CSBA Proud of Starter Flock Recipients

We had a breakout year for the Starter Flock Program in 2021! Nine applicants submitted their applications. Starter Flock Director David Brown and the CSBA Board of Directors responded with the presentation of two starter flocks at the 2021 National Sale in Sidney, Ohio. One year later, let us see how things are going for the 2021 recipients.

Hailey Rose of Santa Rosa, Ca

Hailey Rose of Santa Rosa, California is one of the aspiring flock owners. Her starter flock had a long journey from Sidney, Ohio, to their new home. They became comfortable in their new pasture and barn quickly. She enjoyed getting to know each sheep. Hailey admits she spends too much time in the barn hand feeding and petting. She says they are very demanding about a few more scratches. This summer Hailey will be at the Sonoma and Boonville County Fairs to promote and show Columbia sheep. A friend and Hailey run a summer camp. A few sheep will go along to attend camp too. Hailey shares, “It’s a lot of fun to see the kids interact with my flock. Most kids have never been around farm animals. It’s fun to see their reactions!” Hailey’s advice for the 2022 Starter Flock winners is this, “Ask questions. Any question you can think of. No question is a dumb question. Find out answers from experienced breeders to further your education.” Hailey advises the new flock owners to use difficult times as learning experiences. Her support team is David Brown (ND) and Samuel Cooper (CA). Hailey expresses her gratitude to the CSBA for her starter flock. She can’t wait to grow her flock and grow the experiences for her children, herself, and extended family!

Become a Starter Flock proponent

The 2021 Starter Flocks were donated by Troxel Columbias, Laura Troxel, Sara and Chris Hildebrandt, Ryan and Lindsey Hendricks, and Charles and Louise Worm. If you are interested in getting involved contact David Brown.

Henkel Family of brownwood, tx

Central Texas Columbias, the Henkel Family—Carter, Conrad, Crockett, and Penelope are the second aspiring Columbia owners from Brownwood, Texas. After a long trip to their new home, their starter flock adjusted quickly to their new surroundings as well. The Henkel kids loved getting to know the Columbia breed. Most kids in the area have market lambs and participate in market shows. Therefore, the Henkel kids have many opportunities to introduce Columbia sheep to friends and explain how their project is a yearround endeavor. Carter, Conrad, Crockett, and Penelope are home schooled. Raising sheep is a part of their education. Surprising to all the kids is the lesson that Columbias are easy to manage. The family has enjoyed the entire process. From breeding to birthing to watching the care a ewe gives her lamb(s) have been highlights of their exciting journey. The family will tell you, learning when to do what is the hard part, but they enjoy learning. Their goal is to grow a superior flock and be able to share their genetics with others as time goes on. The kids also purchased a “ready-made family” from Triple C Columbias (CO). Chase’s ewe and surprise lamb (born at the Sidney NSS) went to Texas as a package deal. The Henkels credit Roberta and Ashlie Chase as great resources, and Sara Hildebrandt as a truly kind and supportive mentor who checks in on them often.

apply for a starter flock

Do you know someone that is interested in getting started with Columbias? Encourage them to apply for a Starter Flock! Applications can be found on the CSBA website and are due March 1.