Southdown Journal - Spring 2023

BASED ON SOUND GENETIC PRINCIPLES.

with a Program Plan

Our strategy is to perfect the art and science of breeding quality purebred livestock. We live by the values of Quality, Integrity and Commitment. These values, coupled with our high-level management practices, have guided the success of our Southdown sheep breeding program for nearly three decades.

FIND OUR SHEEP IN THE FOLLOWING SALES:

• APRIL 13 - Prairieland Farms/MB Genetics Online Sale / Hosted by Integrity Livestock Sales

• MAY 8 - South Dakota Sheep Growers Online Sale / Hosted by Integrity Livestock Sales

• MAY 13 - National Southdown Sale - Greenville, OH

We invite you to South Dakota to view our rams and ewe lambs available for sale at the farm.

MB GENETICS

MICHAEL and BARBARA BISHOP

Alexandria, SD

PH: 608-347-5580 / southdowns@mbgenetics.com

(2022 FALL RAMS - BORN SEPT. 22-OCT. 5)

AMERICAN SOUTHDOWN BREEDERS’ ASSOCIATION

Ann Fry, Executive Secretary

P.O. Box 556

Otterbein, IN 47970

Phone: (765) 237-2576 (Office)

Email: ann@southdownsheep.org

Stephanie Formo, Junior Coordinator

Phone: (320) 424-2978

Email: stephanieformo@gmail.com

Katherine Kuykendall, Editor

Phone: (336) 302-6162

Email: katherinekuykendall@gmail.com

Website: southdownsheep.org

Facebook: American Southdown Breeders Association

PRINTED BY:

SUTHERLAND PRINTING, MONTEZUMA, IOWA

Spring 2023 Southdown Journal

Hope everyone is having a successful lambing season. The board has been busy working on several things since our meeting in November - the biggest thing being the new DNA policy that went in to effect in January. You can find a copy of it in this issue. Make sure you read over it and know where you stand on your DNA before you come to our events. It’s not our goal to penalize anyone, we as a breed must be proactive on these issues.

One other big thing that the board has been working on is the changes made to the futurity program. We are excited to add to what has been a very successful program for us as a breed. We look at this as an investment in the future by giving back to our young people and we encourage everyone to get involved and take advantage of the new changes.

I think one of the most exciting and rewarding things I had the pleasure of doing to this point on the board is working with the junior board, now in its second year. It’s amazing the caliber of young adults we have in this breed and their focus on new and exciting things to engage the other junior membership to keep the breed’s momentum going. I would say our future is in good hands!

I would hope everyone is making plans on attending our National sale in Ohio in May for what will surely be another outstanding event. I would also like to encourage everyone if you haven’t been to the Classic - add it to your “must attend” list for this year. It’s in the planning stage and looks to be another great event for our youth. We have been on a pretty good roll as a breed for a while and I would like to challenge each of you to get one new member signed up for this year and keep things going.

As President, I’m always free to talk all things Southdowns - just give me

ASBA Board of Directors, President Ed Keeny

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

As I’m wrapping up this issue, I’d like to take a moment to first thank all of you that support the Journal through advertising. I’ve had quite a few conversations lately (and throughout the past several years) about the decline in print media and where it’s all headed. While I do my fair share of web-focused design work, I still think there’s nothing quite like the impact of a hard copy of something in your hands. Southdown breeders are fortunate to have a supportive association to support this publication, but it wouldn’t be successful without advertisers.

Online sales are in full swing with some live sales already taking place as well. I know a lot of preparation is being done to get ready for the National Sale in Ohio, and I’m sure there will be a fantastic consignment there.

For the junior members gearing up for the next show season: have fun! The competitive environment of the show ring has only gotten more intense since my time as a junior. I loved showing (still do...) but remember, it’s the times outside of the ring that you’ll remember the most. The friends you make in the barn will impact your life for years to come. While you’re at the All-American or The Classic in Richmond, take the time to hang out with your fellow junior members and get to know each other.

Speaking of those summer junior shows, I’ll be there taking photos and can’t wait to see you all in the ring! It will be here before you know it. After that, remember that the directory issue of the Journal will be published before Louisville. See you down the road!

Katherine Kuykendall

Editor, Southdown Journal

In my later teenage years, I decided I wanted a show heifer. I probably should have known it was not my best decision when she dragged me across the pasture on day one. I think I stood last in every class except one, where I was placed second to last. One of the men helping me once commented, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone who loses so much smile as much as you do.” I told him I was happy I hadn’t been dragged across the show ring.

Although that heifer left me with several bruises, she helped me learn some things along the way. That summer wasn’t about winning for me. It was about trying something new, working hard and stepping outside my comfort zone. I was able to smile no matter where I was placed because I was accomplishing the goals I had for myself.

I encourage each of you to set a goal this year that has nothing to do with winning a purple banner. Maybe you could say you want to talk to three new people this year. Maybe you want to travel to a show in a state you haven’t visited before. Maybe you want to try breeding your own ewes for the first time. Maybe you want to do some trials with different feeds. Write a goal for yourself or your family somewhere in your barn and work every day to accomplish it. You might find that when a purple banner isn’t the end goal, you’ll be able to smile no matter where you place.

Ann Fry

Executive Secretary

ASBA

SOUTHDOWN SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED AT NAILE

In the program’s sixteenth year, three $1,000 scholarships were presented by the American Southdown Breeders Association to Shaylee Maddox, Clay Schoen, and Quincy Wiegand. They were recognized at the Southdown Social during the NAILE. Applications for the 2023 scholarships are on the ASBA website.

Shaylee Maddox, daughter of J.J. and Kelly Maddox, Thomas Oklahoma, is in her second year at Lincoln Land Community College where she competes on the Livestock Evaluation team. She plans to continue for a Bachelor’s degree at Oklahoma State University and eventually a career in agriculture through pharmaceutical sales. Shaylee successfully participated in public speaking, livestock judging, and showed sheep through 4-H and FFA both locally and nationally and was the State Proficiency winner in Sheep Production her senior year. This year she was named the Southwest Area Star Farmer in Oklahoma, partly due to her success at marketing sheep privately and at national sales. She currently owns 40 ewes and helps manage the family flock totaling 100 ewes.

Clay Schoen, son of Brian and Audra Schoen, Jeromesville, Ohio, is in his third year at the University of Findlay and is currently applying to vet school with the goal of becoming a large animal veterinarian. He showed multiple species through 4-H and FFA and served many years as an officer in both organizations. Clay received FFA Gold State rating for each of his terms as chapter secretary and treasurer and earned both the State and American Degrees. Starting with Southdowns at the age of ten, his flock is now known as Diamond S Southdowns and has grown to 40 head of ewes. He has shown locally and nationally as well as consigning sheep to national sales. Clay was elected this summer to be president of the Southdown Junior Board of Directors.

Quincy Wiegand, daughter of Bryon and Teresa Wiegand, Cairo, Missouri, is attending the University of Missouri-Columbia majoring in Agriculture Business Management with a career goal of becoming a rural lawyer. She is also on the collegiate Meats Evaluation team. In 2014 Quincy won a Southdown ewe donated by the Oldenburg family to the Ewes for Youth program. Her first Southdown ewe hooked her on the breed which has grown to a flock of 40 ewes, showing both locally and nationally. Besides raising and showing multiple species including Simmental cattle, meat goats and show pigs, she has been very involved in both 4-H and FFA activities as an officer, doing community service projects, state speaking contests, and livestock and meats judging teams.

To apply for a 2023 ASBA Scholarship, view details and application information at our website.

WWW.SOUTHDOWNSHEEP.ORG

AJSA SPRING SPECTACULAR ONLINE SALE

Featuring donated ewe lambs and semen. 20% of each lot sold is donated directly to the Junior Association. Held at Integrity Livestock Sales - bidding closes Monday, April 10 at 9pm EST.

NATIONAL SALE & SPRING KICKOFF

Friday, May 12

8:00 AM Show - Judge: Evan Snyder, PA

MAY 11-13

The show will be broadcast live via YouTube. Live bidding for the sale will be available via BreedersWorld.

Saturday, May 13

9:00 AM National Southdown Sale

Spring Kickoff Sheep must be in place

1:00 PM (or 1 hour following sale)

Spring Kickoff Junior Show

Judge: Eric Shellhouse, OH Anything purchased on the National Sale will have free entry into the kickoff show.

THE CLASSIC

All Southdown Double Header

JUNE 10-11

RICHMOND, INDIANA

Sheep may arrive Friday, June 9 at any time. Check in is from 3:00 - 7:00 PM. Wether weigh in is from 6:30-7:30 PM.

Saturday, June 10

Judge: Greg Ahart, CA

9:00 AM Showmanship (Oldest starts)

Show to follow: Market Lambs, Rams, Ewes

6:00 PM AJSA Fun Night

NATIONAL JUNIOR SHOW

Sunday, June 11

Judge: Brent Jennings, NC

8:00 AM Show (Market Lambs, Rams, Ewes)

All-American Junior Show

JUNE

All sheep must be in place Thursday, June 28 at Noon. Sheep are released Sunday, July 2 following the conclusion of the Supreme Champion drive. Visit www.allamericanjuniorshow.com for a more detailed schedule. Other activities for juniors throughout the weekend include Skillathon, Judging Contest, Fitting Clinics, Wool Show, and several social activities.

Friday, June 30

8:00 AM Opening Ceremonies

9:30 AM Showmanship

Saturday, July 1

7:30 AM (Following Montadales)

National Southdown Junior Show

Judge: Brad Ellerbrock, IL

Sue Ann Carpenter

If you have attended the annual ASBA fundraiser auction at Louisville in the last decade, you’ve probably come to expect a beautiful afghan, made with Southdown wool, available for bidding. The name behind these items might be less familiar to you, but she’s become undoubtedly one of the most consistent supporters of the association - Sue Ann Carpenter of Barryton, Michigan: the 2022 Spirit of the Breed recipient.

Sue Ann began with sheep in 1988, when she started with a small flock of Karakuls. Her son started a 4-H project with Southdowns in 1989, and both breeds have stuck around ever since. She became interested in spinning and knitting, and ultimately decided to donate a baby sweater, made with Southdown wool, to the ASBA auction in 2004. It was purchased by Trace Repasky for a young Adriana Wendland.

Although it started with sweaters, Sue Ann eventually progressed to donating afghans for the auction. By her estimation, she has donated at least 11 afghans over the years to the ASBA. It’s estimated that her donations have brought in more than $4,000 for the junior

scholarship fund, and her beautiful heirloom pieces have been spread across the country.

The 2022 afghan donated by Sue Ann started with Southdown wool, harvested in 2021 from her own Southdown flock. Sue Ann washed it herself, then had it carded by Frankenmuth Woolen Mill in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Sue Ann hand spun the wool and the knitting process began after she decided on the layout of the afghan. Because each year’s afghan design is

Creator of the afghan that is donated every year for the ASBA fundraiser auction

The afghan donated in 2022 by Sue Ann Carpenter which sold in the fundraiser auction at NAILE.

unique, there is a lot of preparation and planning that goes into the creation of this piece. Below, you can see a photo of an early stage of creation - deciding on the stars that would be used.

When speaking with Sue Ann, she was very humble and gracious regarding her Spirit the Breed award. I reminded her it is often those that support causes consistently and quietly that make the most impact. Her response was that she grew up with parents that valued community service and recognized that you get back what you put in to a cause. Perhaps it was best written by Jackie Scramlin in her nomination essay:

Ultimately, the 2022 afghan had 34 stars, 6 sheep, and “ASBA 2022” incorporated in the design. It weighed 2 pounds, 3 ounces and measured approximately 44” wide and 46” long. It was purchased for $425 by Barb Bishop, SD.

Sue Ann is well known throughout central and western Michigan for her fiber art, regularly attending trade shows and craft fairs under the name The Sassy Ewe (you can also find her on Facebook under that name, where she posts updates throughout the year on the creation of the ASBA afghan.) She sells hand spun yarns using predominately Southdown and other natural Michigan fibers. She noted that the Southdowns have allowed her to be creative while raising sheep for others and freezer lambs.

“When I think of The Spirit of the Breed” I think of someone who loves Southdowns, and is always trying to give back and help others. I don’t believe she has ever attended the North American, but quietly supports the youth of our breed with her exquisite handcrafted work. Sue Ann Carpenter is a true supporter of the Southdown breed.” - Jackie Scramlin

Sue Ann already has the yarn spun for the 2023 afghan, and is in the process of configuring the design. The association is incredibly grateful for the hundreds of hours she puts in to these incredible pieces, donated selflessly to support Southdown youth. The Southdown family is lucky to have someone that so wonderfully encapsulates the Spirit of the Breed.

Written by Katherine Kuykendall

Three pounds of hand spun Southdown yarn, most of which was used in the 2022 ASBA afghan.

“It’s been fun having the Southdowns around, and interesting to see the differences and similarities between the two breeds that I have. It’s been a happy journey. I’ve enjoyed the people I’ve met along the way that have been involved in Southdowns, showing and promoting the breed. I’m very humbled by the award.”

The ASBA Board has announced the introduction of the new DNA Plus Program for Southdown rams. This will be a voluntary desig nation by the breeder.

Eligible rams are non-carriers of Hereditary Chondrodysplasia (spider syn drome - NN), Ectodermal Dysplasia (“Hairy Lamb Syndrome” - EDF) and Ovine Dwarfism (FF) and contain a minimum of one R at codon 171.

The DNA results from the genetic testing company must be sent to the ASBA office. The DNA will be printed on the DNA plus registration paper. If you would like to upgrade an existing registration paper on a qualifying ram, please send the existing paper and the DNA results to the ASBA of fice. An upgraded DNA Plus paper will cost $10. Cost for a new registration DNA Plus paper is the same as a regular registration paper ($6 for rams less than 1 year, $8 for rams 1-3 years and $15 for rams older than 3).

You do not have to use Gene Check to submit DNA results, however, we do want to let you know Gene Check is offering a Southdown Association Members package price. Animals can be tested for Codon 171, Dwarf, Hairy Lamb and Spider for $40.

As a reminder, in November 2022, the Board of Directors voted to adopt the following changes to the Policies and Procedures manual regarding DNA testing effective January 1, 2023:

• Rules apply to any show sponsored by the American Southdown Breeders’ Association or any show that chooses to adopt the ASBA policies.

• The Classic weekend shows will be added to the list of shows where DNA samples are taken. The Classic has also been added to the list of shows an exhibitor will be barred from showing at for 5 years if they refuse to have their animal tested or refuse to forfeit their winnings.

• Upon the conclusion of the show, DNA samples will be taken on Grand and Reserve Champion Ewe and Ram, Champion and Reserve Bred and Owned Ewe and Ram (if different animals are chosen) and Junior and Senior Champion and Reserve Ewe and Ram.

• Any animal at an ASBA-sanctioned show testing as a carrier (FD) or worse (DD) of the Ovine Dwarfism will have registration removed. Any previous or future offspring of said animal will also be ineligible for registration.

• All breeding ewes and rams must meet the DNA requirements for an association-sponsored sale.

April

Barn is open to private treaty sales and visitors!

The Junior Board of Directors introduced a new idea for 2023: to commemorate the outstanding 2022 show season, they opened voting to the public for the 2022 SOUTHDOWN EWE OF THE YEAR. Ewes were able to be nominated if they were a Grand Champion Ewe at an ASBA sanctioned show or state fair. Following nominations, the top five finalists continued on to a final round of voting. The AJSA Board was blown away by the participation and enthusiasm from Southdown enthusiasts throughout the country, and were happy to crown “Dolly” KDK 2106, shown by Kailen Smerchek, as the 2022 Southdown Ewe of the Year.

GRAND CHAMPION EWE

• National Southdown Show (NAILE Open)

• National Southdown Junior Show (All-American) Supreme Over All Breeds

• The Classic (Richmond, IN - Day 2)

• WI State Fair Open Show

Congratulations to the four other finalists that were a part of the final round of voting for the 2022 Southdown Ewe of the Year. There were nearly 1800 votes cast!

“DAPHNE” GEORGE BROS. 21-043

“JUJU” LEININGER 2012

Shown by DREW GEORGE

Champion Ewe • NAILE Jr Show, ASBA Spring Kickoff, IN State Fair, MI State Fair

BOWERS 2123

Shown by ALIVIA PORTER

Champion Ewe • IL State Fair

PENFOLD LIVESTOCK 2203

Shown by EPHRAIM FOWLER

Champion Ewe • OH State Fair

Shown by CADENCE MINER

Champion Ewe • CA State Fair

SPRING 2023 SOUTHDOWN JOURNAL

The ASBA Board of Directors voted to approve new divisions to our futurity program in the spring and fall divisions. The ASBA will be adding $3,500 to the futurity prize money this year! The money will be split up between all of the futurity competitions: market lambs, yearling ewes, early fall, late fall, January, February and March lambs. This money is in addition to all of the nomination fees that already go into the futurity fund!

EARLY FALL LATE FALL

Division winners will win a banner, and the highest points earner among all spring divisions will be recognized with the Spring Ewe Lamb Futurity trophy. Exhibitors may receive awards in multiple divisions.

Division winners will win a banner, and the highest points earner among both fall divisions will be recognized with the Fall Ewe Lamb Futurity trophy. Exhibitors may receive awards in multiple divisions.

Futurity competitions are open to junior Southdown members who purchase futurity nominated ewes or wethers. Animals competing in the futurity must be transferred to one junior’s name. Futurity animals can compete at an unlimited number of shows with only the top five point award shows being recorded as the futurity point total.

Fill out the points submission form online or via a printable form within 14 days of the show to accumulate points. Standings can be viewed on the website and are updated throughout the show season. Final awards are given at NAILE yearly.

For more information, check out southdownsheep.org/juniors

SPRING EWE LAMBS

FALL EWE LAMBS

SPRING EWE LAMB FUTURITY RESULTS

1. Alivia Porter, IL (Leininger Southdowns)

2. Drew George, MI (Forsee Southdowns)

3. Ephraim Fowler, OH (Bowers Southdowns)

4. Maddie Hauger, IN (Brock Trew)

5. Wyatt Wierzbicki, MO (Forsee Southdowns)

6. Mallory Bowers, IN (Oldenburg Farms)

7. Braxton Sedwick, IN (JM Genetics)

8. Molly McCalla, IL (Burns Livestock)

9. Katie Drum, NY (Kuhn/Mills Southdowns)

10. Alexis Koch, IN (Brock Trew)

FALL EWE LAMB FUTURITY RESULTS

1. Jude Parker, IN (Forsee Southdowns)

2. Brady Brennan, IN (Forsee Southdowns)

3. Carson Knittel, IL (Kate Bowers)

4. Maddie Hauger, IN (KDK Southdowns)

5. Hope Barker, IN (KDK Southdowns)

6. John Crowder (Howe Farms)

7. Drew George (Longenecker Show Stock)

8. Addison Jordan, OH (Forsee Southdowns)

9. Carson Kretzmeier, IN (FP Livestock)

10. Carissa Scheel, SD (Prairieland Farms)

YEARLING EWE FUTURITY RESULTS

1. Ephraim Fowler, OH (Bowers Southdowns)

2. Oliver Nicholson, CT (Nick Miller)

3. Brady Brennan, IN (Forsee Southdowns)

4. Lilly Williamson, IN (Maddox Livestock)

5. Hope Barker, IN (KDK Southdowns)

6. Wyatt Wierzbicki, MO (Forsee Southdowns)

7. Klayten Chamberlin, OH (Fowler Southdowns)

8. Henry Neilson, SD (Ryan Southdowns)

9. John Crowder, IN (Oldenburg Farms)

10. Evelyn Roehm, OH (Fowler Southdowns)

MARKET LAMB FUTURITY RESULTS

1. Emily Myers, KY (Forsee Southdowns)

2. Carragh Cashen, MI (Forsee Southdowns)

3. Lillian Schut, MI (Forsee Southdowns)

4. Addison Jordan, OH (Forsee Southdowns)

5. Jordyn Leininger, IN (Forsee Southdowns)

GRAND CHAMPION RAM

RES. SR CHAMPION RAM

RES. JR CHAMPION RAM

RES. GRAND CHAMPION RAM Jaleigh Oldenburg

Mallory Bowers

Drew George

JOHN MROZINSKI, CO

Breanna, Carson & Cole Knittel

Junior Champion (Bred & Owned) 1st January Ram Lamb

2nd Late Fall Ram Lamb

Senior Champion (Bred & Owned) 1st Late Fall Ram Lamb

1st March & Later Ram Lamb (Bred & Owned)

BRED & OWNED JUNIOR CHAMPION EWE: Madelyn, Caroline, Silas & Anna Groth (1st Early February Ewe Lamb)

BRED & OWNED RESERVE

JUNIOR CHAMPION EWE: Beckmier Brothers (2nd Early February Ewe Lamb)

SPRING 2023 SOUTHDOWN JOURNAL

GRAND CHAMPION EWE

JR CHAMPION EWE

RES. JR CHAMPION EWE

RES. GRAND CHAMPION EWE Drew George

Quentin Derrer Kendall Peyton

Breanna, Carson & Cole Knittel

Senior Champion Ewe (Bred & Owned) 1st Class 2 Yearling Ewe

1st Early January Ewe Lamb

2nd Early January Ewe Lamb

Res. Senior Champion Ewe (Bred & Owned) 1st Class 3 Yearling Ewe

Judge: JJ MADDOX, OK

GRAND CHAMPION RAM

RES. SR CHAMPION RAM

RES. JR CHAMPION RAM

RES. GRAND CHAMPION RAM

Jaleigh Oldenburg

Breanna, Carson & Cole Knittel

Forsee Southdowns

Scramlin Southdowns

Junior Champion - 1st January Ram Lamb

1st Late Fall Ram Lamb

Senior Champion - 1st Early Fall Ram Lamb

1st February Ram Lamb

BEST HEADED RAM: Kailen Smerchek

GRAND CHAMPION EWE

JR CHAMPION EWE

RES. JR CHAMPION EWE

RES. GRAND CHAMPION EWE Kailen Smerchek

Adriana Wendland Jaleigh Oldenburg

Forsee Southdowns

Sr Champion Ewe - 1st Early Yearling Ewe

1st Late February Ewe Lamb

2nd Late February Ewe Lamb

Res. Sr Champion Ewe - 1st Early Fall Ewe Lamb

BEST HEADED RAM: Forsee Southdowns

1ST FLOCK: Kailen Smerchek

PREMIER EXHIBITOR: Jaleigh Oldenburg

The highest placing Southdown exhibitor in each class of showmanship at NAILE were recognized with a banner - in many cases, they were also the class winner! We’re proud of our Southdown junior exhibitors for always being ultra competitive in showmanship.

Carson Lobdell, WI

Beau Howe, IL

Mallory Bowers, IN

Caleb Formo, WI

Bella Thompson, IN

Ryker Beckmier, IL

Kate Bowers, IN

Lillian Schut, MI

Hudson Fleener, PA

Bracen Brandt, WI

Ephraim Fowler, OH

Addyson Trew, TN

Landrey Krieger, IN

American Southdown Breeders’ Association

Ann Fry, Executive Secretary

P.O. Box 556 ,Otterbein, IN 47970