Table of Contents
12771 Janvrin Rd. Maroa, IL 61756 Phone: (309) 657-8657
12812 Mountain Valley Rd. Warm Springs, VA 24484 Phone: (304) 268-2295
RACHAEL
126 Pioneer Heights Somers, CT 06071 Phone: (860) 202-4490 GREAT
7500 S 156th Lamont, OK 74643 Phone: (580) 716-2550
MASTIN 4202 Freeman Rd. E Fife, WA 98424 Phone: (360) 460-7485
(317) 407-1030
• Proud to offer industry-leading sheep products from Mid-States Wool Growers Cooperative
• Since 1996, Mid-States’ blankets have set the standard for keeping sheep clean
Breeding Sheep Hood
Breeding Sheep Blanket
Mid-States Wool Growers
2024 Dorset Calendar
JULY 25-28: Youth Sheep Expo & Great Lakes Regional Dorset Show, Hancock County Fairgrounds, Greenfield, IN. Contact: inliveassn@gmail.com Website: www.inlivestockassn.org/youth-sheep-expo
JULY 25-27: Pistol Pete Classic & Great Plains Junior Regional Dorset Show, Payne County Expo Center, Stillwater, OK. Featuring classes for Polled Dorsets and Dorset Advantage. Contact: Bart Caldwell (580)716-2550 or visit facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Pistol-Pete-Classic-112293347167951/
AUG 24: Western Junior Regional Dorset Show, Oregon State Fair, Oregon State Fairgrounds, Salem, OR. Featuring classes for Polled & Horned Dorsets and Dorset Advantage. Contact: Linda Mastin: (360) 460-7485 Website: oregonstatefair.org
SEPT. 1: ADVERTISING & INFORMATION DEADLINE for the Fall 2024 Online Issue of “The Dorset Connection”. Contact: Katherine Kuykendall Editor, (336)302-6162, katherinekuykendall@gmail.com
SEPT. 13-18: Eastern States Exposition Meat Week, additional junior premiums included, West Springfield, MA. Contact: thebige.com
SEPT 27-29: Eastern Junior Regional Dorset Show, State Fair of Virginia, The Meadow Event Park, Doswell, VA. Contact Ben Wilfong (304) 268-2295 for more information. Website: https://www.statefairva.org/
NOVEMBER 15-18: NAILE, Kentucky Expo Center, Louisville, KY. National Junior & Open Shows for Polled & Horned Dorsets, Fitted & Slick and National Junior Show for Dorset Advantage & Market Lambs. NJDA Annual Meeting. Entry information and live show streaming: https://livestockexpo.org
Announcements
FROM MY PENS – MICHELLE TORRANCE, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY/TREASURER
Greetings Dorset Breeders and Happy SPRING! Sitting here looking out my window, I see the grass getting green, trees budding, farmers starting to roll in the fields and the best thing of all ~ lambs running, jumping and playing. What a happy sight that is!
Online registration forms are up & ready to use! Please go to www.continentaldorsetclub.com/forms and find the link. There may be a glitch or two that we will need to fix, so please have some patience, but we are really excited about adding this feature for our members. Please note: Transfers of sheep already registered will NOT be made available online. You will still need to mail in the original registration paper with the Transfer information filled out and signed to make a Transfer official.
We are also excited about adding Venmo as a way to make a payment to the CDC. Several of our members have taken advantage of this as a payment format already. You can find us on Venmo as Continental Dorset Club - @Dorsets.
I said in my last message that I wouldn’t make a habit of offering my two cents worth in every edition, so I’m keeping this one short and sweet. It doesn’t seem possible that I’ve been serving as your Executive Secretary/Treasurer for six months already. I wanted to take just a minute and say, “Thank You!” to everyone that I have worked with and met so far. Your patience with me learning the ropes and fumbling through these last six months have made my heart happy and eased my mind more than you can know.
Until next time…don’t forget to shut the gate.
NATIONAL SHOWS & SALES
2024 NATIONAL POLLED & HORNED DORSET SHOW & SALE
The 2024 National Polled & Horned Dorset Show & Sale was hosted by the Ohio Dorset Association on March 15-16, 2024 in Greenville, OH. The Polled Dorset sale averaged $1,166.67 on 102 head sold and the Horned Dorsets averaged $1,311.90 on 21 head sold. It will definitely be a memorable one with multiple tornado warnings in the area on Thursday evening!
The Annual CDC Membership Meeting and Awards Banquet was held on Friday after the sale show and before a Celebration of Life honoring Ron Guenther. The 2023 Downsborough Sire of the Year was presented to Harper Nichols, Nichols Sheep Farm, Jerseyville, IL for “Albino Giraffe” McDaniel 21-3. Crystal trophies were presented to the Champion and Reserve Champion Polled and Horned Rams and Ewes from the National Show. We were thrilled to induct Debra Hopkins into the Dorset Hall of Fame. Debra was the Board’s unanimous choice,
and it was great having her in attendance to receive this honor. Although she wasn’t completely surprised, she was incredibly grateful to the Board and members. Debra’s 25 years of service and dedication to the Dorset breed has been instrumental in where the breed is today. Thank you, Debra, and congratulations!
The festivities on Friday were capped off with the 6th Annual Dave Harmann Corn Hole Tournament. This year things were mixed up a little in that teams were randomly drawn from all the contestants that signed up. The competition was fierce and a little intense at times, but a fun time was had by all. This activity has become a fun way to round out Friday and as always is a fantastic way for the Dorset breeders to relax, unwind and enjoy each other’s company after the show!
A huge thank you on behalf of the National Junior Dorset Association, goes out to all of the consignors at this year’s sale as 1% of the total sales, nearly $1500, from the National Sale will go directly to the NJDA. Just prior to the Sale, the Dorset breeders had already filled all of the class sponsorships for the upcoming All-American Junior Sheep Show; an amazing 80% of them in just the first night after posting on social media.
Add March 14-15, 2025 to your schedule for next year’s Ohio Dorset Sale to kick off the 2025 sale season. This sale has become the benchmark to kick off the sale season for the purebred breeding sheep industry and the Dorset breeders have made sure to keep it that way over the years.
NSF Downsborough Sire of the Year – “Albino Giraffe” McDaniel 21-3, Harper Nichols, Nichols Sheep Farm, Jerseyville, IL
Champion Polled Ram - Nichols Sheep Farm (Supreme Champion Ram)
Champion Polled Ewe - Wolkow Dorsets (Supreme Champion Ewe)
Champion Horned Ewe - Greenleaf Valley
Champion Horned Ram - Cassell Horned Dorsets
Reserve Champion Polled Ewe - Nichols Sheep Farm
Reserve Champion Horned Ewe - Cassell Horned Dorsets
Reserve Champion Horned Ram - Greenleaf Valley
Reserve Champion Polled Ram - Spilde Dorsets
Announcements
2024 NATIONAL DORSET WETHER SIRE & DAM SALE AND NATIONAL DORSET ADVANTAGE SALE
Next up on the 2024 National Dorset sale schedule is the Dorset Wether Sire & Dam Sale and the Dorset Advantage Sale. Once again, the Midwest Stud Ram Sale will be the venue for the National Sale of the Dorset wether type sheep as it continues to be the largest consignment of this type of sheep in the country. Including Dorset Advantage in this sale has proven to be a powerful addition to highlight this side of the Dorset breed. As in the past, Polled Dorset and Horned Dorset breeding sheep will also be sold at this sale.
Similar to last year, the Polled & Horned Dorset breeding sheep will be both housed and shown in the Sheep Barn with the show being held on Wednesday, June 12th and the sale on Saturday, June 14th. The wether type sheep will be housed and shown in the Swine Barn with the show being held on Thursday, June 13th and the sale on Saturday, June 15th. This year’s breeding sheep judge will be David Hoskins and for the wether type sheep will be Joe Hobbs. We are looking forward to another great consignment of Dorsets and another great sale. Check out www.midwestsale.com for all the latest information.
DIRECTOR NEWS
GATELY RETIRES FROM BOARD
September, 2024 marks the end of Rachael Gately’s second term serving as the Director from the New England Region. Rachael has seen the CDC mark several milestones during her six years of service: four of those leading the CDC as an officer of the Board. The CDC would like to thank Rachael for her dedication and service to the Dorset association, Breed and its membership. We wish you well!
NEW ENGLAND & GREAT LAKES DIRECTOR ELECTION RESULTS
Earlier in the year, ballots were mailed to members in the New England and Great Lakes Regions to elect an individual to represent them on the Board for the next three years. Bob Schembs, Indiana has been re-elected to serve his second term and Matt Syme, Connecticut was elected to his first three year term. Terms begin with the fiscal year on September 1st. Thank you to the nominating committees in both the New England and Great Lakes Regions for their work in selecting candidates to represent their regions. The CDC relies on member involvement in times such as these, and their work to better the association is greatly appreciated.
2025 DIRECTOR ELECTIONS
Plans are underway for the 2025 Great Plains and Western Director elections. Bart Cardwell of the Great Plains Region and Linda Mastin of the Western Region will both be ending their second term, so we will be looking for a new person to represent each of those areas. The Nominating Committees have not yet been announced, but if you are interested in being considered as a candidate in either of these Regions, please contact Bart, Linda or the CDC Office.
UPDATES
BY-LAW CHANGES
The By-Law changes were voted on at the 2024 Annual Member Meeting in Greenville, OH. All changes were approved, and the By-Laws will be updated accordingly. The Constitution and By-Laws can be found on our website: www.continentaldorsetclub.com.
2024 ALL AMERICAN JUNIOR SHOW FUNDRAISING
Each year, the AAJS sells Raffle Tickets as a fundraiser to help offset the costs of holding such a great show. The CDC will be sending out AAJS raffle tickets with your first return of registration work for the year. If you will not be submitting paperwork prior to the AAJS and would like to purchase Raffle Tickets, contact the CDC office. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. This years’ prizes are: Grand Prize - $1000 CASH, 2nd - $1000 Sydell, Inc Gift Certificate, and 3rd – Dolphin SPX 15” Bluetooth Party Speaker.
The AAJS will also be hosting their Benefit Online Semen Auction once again. This year the sale is scheduled for Monday, May 20th. Keep watching Integrity Livestock Sales at www.integritylivestocksales.com, our Facebook page and the AAJS page and website for more information. If you have some semen available and would like to donate a few straws to a worthy cause, it would be much appreciated!
We were overwhelmed by the amazing support of our Breeders in filling all of the class sponsor openings! We cannot begin to tell you how much your support of our breed and Juniors means.
NSF Downsborough Sire of the Year – “Albino Giraffe” McDaniel 21-3, Harper Nichols, Nichols Sheep Farm, Jerseyville, IL
2022-2023 Financial Statement
2022-2023 Continental Dorset Club (NOT including Junior Association checking account)
Revenue Expenses
Continental Dorset Club 2024 Annual Board of Directors Meeting
March 14, 2024
The meeting was called to order by President Rachael Gately at 6:13 p.m. EST on March 14, 2024. Directors in attendance were Rachael Gately, Jeremy Crouch, Bob Schembs, Ben Wilfong and Linda Mastin. Director Bart Cardwell and NJDA Board President Brea Knittel were in attendance via online. Exec. Sec./Treas. Michelle Torrance and Director-Elect Matt Syme were also in attendance.
Secretary/Treasurer’s Report: Michelle Torrance emailed a copy of the Secretary/Treasurer’s Report to Board Members prior to the meeting. The report stated current account balances as follows: Checking-RI - TBD, Checking-IL - $1086.71, Money Market-$56,547.85, CD-$26,564.36, Dexter Savings-$25.00, and NJDA-$39,113.79. The 2022-2023 records are at the accountant for year-end tax filing. CDC Stats for September 1, 2023 to Current included: Registrations – Polled/ Horned – 1090 (up 1 from same period last year) & DA – 153 (up 26 from same period last year). Transfers – Polled/Horned – 462 (down 175 from same period last year) & DA – 112 (down 46 from same period last year). The report also included updates on pending items from the December Board meeting and new items for future consideration. Bob Schembs moved to accept the Secretary/Treasurer’s Report and Jeremy Crouch seconded; motion carried. Michelle asked the Board if there were any objections to opening a Venmo account as a payment option. Seeing none, Michelle would get that opened and published for members to use.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Dorset Futurity: Michelle Torrance reported that $775 had been collected towards Futurity nominations which included 2 group nominations of $250 each. To date, there have been 98 ewe lambs, 1 yearling ewe and 3 Bred & Owned nominations. Going forward, Futurity announcements will be posted on Facebook to increase knowledge and garner interest.
Breed Standard Education & Promotion: Michelle reported there have been no new names submitted for the certified judges list at this time.
Production Dorset Committee: Ben Wilfong reported that he had 2 or 3 members willing to collaborate with him on this committee and will be moving forward.
Dorset Youth Ewe Grant Program: With only 22 applicants, it was decided only 3 grants would be given out, all to be sponsored by the CDC; NJDA will not sponsor any this year. 2024 winners are: Junior – Jordan Hartschuh, Sycamore, OH; Intermediate – Aiden Jordan, Marion, OH; and Sydney Mes-
sick, Harrington, DE. Michelle reported that all winners had been notified.
Newsletter & Website: Michelle reported that she continues to update the website as time allows. Rachael mentioned that Results had not been updated, so Michelle would get that updated ASAP. Matt Syme requested that in the future, more information is listed for winners when published. Discussion was held about the Newsletter getting produced and out in a timelier manner. The board set a target date for the Winter newsletter to be in member’s hands by 2/1 going forward with the “print ready” version being ready prior to that. Deadlines for the Spring/Summer & Fall issues were also discussed with the dates being due to Katherine 4/15 for publication by 5/20 on the Spring/Summer and 9/1 and 10/15 for the Fall. Michelle will be discussing the deadlines with Katherine and deciding if any adjustments will need to be made to the dates to fit her schedule.
Dorset Hall of Fame: Rachael reported that the 2024 inductee, Debra Hopkins will be in attendance at the Annual Meeting of Members on Friday, March 15, 2024. The Board suggested that an email blast be sent out in the future to encourage members to send in nominations for future Hall of Fame candidates.
All-American Junior Show: Michelle reported on the plans for the 2024 show in Michigan. The Dorset class sponsor list was published on Facebook and is already full except for a handful of Horned and DA classes. The 2025 show will be held in Illinois and the CDC will work with the IL Dorset Association in any way needed. In 2026, a Polled ewe lamb will be needed as a donation for sale in Ohio.
National Junior Association: Brea Knittel reported that the NJDA sponsored swag store had been online and was received ‘ok.’ NJDA continues to post Junior Spotlights on their Facebook page. Plans are in the works for a social to take place at AAJS with a meal and activity being planned. Brea also reported that the group had made some progressive changes that they hope will benefit the association in the future including taking a break from the online Semen Sale and making adjustments to the meeting schedule at NAILE in November.
OLD BUSINESS
2024 Director Election Results: Michelle reported that Bob Schembs was re-elected to his position and Matt Syme was elected to be the new New England Director beginning September 1, 2024.
Survey Results: Jeremy Crouch reported on the results of the survey that was sent out to active members. Over 200
members responded to the survey, for which was more than the committee had hoped. Based on the results, the committee pinpointed 4 key issues that the Board needed to look at going forward.
* In regard to the Polled/Horned Dorset questions regarding crossing type/breeding up – 41% of the entire replies said YES; however, in looking only at the Horned breeders the response was 75% NO. It was the opinion of the Board that due to the overwhelming NO from Horned breeders, we should take their lead and not proceed with this item at this time. In looking at the Polled breeders the responses varied by Region, so it was decided by the Board to also not take any further action on this item at this time.
* In regard to the Dorset Advantage questions: it was decided that at this time the CDC would continue to register DA RAMS. As for the DA/DA breeding issues it was decided by the board that the topic needed to be looked into further. In stating that the topic was ‘too deep’ for just the survey questions, Bob Schembs moved to form a committee to delve deeper into these issues. Ben Wilfong seconded the motion. Motion carried.
* In regard to adding a Piebald registry: after discussion on the various sides of this issue, it was decided to add this item to the committee formed in the DA issue for further discussion as well. Michelle reported that a member had offered to draft an article on the topic to help with educating our members on Piebalds. No motion was needed since the committee had already been approved; Ben Wilfong was put in charge of the committee.
* In regard to Genetic testing/Dwarfism: the Board decided that this topic was of most importance to be dealt with the quickest. Discussion was held on requiring testing for registrations but was not a direction the Board wanted to go at this time due to the cost that would be put on the members. It was also mentioned that testing could be required only for showing at National shows. After lengthy discussion (and several tornado warnings) it was suggested by Ben that we not require testing at this time but move forward by educating our members on Dwarfism.
Regional Shows: All Regional Junior Shows have been finalized. The Eastern Region will be held at the Carolina Classic in Winston-Salem, NC in early October. Michelle reminded the Directors to let her know of any changes in their banner orders so she can get that taken care of before the North Central Regional at Freedom Fest.
NEW BUSINESS
2024 NAILE Show: Michelle reported that the NAILE Sheep Committee meeting was held on March 6, 2024. Judge nominations are to be turned in by April 10 and are as follows: Polled/Horned – 1) Brad Schrock; 2) Aaron Crome and Slick Shorn – 1) Kyle Fleener; 2) Kalen Poe. The committee also voted on Showmanship judges. The Sheep Committee board are
looking at changes several items such as schedule to alleviate late night showing, requesting no ‘camp’ or ‘kitchen’ areas to increase space and arrival and unloading procedures.
2025 Director Elections: Michelle stated that the Great Plains and Western Regions will be holding Director Elections in 2025. The current Directors, Linda Mastin and Bart Cardwell, will both be leaving the Board at that time. Nominating Committee assignments will need to be turned into the CDC office no later that August 1, 2024 and since Linda & Bart will be going off the Board, they both can serve on the committee for their region.
2024-2025 Budget: Michelle emailed the Proposed 20242025 Budget to the Board prior to the meeting. She discussed a few of the expense items that had a higher increase than normal and why they were increased as such. After little discussion, Bob Schembs moved to accept the 2024-2025 Budget, Ben Wilfong seconded the motion; motion carried.
2024-2025 CDC Officer Elections: Rachael opened the floor for nominations for President of the Board for 2024-2025. Jeremy Crouch was the only nomination for President and was unanimously elected. Rachael then opened nominations for Vice President. Ben Wilfong was the only nomination for Vice President and was unanimously elected. Terms will begin following the Annual Meeting of the Membership being held tomorrow, Friday, March 15.
At approximately 9:57 pm, Ben Wilfong moved to temporarily adjourn the meeting until after the Annual Meeting tomorrow; Bob Schembs seconded the motion.
Respectfully submitted,
Michelle Torrance, CDC Executive Secretary/Treasurer
The CDC Board of Directors meeting was reconvened following the Celebration of Life for Ron Guenther at 5:15 PM. Michelle let the Board know that Deb had brought the remainder of the office items to Ohio, and she would be taking it home. Michelle also presented the Board with an informal Social Media policy, which was discussed and agreed upon. Ben moved to adjourn the meeting and Linda seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 5:27 PM.
Continental Dorset Club 2024 Annual Membership Meeting
March 15, 2024
DARKE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS, GREENVILLE, OH
The meeting was called to order by President Rachael Gately at 3:35 PM. Thank you to the Ohio Dorset Association for hosting the 2024 Annual CDC Membership Meeting. Rachael introduced Eastern Director Ben Wilfong, North Central Director Jeremy Crouch, Western Director Linda Mastin, Great Lakes Director Bob Schembs, New England Director-Elect Matt Syme and Executive Secretary/Treasurer Michelle Torrance. Rachael also introduced past CDC Presidents Mike Galleher and Dick Reece who were in attendance.
Rachael then stated that the minutes from the 2023 Annual Membership Meeting that was held March 17, 2023 at the Ohio Dorset Sale in Greenville, OH had been published in the Dorset Connection and asked if anyone present would like the minutes to be read aloud. With no one requesting this, Cruz Nichols moved to accept the minutes as written, Tracy Dendinger seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Michelle Torrance then presented the financial report for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 to date as of March 12, 2024. Total income to date is $26,117.46; total expenses are $49,144.34 for a current deficit of $23,026.88. Account balances to date – Checking $41,086.71, Money Market $56,547.85, CD $26,564.36, Savings $25.00 and NJDA $39,113.79 for total cash assets of $163,337.71. Cassie Crouch moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report; Mike Gallaher seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Michelle presented the 2023-2024 statistics to date. As of February 29, 2024: 1090 Polled & Horned registrations have been completed – up 1 from the same time period last year. 153 Dorset Advantage registrations have been completed – up 26 from the same time period last year. Polled & Horned transfers processed to date are 462; down 175 from the same time period last year and Dorset Advantage transfers processed to date are 112; down 46 from the same time period last year.
Michelle also reported the Final Statistics for the 20222023 year. Polled/Horned registrations ended at 4026, down 1199 from the previous year, while DA registrations were up 69 from the previous year to 976. Year end transfers for Polled/ Horned were 2873, up 129 from the previous year and DA transfers were 835 which was up 224 from the previous year. Michelle also reported that the Top 5 Individuals in registrations for 2022-2023 were: Wilfong Dorsets, Virginia – 117, (tie) Fisher Club Lambs, Idaho & Jeffrey A Hunter, Indiana – 64, Nichols Sheep Farm, Illinois – 58, (tie) Kelli & Brett Slack, Indiana & Virginia Polytechnic Inst & State University, Virginia – 57 and Paul R Cassell, Virginia – 56. The Top 5 States in Registrations
for the 2022-2023 year were: Indiana – 830, Iowa – 752, Ohio –572, Oklahoma – 517 and Illinois – 480.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
* Dorset Ewe Futurity: Bob Schembs reported to the members there are 140 ewe lambs currently nominated for the Futurity program. 128 Polled Ewe Lambs and 12 Dorset Advantage Ewe Lambs. This number did not include the lambs nominated at the National Sale. He also announced that nomination forms are available at the booth for anyone who has an upcoming sale. The Bred & Owned division will again pay out a Fitted and Slick division as long as there are at least 5 ewes of each division nominated. There will also be a Horned Bred & Owned division again this year.
* Breed Standard Education/Certified Judges List: Jeremy Crouch reported that no new names had been presented for the certified judges list and encouraged breeders to submit names of judges in their areas that would do a good job evaluating Dorset sheep.
* Production Dorset Committee: Ben Wilfong announced that he is rejuvenating the Production committee and encouraged any breeders who would want to participate to contact him.
* Dorset Youth Ewe Grant Program: Linda Mastin reported that only 22 applications had been received, down from 98 last year. Due to the lower number, only 3 grant winners were selected: Junior – Jordan Hartschuh, Sycamore, OH; Intermediate – Aiden Jordan, Marion, OH; and Senior – Sydney Messick, Harrington, DE. Linda reminded members that the applications are due December 1st and encouraged sending in applications since 2 grants will be left unpaid.
* National Junior Dorset Association: Michelle reported on the NJDA online swag store, announced plans are in the works for All American festivities, reminded everyone about the Scholarship application deadline. She also asked members to encourage participation in the Futurity program for all divisions and mentioned that some new ideas are being discussed for the NJDA Annual Meeting in Louisville.
* Newsletter & Webpage: Michelle announced that the 2024 Winter issue had unexpectedly been delayed but had been printed and would be mailed out that week. Financially, this issue ended up in the red and the only way to generate more revenue is through ad sales. She will be working with Katherine Kuykendall to promote ad sales as well as getting the Winter issue out in a timelier manner in the future. Michelle reminded members of the April 15th deadline for the Spring/Summer issue and to contact Katherine or the CDC office to place an ad. Michelle also reported that she had been slow on getting the website updated, but all forms should be current as of the meeting. She will be working on updated other information such as Board members for CDC and NJDA, working on an online pedigree search, an online Christened name search and other information.
* All American Junior Show: Michelle let the members know that the 2024 AAJS will be held at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI over the July 4th weekend. Dan Spilde
has been announced as the Horned Dorset and DA judge and those will be judged on Friday and Saturday, respectively. Mona Lisa Estes will judge the Polled Dorsets on Sunday. The CDC is looking for semen donations of 2-5 straws for the upcoming AAJS Benefit Online Semen Auction on Integrity Online Sales May 20th. Please contact Mike Crowder directly or the CDC office if you are willing to donate.
OLD BUSINESS:
By-Law Committee Report: Bob Schembs reported that a copy of the By-Law Change had been submitted to all Active Members in February. Bob outlined the proposed changes and opened the floor for any questions or discussions. Seeing no discussion or questions, Rachael entertained a motion to accept the proposed changes. Paul Cassell moved to approve the By-Law changes as written. Dan Spilde seconded, and the motion passed.
Survey Committee Report: Jeremy Crouch then reported on the Survey that had been sent out to Active members. Over 200 members responded to the survey, which was more than the committee had hoped. Based on the results, the committee pinpointed 4 key issues that the Board needed to look at going forward.
* In regard to the Polled/Horned Dorset questions regarding crossing type/breeding up – 41% of the entire replies said YES; however, in looking only at the Horned breeders the response was 75% NO. It was the opinion of the Board that due to the overwhelming NO from Horned breeders, we should take their lead and not proceed with this item at this time. In looking at the Polled breeders the responses varied by Region, so it was decided by the Board to also not take any further action on this item at this time.
* In regard to the DA/DA breeding questions, it was decided by the board that the topic needed to be looked into further. The Board agreed to form a committee to further discuss the options and topics. This committee will be headed by Ben Wilfong who encouraged any members who wanted to be part of the committee and opened it up to contact him with any questions.
* In regard to adding a Piebald registry: it was decided to add this item to the committee formed in the DA issue for further discussion as well.
* In regard to Genetic testing/Dwarfism: In an effort to continue being inclusive to all types of the Dorset sheep, the Board as a whole did not want to add additional expenses of testing to the breeders, so at this time no testing will be required for registrations or shows. The Board agreed instead to focus on educating Dorset breeders and buyers on Dwarfism going forward.
NEW BUSINESS:
2024 Regional Junior Show Sites & Dates: Each director in attendance announced the location and dates of their Junior Shows:
• North Central – Freedom Fest Junior Sheep Show, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL May 24-26
• New England – Northeast Youth Sheep Show, BIG E Fairgrounds, W Springfield, MA July 19-21
• Great Lakes – Youth Sheep Expo, Hancock County Fairgrounds, Greenfield, IN July 25-28
• Great Plains – Pistol Pete Classic, Payne County Expo
Center, Stillwater, OK Late July (TBD)
• Western – Oregon State Fair, Oregon State Fairgrounds, Salem, OR August 24
• Eastern – Carolina Classic Fair, Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, Winston-Salem, NC October 4-13
2024 NAILE National Dorset Shows: Ben Wilfong announced the judge nomination results for the 2024 NAILE Open Shows: Fitted Polled & Horned Dorsets – 1) Brad Schrock, 2) Aaron Crome and Slick Shorn 1) Kyle Fleener, 2) Kalen Poe. The NAILE Sheep Committee meeting was held March 6th. Showmanship judges were voted on and results were as follows: 1) Sara & Katherine Kuykendall, 2) Heidi Barkley, 3) Mark & Aimee Johnson and 4) Emma Peters. The Board is looking at changes to the schedule to eliminate the late night showing and also arrival procedures and dock time for unloading. North Country Cheviots were approved as a new breed. The committee also voted to approach the NAILE board to ban ‘camp’ or ‘kitchen’ areas in the barn. Premium checks were mailed out in February and all awards and banners were presented in the show ring last year.
Announcements from Board Meeting: Rachael reported any announcements from the Board meeting
-2024-2025 Officers: President Jeremy Crouch & Vice President Ben Wilfong
-Breeder’s Guide: Rachael announced that the Board discussed no longer printing a Breeder’s Directory and only have it online but continue to update it every other year. She opened the floor for any opinions and seeing none, announced it would no longer be printed.
AWARD PRESENTATIONS
Jeremy Crouch presented Rachael Gately with a plaque in recognition of her retirement after serving for two terms on the Board. She also received a memento for her time serving the CDC as President of the Board. Rachael presented the 2024 National Polled and Horned Dorset Sale Champion and Reserve Champion crystal awards to the consignors. The 2023 Downsborough Sire of the Year keeper award was presented to Harper Nichols of Nichols Sheep Farm for “Albino Giraffe” McDaniel 21-3.
Hall of Fame Award Presentation: Rachael Gately announced Debra Hopkins as the 2024 Hall of Fame Inductee in recognition of her 25 years of service as the CDC Secretary. Debra was in attendance to accept the award in person. and thanked the membership for the honor.
Bill Keough moved to adjourn the meeting. Cody Crouch seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 4:39 PM.
Respectfully submitted, Michelle Torrance, CDC Executive Secretary/Treasurer
2024 Hall of Fame Inductee
DEBRA HOPKINS
North Scituate, Rhode Island
This year, the Continental Dorset Club is proud to induct Debra Hopkins into the Dorset Hall of Fame. Debbie has been an integral part of day-to-day operations of the CDC for over two decades and involved in the breeding sheep industry for her entire life.
Debbie was born into a sheep family in Storrs, CT. Her father, Don Grant, was the shepherd at the University of Connecticut, so she and her sister Donna spent many hours in the barn surrounded by the animals we all love to raise.
Debbie is actually the second person to be inducted from this family; her father, Don Grant, was inducted in 2012. When Debbie was 14 years old, she finally owned her very own Southdown flock by taking over what her older sister started when she went off to college. She proudly exhibited that flock locally in 4H alongside many friends, one of which would later become her husband. Debbie’s love for agriculture continued to flourish as she ventured a short distance down the road to UConn to pursue a degree in agricultural education. She finished her Masters in Ag Ed in 1979. Throughout her time at UConn she spent time again in the sheep barn alongside her dad as they bred and showed nationally competitive breeding sheep. During this time, she also fell in love with her longtime friend and fellow Husky, Donald Hopkins. After graduation, Donnie moved to Missouri to work for Doug Gillespie. He returned home one year later to marry Debbie and take her back to the Midwest with him. They spent 4 years in Missouri and Illinois before returning home to New England where they settled in North Scituate, RI to begin their own family.
Bradley was born in ’83 and Jessica in ’87. The family of four continued Donnie and Debbie’s lifelong passion of raising Southdown breeding sheep. Throughout the years, Hopkins Southdowns exhibited several junior and senior champions, along with a Champion Ram and Champion Ewe at NAILE. With both Bradley and Jessica moving on from the world of showing sheep, the purebred Southdown flock was dispersed in October of 2020. Today, Donnie and Debbie run a flock with a heavy Dorset influence with a production focus. They direct market 350 animals to restaurants and consumers in Rhode
Island and Massachusetts annually.
After the birth of both children, Debbie went to work for the USDA as an agricultural surveyor. In 1998, she gave up that career for one deeply seated in the sheep industry. Marian Meno retired, and Debbie became the Executive Secretary of the Continental Dorset Club.
Throughout her 25-year tenure as the CDC secretary, Debbie saw multiple milestones. She assumed her position during the 100th anniversary of the association and retired during the 125th anniversary. Debbie led the group through many ups and downs. She nurtured and grew a robust futurity program. She integrated the Dorset Advantage program when the board wanted to diversify and boost the membership. One thing was for sure – no matter how big or small you were in the Dorset breed, Debbie knew exactly who you were and greeted you warmly every time she walked by you in the barn. She truly has been one of a kind. The CDC membership has been lucky to have her.
Debbie has also been intimately involved with the exhibition of breeding sheep outside of her specific responsibilities to the CDC. In 2005, she became the sheep superintendent at the Big E – a robust sheep show often referred to as “the state fair of New England” and continues to serve in that role. She has managed a prestigious show of up to 1200 sheep per week at the highest level. She also was found on the green shavings judging the Dorset breed before becoming the Executive Secretary. No matter where Debbie has been seen in the show barns, she always has a smile on her face, is in the know, and does an impeccable job.
Lastly, junior breeding sheep shows quickly became one of Debbie’s biggest passions. She was instrumental in making the Northeast Youth Sheep Show the highly anticipated show every Summer for juniors from the Northeast and beyond. As the CDC executive secretary, Debbie also became involved with the All American Junior Sheep Show. Her commitment and role has only grown; she is now the chairman of the All American, the biggest youth breeding sheep show in this country.
Debbie’s nomination to be inducted into the Dorset Hall of Fame came from many. It was an easy decision to induct her now, just four months after her retirement. Despite being retired, Debbie continues to be a major supporting role to the CDC making the major transition from Rhode Island to Illinois seamless. She ALWAYS picks up her phone when Michelle or I call her either in a panic, or with a simple, stupid question. She is even here today on account of her own goodwill to finalize the office move and to help broadcast our national show. As a cohesive group of breeders, we cannot thank you enough Debbie, and we are all proud to have your name join the list of highly respected names in our Dorset Hall of Fame.
RECENT HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES:
2023 – Larry Mead, Columbia, MO
2023 – Greg Deakin, Cuba, IL
2022 – Margaret Wade, Greenville, VA
2021 – The Spilde Family, Stoughton, WI
2021 – Joseph “Skip” Heeg, Tully, NY
2019 – Dr. Warren Brannon, Freeville, NY
2018 – Steve Myers, Rushsylvania, OH
2018 – Ron Guenther, OH
2017 – Tim Morehead, Cherry Valley, IL
2017 – Gary Saylor, Belle Center, OH
2016 – Leon Cassell, Wytheville, VA
2015 – Warren Squires, Chesterville, OH
2015 – Dick Kuzemchak, PA
2015 – Dave Birch, Perry, MO
2014 – Dave Harmann, Saint Paris, OH
2014 – Roger Huntrods, Collins, IA
2013 – Harlan A. Wagner, Petaluma, CA
2013 – Bill Harland, Rickreall, OR
2013 – Lloyd “Bud” Forster, Tangent, OR
2012 – Marian Henderson Meno, Hudson, IA
2012 – Donald A. Grant, Storrs, CT
2012 – James J. Meno, Carlinville, IL
2012 – J.B. Henderson, Burgettstown, PA
2012 – J.R. Henderson, Hickory, PA
Lost Shepherds
WARREN SQUIRES
Chesterville, Ohio
Warren Squires, age 93, a lifelong resident of Chesterville, Ohio died at home surrounded by family on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. Warren was born in 1930 graduating from Chesterville high school in 1947. As soon as he was old enough to help, he joined the family roofing business his father started in 1920 after returning from World War I; retiring in 2002 after his second fall off a roof. He was also involved in the fur and wool trade with his Uncle for many years. Warren joined the Chester Masonic Lodge in this early 20’s being honored to receive his 70 year member pin in 2021.
Warren’s lifelong passion of raising sheep began in 1942 with an FFA project when he was only twelve years old. He bought his first Horned Dorset sheep from Roy Galleher paying $35 and $27.50 each for two bred ewes. Warren bought ewes from some of the premier Dorset breeders of the day, Ben Willets and Harry McCabe, to establish his flock. He bought his first stud ram from another master breeder, Jake Hooks.
Warren was President of the Continental Dorset Club in 1954, the year Polled Dorsets were accepted into the association. He asked only asked one person, Alex McKenzie of Oklahoma, to speak in favor of adding Polled Dorsets to the CDC registry at the annual meeting. Subsequently, Warren turned down the chance to acquire one of the first Polled Dorset rams offered by NCSU. However, he did judge their 3rd show held in Raleigh, NC.
Warren went on to exhibit many champions and judge at most of the county fairs in Ohio, several state fairs, and both the Chicago International and NAILE. During this time, fellow Dorset breeders and life-long friends, Jim Westhoven, Oren & Newt Wright along with the great University flocks gave Warren much competition at the major shows. Warren met his wife, Marilyn, at KILE in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Marilyn showed market lambs doing especially well with Cheviots under the tutelage of her mentor, Dave McDowell. Warren & Marilyn were married in 1960 after a 5-year courtship at this sheep show.
During the 1960’s, Warren and Marilyn dispersed their Horned Dorset flock to the University of Florida to concentrate on the Polled Dorsets. For the next twenty years, they marketed sheep through the many sales including the Eastern Stud Ram Sale, Keystone Sale, Oklahoma Black & White Sale, and the Midwest
Stud Ram Sale. Buster, Betty, and Doug Wilson family fitted & exhibited the sheep at these shows.
In 1960, Warren & Marilyn along with several other Ohio breeders launched the Ohio Dorset Sale. Marilyn served as the first sale manager for no pay to launch this fledgling annual Dorset sale. Many out of state consignors stayed in the Squires “hotel”, at their big house in Chesterville, including George Hunter, Curtis Mast, and Raymond Henderson.
Warren bought wool for decades initially selling to Mark Banbury’s uncles, Clyde & Cliff located in Danville Ohio. He always kept a pen of rams by the wool room resulting in many commercial sheep people selling their wool and buying a Dorset ram. Some of the most interesting sales include flying a ram from Ohio to California; vending several groups of ewes to Case Western Reserve University to pioneer the field of fetal surgery; and selling a ram to an Amish farmer………over the internet. The Polled Dorset flock was dispersed in the mid 1980’s to again concentrate on the Horned Dorsets. Marilyn called this their “fun time” in the Dorset business as their flock and the entire breed grew in both quantity and quality, thanks to many good friends still raising Horned Dorsets.
Warren was honored to be nominated by Marion Meno, then elected to the Continental Dorset Club Hall of Fame. He was also honored by the Ohio Dorset Breeders Association, Ohio Master Shepherd award, and the Ohio State Fair Agricultural Hall of Fame. Warren dispersed his flock in 2016 to the Kim Root family after selling sheep into 42 states and Canada spanning 8 decades. Dick Matlack and Dale & Cathy Davis family helped the “old shepherd” ready sheep for many Ohio Dorset Sales during the last 20 years. Warren was happy to transfer his half-interest in several jointly owned stud rams to Mike Galleher since he purchased his first sheep 75 years previously from Mike’s great-grandfather, Roy and his son, Chet.
Warren’s life revolved around work and most importantly, his family. Warren enjoyed watching his son, Mike play the same instrument he played in high school as part of the Ohio State University marching band viewing many Ohio State football and basketball games in the process. His grand-daughter, Sally grew up helping Grandpa Warren show sheep and wool at the Ohio State Fair and Ohio Dorset sale. His grandson, Simon helped with the farm garden. Both grand-kids received weekly and sometimes daily reports from Grandpa Warren during lambing & growing season. Grandpa Warren rarely missed his grandchildren’s professional ballet performances and other activities. Grandpa Warren brought Sally’s pet sheep Lilly to several Grandparent days much to the delight of the grandkid’s classmates and teachers.
Warren was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn and his sister, Janice both of whom partnered with him in the sheep for decades. Left to cherish his memory are his son Mike (Jill Hayes) Squires of Westerville, two grandchildren: Sarah “Sally” Squires and Simon Warren Squires. In lieu of flowers and other donations, please contribute to your local, state, regional, NAILE, and the All-American junior sheep shows.
DORSET JUNIOR SHOW ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS – REGIONAL SHOWS, AAJS & NAILE
As show season approaches, we would like to take a minute and remind everyone of the Junior eligibility requirements for any Dorset Regional Show, the All American Junior Sheep Show and the National Junior Shows at NAILE in Louisville, KY.
1. Exhibitor must be a current paid member of the CDC either as a Youth member or Lifetime member.
2. Exhibitor must be 21 years old or younger as of January 1st of the current year. There is typically no lower age limit; however, the exhibitor must be able to lead and/or control the head of their animal in the show ring.
3. Exhibitor must be present to show their own animals unless physically impaired. The junior owner will need to be at the head of the animal controlling it in the show ring. The exception is if the exhibitor has more than one entry in a class in which case another junior exhibitor showing their second animal is acceptable.
4. Sheep must be registered in the youth exhibitor’s name. Youth partnerships are acceptable, except for futurity animals which must be in ONLY one individual name. Farm names or family ownerships are not acceptable.
5. Exhibitor can show at an unlimited number of regional junior shows per year, the CDC does prefer they at least show at the regional show in which they reside if possible.
6. EWE FUTURITY PROGRAM: Your Futurity ewe can earn double points at a regional junior show for the Futurity ewe program. If you show at more than one regional show, only your top point total will be doubled. Regional junior shows are sometimes held in conjunction with existing shows, so there may be other show specific rules and regulations that may apply. Please be aware of these additional requirements when making out your entries to these special shows.
The CDC tries to promote all Dorset sheep types that are being shown around the country. Most Regional shows have classes for all types of Dorset sheep, however some do not. Please make sure you are aware of the class offerings at the show where the Regional show is being held. The All American Junior Show and the National Junior Dorset show at NAILE will feature Polled Dorset separated into Fitted and Slick Shorn shows, Horned Dorsets and Dorset Advantage classes.
2024 DORSET FUTURITY PROGRAM
The 2024 Futurity program is off to a good start for Ewe Lamb nominations. Currently there have been 187 Polled Ewe Lambs with 34 sold to juniors, 23 Dorset Advantage Ewe Lambs with 1 sold to a junior and 11 Horned Dorset Ewe Lambs also with 1 sold to a junior nominated. These numbers will continue to increase as more paperwork comes into the office from online and open barn sales. The deadline for re-nominating a 2023 Ewe Lamb as a Yearling is quickly approaching, and we have only had a handful on nominations. If you will be showing your 2023 Ewe Lamb as a Yearling this year, please send in a nomination form and $25 fee as soon as possible! The Bred & Owned categories are slowly filling up with nominations. To date we have no Horned Dorset B&O nominations; 1 Fitted Polled Dorset B&O nominations and 7 Fitted Slick Shorn B&O nominations. If you have a ewe lamb that will qualify for Bred & Owned – send in your nomination forms! The upcoming sales in Sedalia and online sales that are remaining will add to our Futurity nominated numbers. There is quite a bit of Futurity money available to Junior exhibitors for Polled Ewe Lamb, Horned Ewe Lamb and Dorset Advantage Ewe Lamb divisions so we strongly encourage Juniors to participate in the program and earn premiums to offset your purchase price.
The CDC would like to thank all of the Dorset breeders for nominating their Ewe Lambs. The Futurity program is self-funded, so it is due to the incredible support of the Dorset breeders that this program has become so successful. There are all types of Ewe Lambs that have been nominated for Futurity, so Juniors are able to select a lamb that will fit not only their breeding program but also their budget. As a reminder to Dorset breeders, Futurity nominated Ewe Lambs can be sold two ways: 1) online sales, and 2) open barn sales. Open Barn sales cannot be private sales; they must be advertised, open to everyone sales that can be searched online. Nomination forms are available on our website under the Forms tab. Forms are to be turned in prior to the sale date. The CDC office will invoice the breeders directly for any nominations.
Junior exhibitors must send in a Point Record form to the CDC office in order for points to be counted. This form is part of the Futurity Rules and Regulations document on our website under the Forms tab. **A helpful hint to Juniors – make multiple copies of the Point Record form for each of your ewes filling in your name, the ewe’s Flock name & tag number, registration number and scrapie number. Keep these with you when you attend a show so all you need to add is the placing of your ewe, type of show (Open or Junior), date and signature of the show superintendent. The CDC uses the scrapie tag number as the permanent identification. Since tags sometimes come out, if your lamb loses their original scrapie tag, you MUST NOTIFY THE CDC OFFICE IMMEDIATELY in order to assure that future points are recorded correctly.
We wish you all the best of luck this show season!
FUTURITY POINT SCORING & POINT FORM
1. A point record form has to be filled out for each futurity nominated animal showing and sent to the CDC office within 21 days of the show. The form must be signed by the superintendent of the appropriate show, so it is best to get it filled out while you are still at the show. Scans and emails of the forms are accepted.
2. At each individual show the ewe lamb may earn futurity points from both the open divisions and/or junior division except a t the NAILE, where only the Junior Show placing will determine points earned. Please note: if there is not a separate division for Dorsets and you are showing with other breeds, ONLY include the other Dorset ewes in the class toward your total number of animals. Champion Drives and Supreme Champion classes are not eligible for futurity point recording.
3. Ewe lambs can compete at an unlimited number of shows with only the top 5 point awards going towards your Region total. ONE NATIONAL REGIONAL JUNIOR SHOW WILL COUNT DOUBLE POINTS. IF YOU SHOW AT MORE THAN ONE NATIONAL REGIONAL, THE HIGHEST POINT TOTAL WILL BE DOUBLED. IT IS NO LONGER REQUIRED THAT YOU MUST SHOW AT A NATIONAL REGIONAL. Regional premiums will be awarded on these totals. If you continue to participate in the NAILE Junior Show, the Region point total plus the points earned in the NAILE Juni or Show will determine the final placing for the NAILE premiums and an award will be presented to this overall placing. The higher regional junior show placing will break a tie in the final national placings.
4. The period for eligible shows will be from January 1, 2024 until the NAILE in November of the same year.
5. Even though both fall and spring ewe lambs are eligible for the futurity, only one set of premiums will be paid in each re gion and one set of premiums at the NAILE. The lambs will be shown in their proper age division at the shows and then the point totals will be combined together for the futurity placing.
6. Regional futurity awards will be announced on the CDC website prior to Louisville. The NAILE Futurity Awards will be figured and announced in Louisville after the Dorset Junior Show. All awards will be presented in Louisville.
7. Below is the futurity point scale from which points will be determined:
FUTURITY POINTS
2024 National Dorset Ewe Futurity Point Record Form
2024 Regional Junior Shows
NORTH CENTRAL REGIONAL JR. SHOW
MAY 24 – 26, 2024
Held in conjunction with the Freedom Fest Breeding Jackpot Show – Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL
Entry information contact: Jeremy Crouch (309) 657-8657 or Freedom Fest – freedomfestsheepshow@gmail.com
NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL JR. SHOW
JULY 19 – 21, 2024
Held in conjunction with the North East Youth Sheep Show – Big E Fairgrounds, West Springfield, MA
Entry information contact: Rachael Gately (860) 202-4490 or www.nesheep.org
GREAT LAKES REGIONAL JR. SHOW
JULY 25 – 28, 2024
Held in conjunction with the Youth Sheep Expo – Hancock County Fairgrounds, Greenfield, IN
Entry information contact: Bob Schembs (317) 407-1030 or inlliveassn@gmail.com or www.inlivestockassn.org/ youth-sheep-expo
GREAT PLAINS REGIONAL JR. SHOW
TBA JULY, 2024
Held in conjunction with the Pistol Pete Classic – Payne County Expo Center, Stillwater, OK Entry information contact: Bart Cardwell (580) 716-2550 or www.facebook.com/pistolpeteclassic
WESTERN REGIONAL JR. SHOW
AUGUST 24, 2024
Held in conjunction with the Oregon State Fair, Oregon State Fairgrounds, Salem, OR Entry information contact: Linda Mastin (360) 460-7585 or www.oregonstatefair.org
EASTERN REGIONAL JR. SHOW
SEPTEMBER 27-29, 2024
Held in conjunction with the State Fair of Virginia, The Meadow Event Park, Doswell, VA. Contact Ben Wilfong (304) 268-2295 for more information. Website: https://www.statefairva.org/
2024 TRACY REPASKY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Each year the National Junior Dorset Association presents up to three $1000 Tracy Repasky Memorial Scholarships. To qualify for the scholarship, a student must be completing half of their college or technical school studies the year in which the application is made or can also be enrolled in graduate school. Applicants must be current or previous members of the Youth Enrollment Program or a current Lifetime member of the Continental Dorset Club. Applicants may be majoring or specializing in any type of field as these awards are not limited to agricultural majors. Applicants may receive the NJDA Tracy Repasky Memorial Scholarship only once.
A link for the Tracy Repasky Memorial Scholarship application can be found on our website under the Junior Association tab. The application must be postmarked by September 1, 2024. Two letters of recommendation must be included with the application. The individual completing the recommendation may return it to the applicant in a sealed envelope which has been signed over the flap. Submit applications to: Continental Dorset Club, Inc
NJDA Scholarship PO Box 186 Good Hope, IL 61438-0186
2024 YOUTH DORSET EWE PURCHASE GRANT PROGRAM
Each year, the Continental Dorset Club and the National Junior Dorset Association award up to five $500 grants each year to be used towards the purchase of a registered Dorset Ewe. The purchase does not have to be made through a public consignment sale; they can be purchased off the farm. This is a great financial opportunity to help encourage our youth to purchase a ewe to help with their breeding program or as a show ewe.
The program is open to youth in three age divisions (age as of January 1st of the current year): Junior 8 – 10 years of age; Intermediate 11 – 14 years of age; and Senior 15 – 18 years of age. An individual may win each age division only one time. The applications are due in the CDC office by December 1st of the current year. A committee made up of our Board of Directors evaluate the applications and through a points rubric, the winners are selected. The winning applicants will receive their grant money upon the completed transfer of the purchased ewe into their name during the award year of the grant. Ewes purchased may be of any age or type of registered Dorset but may not be purchased from a family member. The application is available on our website under the Junior Association tab, or you may also request a copy from the CDC office. The form is a simple one page form with three additional questions that should also be submitted.
NATIONAL
With summer just around the corner, for many of our junior members, this is a highly anticipated time of year. Excitement for the end of the school year, getting show lambs ready, and seeing show friends and family. Whether you are chomping at the bit for summer break or dreading upcoming finals/ tests. The NJDA is gearing up for a funfilled summer!
On behalf of the junior association I would like to thank you sincerely for the support of the apparel store, which was our fundraiser for the year. I am excited to see everyone repping their NJDA apparel at shows this summer!
Speaking of seeing everyone this summer, I would like to extend an invitation to the Annual Dorset Social at the All American Junior Show. Again this year it will be Thursday July 4th at 6pm. Planning for this event is still in the works, but be prepared for food, fun, and games! For more information about shows and what our junior members are up to check out our new Facebook page “NJDA - National Junior Dorset Association”!
Brea Knittel, NJDA President
RSF 2316
‘SENSATION’ RSF 2204 X RSF 1804
“Thank you to Reynolds Stock Farm for the opportunity to own RSF 2316 ‘Distinguished’. This ram struck us when he was posted on Facebook. Distinguished has been exposed to ewes at both farms for fall lambs. We look forward to seeing the impact he makes in both of our flocks!
Shane
Commercial Dorset Connection
Breeding Season Preparations
By Melanie Barkley, PSU Extension Educator
Breeding season preparations should begin well ahead of when the ram gets turned out with the ewes. There are a few key management aspects that are critical as part of the breeding season preparations. These include evaluating body condition, flushing the ewes, and conducting a ram breeding soundness exam.
Evaluating Body Condition
Body condition scoring allows producers to evaluate both nutrition and genetics within a flock. Proper body condition will help to ensure a successful breeding season followed by a successful lambing season. Sheep are scored on a 5-point body condition scale, with 1 being very thin and 5 being very fat. Evaluations should take place throughout the year as body condition scores change. Good times to evaluate body condition are prior to the start of the breeding season, about four to six weeks prior to lambing and after weaning.
Evaluate body condition by handling sheep in the loin area. Check the amount of fat across the spinal column along the back of the sheep and at the transverse process, which is a bone located below the loin muscle. Producers can also assess the fullness of the muscling in the loin and leg muscles as well as consider how prominent the hip bones and ribs are by sight and feel. The ideal body condition score during most times of the year would be a 3. At this score, the spine should not be visible down the top of the sheep, the transverse processes should be well covered with muscling and the loin and leg muscles should be full and not appear atrophied. In addition, the hip bones should be well covered with muscle and fat and the ribs should not be seen but can be felt with some pressure.
Body condition scoring prior to the breeding season allows producers to make culling decisions as well as assess the flock’s nutritional program. Monitoring body condition throughout the year and prior to the breeding season allows producers to make any needed adjustments to nutrition in a timely manner.
Flushing
Flushing is the practice of increasing the plane of nutrition prior to the breeding season to promote twinning. Producers can accomplish this by increasing energy in the ewe ration, starting two to three weeks prior to introducing the ram to the ewes.
With increased dietary energy, the ewe will begin to increase body condition. This signals the ewe’s body that she should be capable of supporting more than one lamb. In turn, this will increase her ovulation rate, which should result in a higher lambing percentage, or more lambs born per ewe.
Increase energy in the ration by moving the flock to a lush pasture or by adding grain at a rate of one-half to one pound per ewe per day. Many producers feed corn as the grain source, while others prefer a mixed grain formulation. The amount of grain fed should be based on ewe body condition. Continue to flush the flock throughout the breeding season and for a few weeks after the ram is removed. This allows time for embryo implantation in the uterus and promotes embryonic survival.
Flushing has the greatest impact early in the breeding season, particularly in early fall. Ewes with body condition scores of 2 to 3 often respond best to flushing. While emphasis is placed on ewes for flushing, rams will also benefit from the additional energy in the ration because it helps them lose less weight during the breeding season.
Ram Breeding Soundness Exams
Prior to the start of the breeding season, conduct a physical examination of rams to assess breeding soundness. New rams should be purchased at least one month prior to the breeding season. This allows time for the ram to adjust to the new location and allows ample time to quarantine the ram from the rest of the flock to ensure he is not carrying any contagious diseases. The examination should include palpation of the testicles and epididymis, and visual appraisal of feet, legs, eyes, and teeth.
Testicles of the ram should be firm, adequate in size, and be free of any lumps or abscesses, which could indicate an injury or disease. The tail of the epididymis is located at the bottom end of the testicle and should be slightly rounded and free from any hard knots. The epididymis serves as the major storage area for sperm.
Many producers utilize lush pastures to flush ewes and increase the likelihood of producing twins.
Commercial Dorset Connection
Ram lambs 8 to 14 months old should have a scrotal circumference of 30 to 36 cm, while mature rams should have a scrotal circumference of 32 to 40 cm. The size of the testicles relates to the ability of the ram to produce sperm. Larger scrotal circumference directly correlates with greater semen volume and sperm viability. Larger scrotal circumference also correlates to siring ewe lambs that reach puberty earlier than ewe lambs produced by rams with a smaller scrotal circumference.
Trim feet and conduct a visual appraisal of the feet and legs to look for lameness and evidence of foot rot or foot scald. Check the ram’s eyes to ensure that they appear bright pink to red in color and fall into a 1 or 2 FAMACHA score. A gray or white appearance means the ram is likely anemic and needs dewormed.
Shear rams prior to breeding season and evaluate body condition. Rams should have a body condition score of 3 to 3.5. Thin rams may have less stamina throughout the breeding season
and lower semen quality, while fat rams may have less libido and could also be more susceptible to heat stress, which can decrease semen quality. If you question the breeding soundness of a ram, enlist a veterinarian, or a breeding service, to conduct a semen evaluation test. Evaluations involve collecting semen and viewing under a microscope to assess the number of live and motile sperm cells, plus the number of abnormal sperm cells.
As breeding season continues, be sure to assess body condition scores of ewes and rams. Even though a ram succeeds in getting ewes pregnant, producers should follow good management practices to ensure that the ewes maintain their pregnancy. Steps taken prior to and throughout the breeding season can lead to a more successful lambing season. For more information about breeding season preparations, visit https://extension.psu.edu/breeding-season-preparations-for-sheep-flocks.
Follow the Continental Dorset Club on Facebook for updates throughout the year!
Ohio Dorset Sale Results National Dorset
Grand Champion Horned Ram, Senior Champion, Fitted Fall Yearling - Cassell Horned Dorsets, VA
Grand Champion Horned Ewe, Junior Champion, Early Fall Ewe Lamb - Greenleaf Valley, PA
Reserve Senior Champion Horned Ewe, Slick Shorn Yearling – Greenleaf Valley, PA
Reserve Grand Champion Horned Ram, Junior Champion, Late Fall – Greenleaf Valley, PA
Reserve Grand Champion Horned Ewe, Res Junior Champion, Slick Shorn Ewe Lamb - Cassell Horned Dorsets, VA
Best Headed Horned Ram – Cassell Horned Dorsets, VA
Reserve Jr. Champion Horned Ram, Early FallKP Livestock, IN
Senior Champion Horned Ewe, Fitted Fall Yearling - Galleher Farms, OH
Best Headed Horned EweFrog Hollow, CT
Ohio Dorset Sale Results National Dorset
Ohio Dorset Sale Results National
Ohio Dorset Sale Results National Dorset
Grand Champion Polled Ram, Senior Champion, Fitted Spring Yearling - Nichols Sheep Farm, IL
Reserve Grand Champion Polled Ewe, Jr Champion, Late Fall Ewe Lamb - Nichols Sheep Farm, IL
Best Headed Polled Ram Spilde Dorsets, WI
Junior Champion Polled Ram, Early Fall Ram Lamb - Spilde Dorsets, WI
Reserve Sr. Champion Polled Ewe, Fitted SpringTrail Run Dorsets, OH
Grand Champion Polled Ewe, Senior Champion, Fitted Fall Yearling - Wolkow Dorsets, SD
Reserve Jr. Champion Polled Ewe, Fitted Early Fall Ewe Lamb - Spilde Dorsets, WI
Ohio Showcase Sale Results
Ohio Showcase Sale Results
Ohio Showcase Sale Results
North Central Regional Jr. Dorset Show Results
Freedom Fest - Sedalia, Missouri
Fitted Polled Dorsets
YEARLING RAM
1) Grand Champion Ram: Owen Torrance
FALL RAM LAMB
1) Reserve Grand Champion Fitted
Ram: Morgan Crouch
2) Theo Angus
3) Taylor Crouch
4) Taylor Dietz
YEARLING EWE
1) Grand Champion Fitted Ewe: Arianna Ross
2) Thomas Vandeventer
3) Bayla Crouch
4) Ty Hodel
5) Kassidy Schakel
6) Arianna Ross
7) Thomas Vandeventer
8) Taylor Dietz
9) Theo Angus
10) Taylor Dietz
11) Chesney Thornton
12) Bayla Crouch
EARLY FALL EWE LAMB
1) Jarrod Neumeister
2) Morgan Crouch
3) Paisleigh Spoonster
4) Taylor Crouch
5) Owen Torrance
6) Ty Hodel
7) Bayla Crouch
8) Taylor Crouch
9) Taylor Dietz
10) Thomas Vandeventer
11) Theo Angus
12) Bayla Crouch
LATE FALL EWE LAMB
1) Reserve Grand Champion Fitted
Ewe: Thomas Vandeventer
2) Kassidy Schakel
3) Taylor Dietz
4) Ty Hodel
5) Arianna Ross
6) Kolby Dietz
7) Theo Angus
Chesney Thornton
WINTER EWE LAMB
1) Jemma Dorsey
2) Eli Hanold
3) Owen Torrance
4) Theo Angus
SPRING EWE LAMB
1) Delaney Crouch
2) Jemma Dorsey
Slick
Sheared Polled
Dorsets
YEARLING RAM
1) Brit Blocker
2) Ella Jahner
FALL RAM LAMB
1) Shyla Crouch
2) Ella Jahner
3) Derek Coleman
WINTER RAM LAMB
1) Grand Champion Slick Sheared
Ram: Owen Atwater
2) Reserve Grand Champion Slick
Sheared Ram: Ella Jahner
3) Sophie Winkler
4) Charley Crouch
5) Garrett Brandt
SPRING RAM LAMB
1) Derek Coleman
YEARLING EWE
1) Grand Champion Slick Sheared
Ewe: Landrey Krieger
2) Shyla Crouch
3) Hayze Klotz
4) Maddie Kraft
5) Claire Harris
6) Thomas Vandeventer
7) Derek Coleman
8) Caroline Mattingly
9) Derek Coleman
10) Garrett Brandt
11) Nash Arthur
FALL EWE LAMB
1) Michael & Brooklyn Torrone
2) Thomas Vandeventer
3) Derek Coleman
4) Ella Jahner
5) Myka Heeg
6) Garrett Brandt
Claire Harris
WINTER EWE LAMB - CLASS 1
1) Chloe Nicolaus
2) Derek Coleman
3) Owen Atwater
4) Amara Bugenhagen
5) Maddie Kraft
6) Lauren Andrews
7) Ty Thorson
8) Owen Atwater
9) Hayze Klotz
Nash Arthur
WINTER EWE LAMB - CLASS 2
1) Charley Crouch
2) Sophie Winkler
3) Ashlyn Brandt
4) Taylor Crouch
5) Michael & Brooklyn Torrone
6) Shyla Crouch
7) Kolby Dietz
8) Taylor Crouch
Garrett Brandt
SPRING EWE LAMB
1) Reserve Grand Champion Slick
Sheared Ewe: Lainey Popp/Brooklyn
Johnson
2) Derek Coleman
3) Kolby Dietz
4) Thomas Vandeventer
5) Caroline Mattingly
6) Shyla Crouch
7) Jaden Moneyheffer
8) Myka Heeg
9) Katelyn Coleman
10) Ella Jahner
Horned Dorsets
FALL RAM LAMB
1) Reserve Grand Champion Horned
Dorset Ram: Colton Wright
SPRING RAM LAMB
1) Grand Champion Horned Dorset
Ram: Paige Minter
YEARLING EWE
1) Grand Champion Horned Dorset
Ewe: Kaitlyn Schakel
2) Reserve Grand Champion Horned
Dorset Ewe: Paige Minter
3) Paige Minter
4) Colton Wright
North Central Regional Jr. Dorset Show Results
FALL EWE LAMB
1) Paige Minter
2) Kaitlyn Schakel
WINTER EWE LAMB
1) Colton Wright
SPRING EWE LAMB
1) Paige Minter
Dorset Advantage
FALL RAM LAMB
1) Reserve Grand Champion Dorset
Advantage Ram: Owen Atwater
2) Reid Coleman
WINTER RAM LAMB
1) Emma Chandler
SPRING RAM LAMB
1) Grand Champion Dorset Advantage
Ram: Jacee Johnson
2) Lauren Andrews
YEARLING EWE
1) Grand Champion Dorset Advantage
Ewe: Owen Atwater
2) Trinity Young
3) Reid Coleman
4) Amara Bugenhagen
5) Jemma Dorsey
6) Lauren Andrews
7) Addison Kemper
8) Payton Harker
9) Theo Angus
10) Nolen Winkler
FALL EWE LAMB
1) Reid Coleman
2) Katie Walkington
3) Trinity Young
4) Shyla Crouch
5) Owen Atwater
WINTER EWE LAMB
1) Reserve Grand Champion Dorset
Advantage Ewe: Chloe Nicolaus
2) Scout Ingram
3) Amara Bugenhagen
4) Owen Atwater
5) Claire Harris
6) Maddie Kraft
7) Delaney Crouch
8) Paisley Holloway
9) Reid Coleman
10) Ella Koch
SPRING EWE LAMB
1) Payton Harker
2) Jacee Johnson
3) Bayla Crouch
4) Taylor Dietz
5) Reid Coleman
Supreme Champion Ewe Over All Breeds - Landrey Krieger Champion Slick Sheared Dorset Ewe
Reserve Supreme Champion Ewe Over All Breeds - Arianna Ross Champion Fitted Dorset Ewe
North Central Regional Jr. Dorset Show Results
Champion Fitted Polled Dorset Ram Owen Torrance
Champion Horned Dorset Ram Paige Minter
Champion Slick Sheared Polled Dorset Ram - Owen Atwater
Champion Dorset Advantage Ram Jacee Johnson
Champion Fitted Polled Dorset Ewe Arianna Ross
Champion Horned Dorset Ewe Kaitlyn Schakel
Champion Slick Sheared Polled Dorset Ewe - Landrey Krieger
Champion Dorset Advantage EweOwen Atwater
Reserve Champion Fitted Polled Dorset Ram - Morgan Crouch
Reserve Champion Horned Dorset Ram - Colton Wright
Reserve Champion Slick Sheared Polled Dorset Ram - Ella Jahner
Reserve Champion Dorset Advantage Ram - Owen Atwater
Reserve Champion Fitted Polled Dorset Ewe - Thomas Vandeventer
Reserve Champion Horned Dorset Ewe - Paige Minter
Reserve Champion Slick Sheared Polled Dorset Ewe - Lainey Popp/ Brooklyn Johnson
Reserve Champion Dorset Advantage Ewe - Chloe Nicolaus
Midwest Stud Ram Sale Results
Midwest Stud Ram Sale Results
POLLED DORSETS (Continued)
DORSET WETHER SIRES & DAMS
Midwest Stud Ram Sale Results
Midwest Stud Ram Sale Results
Midwest Stud Ram Sale Results
National Champion Dorset Wether Sire NOC Sheep Center
Reserve National Champion Dorset Wether Dam Nichols Sheep Farm
National Champion Dorset Advantage Wether Dam - NOC Sheep Center
Reserve National Champion Dorset Wether Sire McKinney Show Stock
National Champion Dorset Advantage Wether Sire McKinney Show Stock
Reserve National Champion Dorset Advantage Wether Dam - Fisher Club Lambs
National Champion Dorset Wether Dam HB Livestock
Reserve National Champion Dorset Advantage Wether Sire - Fisher Club Lambs
All-American Junior Show Results
FITTED
116 Group Pr of Fitted Yrl Ewes (2 yearling ewes)
All-American Junior Show Results
All-American Junior Show Results FITTED
Champion
Polled Dorset Ram Taylor Crouch Reserve Champion Fitted
Dorset Ewe Madelyn Syme
Reserve Champion Fitted Polled Dorset Ram Madelyn Syme
1st Place Fitted Young Flock Taylor Crouch
Champion Fitted Polled Dorset Ewe Linsey Eddy
All-American Junior Show Results
All-American Junior Show Results SLICK SHEARED POLLED DORSETS
(2 yearling ewes)
All-American Junior Show Results
All-American Junior Show Results SLICK SHEARED POLLED DORSETS
All-American Junior Show Results
2024 All-American Junior Show
Champion Slick Sheared Polled Dorset Ram Kaylee Shenold
Reserve Champion Slick Sheared Polled Dorset Ewe - Landrey Krieger
Reserve Champion Slick Sheared Polled Dorset Ram - Charley Crouch
Champion Market Lamb - Sara Grace Mattingly
Reserve Champion Market Lamb - Kaden Parks
Champion Slick Sheared Polled Dorset Ewe Seth Ariens
Results For: Horned Dorset
All-American Junior Show Results
HORNED DORSETS
2401 1408 90 Group Pr of Ram Lambs (2 ram lambs)
101 Group Fitted Yrl Ewe
PAIGE
MADELYN
WINDSO CT Frog Hollow 8 1064 3
CAMPBELL
OH PRC W8890 1384 4 SEDWICK BRAXTON
IN Gadsby 22105 1432 5 INBODY AUSTIN
OH Alam 396 1045 6
KAITLYN
IN Sink/Padgett 1938 1613 7
ADDISON
OH Gallher G-201 1043
102 Group Slick Yrl Ewe
1 SCHAKEL KAITLYN ATLANTA IN Res Sr Champ Oberholtxer 2214 1613
2 MINTER LOGAN
IN Houfe Dorsets 2523 1068
3 SYME MADELYN SOUTH WINDSO CT Gradsby 2323 1064
4 REESE PARKER
OH Root 852 1383
IN PRC W8849 1150 6
RILEY
INBODY MORGAN
IN Gadsby 22134 1112
OH PRC W8898 1044
All-American Junior Show Results
OH Oberholtzer 2405 1043
OH Alam 457 1045
181 Group Fitted Spr Ewe Lamb (2/1 and later) 1
PAIGE
IN PRC W8938 1069
ADDISON BLUFFTON OH ALAM 460 1043
3 REESE CAMPBELL
OH Root 874 1384 4 INBODY AUSTIN
OH Alam 459 1045
182 Group Slick Wtr/Spr Ewe Lamb (12/1 and later)
1
PAIGE
IN Sarge 600 1069 2
HAUTE IN ALAM 0451 1397
220 Group Pr of Ewe Lambs (2 ewe lambs) 1 SYME MADELYN SOUTH WINDSO CT Y 1064 2 REESE CAMPBELL CHESTERLAND OH Y 1384 3 INBODY ADDISON BLUFFTON OH Y 1043
230 Group Young Flock (1 ram lamb, 2 ewe lambs)
1 SYME MADELYN SOUTH WINDSO CT Y 1064 2
PAIGE
IN Y 1069 3
CAMPBELL
OH Y 1384 4
ADDISON
OH Y 1043
240 Group Best 4 Head of Ewes (any combo of 4 ewes)
1 SYME MADELYN SOUTH WINDSO CT Y 1064
2 MINTER PAIGE BROOK IN Y 1069
3 REESE CAMPBELL CHESTERLAND OH Y 1384 4 INBODY ADDISON
OH Y 1043
250 Group Market Lamb
All-American Junior Show Results
Champion Horned Dorset Ram Lincoln Oldenburg
Reserve Champion Horned Dorset Ewe Adriana Wendland
Reserve Champion Horned Dorset Ram Madelyn Syme
Champion Horned Dorset Market Lamb Riggin Klotz
1st Place Young Flock Madelyn Syme
Champion Horned Dorset Ewe Kaitlyn Schakel
All-American Junior Show Results
All-American Junior Show Results
All-American Junior Show Results
Champion Dorset Advantage Ram Kaylee Shenold
Reserve Champion Dorset Advantage Ewe Adriana Wendland
Reserve Dorset Advantage Ram Jacee Johnson
Champion Dorset Advantage Market Lamb Nash Johnson
Reserve Champion Dorset Advantage Market Lamb - Caroline Mattingly
Champion Dorset Advantage Ewe Chloe Nicolaus
Index of Advertisers
Dorset Promotional Items Available
- DORSET BASEBALL CAPS: Cotton twill available with embroidered Horned Ram Head. Hat colors: Sage Green or Chocolate Brown. Cost is $15.00 which includes shipping & handling.
- HISTORY BOOK OF THE CONTINENTAL DORSET CLUB & THE DORSET SHEEP: This book is 186 pages containing over 300 photos of Dorsets and those who have led the breed. Cost is $15.00 includes shipping & handling.
- REGISTRATION PAPER THREE RING BINDER: An 11” x 8 1/2” green vinyl covered 1” wide three ring binder with 10 sheet separators to get you started! CDC logo on front cover. Holds up to 100 sheets. Cost is $10.00 includes S & H.
- RAM HEAD DECALS: Polled or Horned ram head available in two sizes. Large 12” diameter and small 6” diameter. Cost is $12.00 for the large decal and $8.00 for the small decal.
- MAGNETIC BUMPER STICKER featuring the CDC Logo and the phrase: “The Breed for all Seasons....The Breed for all Reasons.” Cost is $2.00 each.
- PLASTIC TRAVEL BAG FOR CARRY-ON LIQUID ITEMS: Zippered 8” X 8” Clear Plastic Bag with CDC Logo for air travel carry-on liquid items. Cost is $3.00 which includes shipping & handling.
Send payment to CDC, P.O. Box 186, Good Hope, IL 61438-0186