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 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

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 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)

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

Judge: JJ MADDOX, OK

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.