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

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.