration.

Promotion: The APSA Starter Flock Program will be listed on the APSA website and advertised in various magazines and outlets. Promotion by current members will be strongly encouraged. Application and more details can be found at polpay. org, under the Youth Tab.

Mark Your Calendars! The APSA Annual Meeting will be held on July 28th at 8:00 p.m. cdt. The meeting will be held in conjunction with the NSIP Center of the Nation Sale at the Clay County Fairgrounds in Spencer, IA. For those who can’t attend, a Zoom link will be provided. More details will follow.

As of Jan. 31, 2023, there were 5.02 million head of sheep in the United States1.

Sheep are produced in all 50 states. The most prolific sheep-producing states are located west of the Mississippi River, where a majority of the larger sheep ranches reside. The eastern part of the country supports a greater number of smaller, pasture-based operations.

Following is a state ranking of the total number of sheep and lambs as of Jan. 31, 2023:

FAST FACTS

ABOUT SHEEP PRODUCTION

In 2019, there were 101,387 sheep farms and ranches in the United States2.

Following is a ranking of the total sheep operations per state based on 2019 data1 (most current data):

* Other States includes Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland (number of sheep and lambs listing only), Mississippi, New Jersey and South Carolina. NASS does not report individual numbers for these states.

** New England includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

1Source: USDA, NASS, Sheep & Goats, Jan. 31, 2023

2Source: USDA, NASS, 2017 Census of Agriculture, April 11, 2019.