Ringside Sheep Magazine - 2021 March Issue

RINGSIDE The Ultimate Sheep Magazine Volume 7: March 2021

Make the late nights and long hours

Pay Off

IntegrityLivestockSales.com

mike crowder 765-366-3135

mike@integritylivestocksales.com

Mark your calendars! All online sales held with SC Online Sales!

NATHAN CLUB LAMBS DECEMBER & EARLY JANUARY BORN A.I. SALE MARCH 2ND NATHAN CLUB LAMBS DECEMBER & EARLY JANUARY BORN A.I. CLICK-TO-CLAIM SALE - MARCH 2ND NATHAN CLUB LAMBS LATE JANUARY BORN A.I. SALE - MARCH 9TH NATHAN CLUB LAMBS FLUSH BABY SALE - MARCH 10TH NATHAN CLUB LAMBS FLUSH BABY CLICK-TO-CLAIM SALE - MARCH 10TH

WHERE CHAMPIONS GO Winner Highlights from 2020 sales

NEXT LEVEL X BRAVO X DOC

TOP TIER X PUBLIC ENEMY DAUGHTER Congrats to Brynne shuee & Deno livestoCk! Congrats to Brantlee Cox! (THE LEGEND’S MOM)

TOP TIER X CRINKLE Congrats to JorDan Musil!

TOP TIER X CRINKLE Congrats to Bailee aMztutz!

NEXT LEVEL X CRINKLE Congrats to kaylie aDaMs!

LEGEND X RAINMAN Congrats to saM sChMillen!

TOP TIER X CRINKLE Congrats to Dayton MortveDt! TEMPER TANTRUM X BRAVO Congrats to Cole Cooper!

Check us out on Facebook! https://www.facebook. com/NathanClubLambs NEXT LEVEL X BRAVO Congrats to Chase BuCk!

NEXT LEVEL X BRAVO Congrats to Crew FreelanD!

TEMPER TANTRUM X “DOLLY” (STARDUST DORSET DONOR)

Congrats to ian lorenson!

Justin Nathan 402.369.2876 & Torie Schwartz 309.714.3892 | www.nathanclublambs.com

> IN THIS ISSUE - MARCH 2021

RS

EDITORIAL Shepherd Stories ...........................................pages 8-9 Evan’s Top Ten Tunes .........................................page 11 From the Kitchen ...............................................page 12 Junior Spotlight ............................................page 14-15 Crouch Girls Corner............................................page 16 Wool Testing Lab .............................................page 21 Breed Updates......................................pages 22-23,28 Advertising Index .............................................page 30

SHOW RESULTS

Stockman’s Showcase ......................................page 46 San Antonio Stock Show..................................page 25 Mike Crowder created Integrity Livestock Sales in the Spring Georgia Junior National...................................page 26

ON THE COVER

of 2019. While they may be the “new kid”, Mike brings a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to the online sales arena. Their slogan …Everyone, Always is not just a catchy phrase – it’s what they believe. As you finish up those late night barn checks, plan the next breeding season and stress over how it’s all going to work, Integrity Livestock Sales is here to serve all your sales and marketing needs. In a crazy, mixed up world, full of half- truths, misdirection and profit before people attitudes, we invite you to be part of our family.

Integrity Livestock Sales – Everyone. Always.

STAFF CONTACTS EMILY ADCOCK Co-Owner/Creative Director 217.330.0539 ringsidesheep@gmail.com

CRUZ & SARAH NICHOLS Integrity Livestock Sales, LLC Mike Crowder, Owner PO Box 226 Sheridan, IN 46069 (765) 366-3135 mike@integritylivestocksales.com www.integritylivestocksales.com Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Photo credit: Maggie Malson Photography

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Co-Owners/Ad Sales Representative 859.612.7175 ringsidesheep@gmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA FACEBOOK: Ringside Sheep Magazine FACEBOOK: Emily Adcock Photography & Design

> LETTER FROM THE EDITOR HAPPY SPRING!

Hip, hip, HOORAY! Spring sale season is upon us and I am so excited to be attending sales and shows in person again! Spring sale season also gets me excited for the upcoming show season that is just lurking around the corner. I love watching my animals find their way to new homes, adding new families to the team, and watching those in my replacement pen grow and develop.

Most of all - I love seeing (in my case baby calves and cows) out on green pasture and out of the dry lots they have spent most the winter in. Cruz and Sarah (and Harper if you are lucky), will be hitting the road a lot this spring and attending many of the major events. Please reach out to them, if Ringside can help you in anyway. Our e-blast are an effective advertising tool and reminder on the day of your online events or as you are headed to a big show. Our next issue will be in May and its never too early to lock in your ad or reserve the front or back cover!

As I write this, we still are buried under many inches of snow and have just made it through an unusual cold snap, that had us wondering why we choose to have livestock again. It’s my hope that if you also were effected, you have made it through as best you can and the thoughts of spring have you bouncing like a baby lamb. Speaking of lambs, I am hoping March comes in like one.

Be sure to take a look and mark your calendars for the sales our advertiser’s are hosting. There will be a lot of great sheep in each of them that you won’t want to miss out on. We have also included a host of breed information and we look forward to sharing sale results and much more following the sale season.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US RINGSIDE!

Emily Adcock

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> LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Depending on what area of the sheep industry you are in, you may be lambing, selling, preparing to sell, or preparing to breed again. We are doing all of the above here and it is keeping us busy. We’ve already had two online sales and now we are preparing for another, as well as upcoming live sales. We are excited to be preparing to attend live sales again this spring and see everyone in person.

Here in Illinois, we just started playing sports again, so hopefully, we are headed in a direction for some normalcy. Plans are being made for various shows throughout the country so it is time to get the additions to the show string purchased or pick out the show string in the barn.

We plan to be at many of the shows and sales this year. Feel free to reach out to us or sit and talk with us about how we can help you market your animals.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US RINGSIDE!

Cruz and Sarah Nichols

2021 DEADLINES MAY 2021 Ad Deadline: April 2 Camera-Ready Ads Due: April 9 SEPT. 2021 Ad Deadline: Aug. 20 Camera-Ready Ads Due: Aug. 20 NOV. 2021 Ad Deadline: Oct. 8 Camera-Ready Ads Due: Oct. 15

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AD PRICING FULL PAGE $595 | FRONT COVER $695 1/2 PAGE $425 | BACK COVER $695 1/4 PAGE $325 | INSIDE COVERS $625 1/8 PAGE/BIZ CARD $125 • 10% discount for contracting for year • 10% discount for print ready ads provided by deadline • 5% pre-pay discount if paid before print date.

WINNING WAYS

Home of Elite Oxfords

ANNUAL ONLINE SALE April 25, 2021

with Apple Oxfords

on wlivestock.com

Look for our consignments at the National Oxford Sale!

We also want to invite all juniors to the All-American Junior Show hosted in Springfield, IL this year!

Winning Ways Sheep Farm (WWSF) | Darrell, Melanie and LeAnn Hall 2005 N. 2225 E. Road |Moweaqua, IL 62550 217-454-1995 | lhall@alumni.purdue.edu Ringside | 7

Shepherd Stories:

Rachael Gately

It’s two a.m. early on a Monday morning and snowing like crazy with 12” expected. We have been working for over an hour desperately trying to pull a lamb out of my 2019 Futurity ewe who is in her 1st pregnancy. At 2:10 we make a call: Rachael we need some help: she answers, “I’ll be there in 25 minutes”. By 4:30 a.m. the C-section is complete, we save the ewe but lose the lamb, a much better result than losing both. It would be hard pressed to find someone more dedicated and willing to help others, someone who strives to be the best, whether it is in her veterinary practice or with her own flocks of Polled Dorsets and Texels than Rachael. So when I got the chance to write this article there was no other choice for a Shepard’s Spotlight than Dr. Rachael Gately of Pine Knob Farm in Somers, CT. Myself being a young woman in the sheep industry with a future goal of becoming a vet, I look up to and aspire to be like Rachael. I was able to talk with Rachel and ask her about how she got started in sheep industry and what she sees her future looking like.

Rachael began raising sheep in the 90’s when she was only 7 through 4-H. Her first sheep were five Polled Dorset ewes; two of whom were bred ewes she bought from a local breeder. She began showing 4-H the following year with one of the ewe lambs. As her flock and knowledge grew she exhibited as a youth at local fairs, the Northeast Youth Sheep Show, and the Big E, teaching herself everything from feeding to fitting. As a youth, she was known for her strong work ethic and willingness to absorb as much information as possible. Five years after the first Dorset, she added the Texel flock from Ron Luginbuhl of Eastern Texels in CT. Ron was one of the first to import Texels to the United States.

One of Rachael’s most memorable memories and accomplishments as a youth is when she was able to exhibit at her 1st NAILE in 2002; nine years after her first sheep. She reminds me yearly

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how lucky I am, as I have had the opportunity to have been exhibiting there for many years now. Rachael every year, focused on improving her breeding program and always getting better. She feels that breed character along with conformational correct sheep are the most important characteristics to be breeding for.

She does regret however the four year span of 2008 – 2012 that she was in vet school that her program did not advance as much as she would have liked. This only made her work harder; and what accomplishments she has made over the past nine years.

She currently has roughly 25 of each Dorset and Texel brood ewes. She consistently produces National Sale Champion Texels and Dorsets that compete at the National level even winning her first NAILE purple banner last year! But what she enjoys the most about showing is the lifelong friendships from across the country that she has made along the way, something that I cannot disagree with myself.

Many of you only have the opportunity to know Rachael as Pine Knob Farm in the show barn but I am lucky enough to know Dr. Gately as well. Rachael decided she wanted to be a vet her freshman year in undergrad at the University of Rhode Island when she had a ewe prolapsing at home and there was no vet to call. That was the end of her Pharmacy major and a swap to pre vet. Rachael graduated from Texas A&M Vet School in 2012 and is currently practicing, for the last nine years, with Tufts Veterinary Field Service in Connecticut as a large animal ambulatory vet. Her responsibilities include making routine and emergency farm calls.

When she pulls into the farm she could have an intern or a couple vet students with her as teaching and research are also part of those daily responsibilities.

Her main interest and specialty in her practice are advanced reproduction in sheep and goats. This includes semen collection, laparoscopic artificial insemination (LAI) and embryo collection and transfer, which allows her to combine her two passions of breeding sheep and her career. Dr. Gately has also conducted a research project on perfecting pregnancy diagnosis with ultrasound and validated a blood test to diagnose pregnancy toxemia

in ewes, which is the most common test used today.

Currently, she is working on creating transgenic lambs and piglets. This process includes collecting embryos and working with a laboratory to alter those embryos which she then re-implants into recip ewes and sows. The delivered lambs and piglets are used to create models of human diseases for study which then help to treat and cure human diseases.

Her favorite part of being a vet is that she is having a positive impact on the future of the livestock industry, and hopes that her reproduction work will continue to improve her and others flocks. I would encourage any other breeders if you have the opportunity, to have Rachael do any reproduction work for you, you will be highly impressed.

I have now been raising sheep for six years, Rachael has been a huge influence on myself and my flock. I have had the opportunity to watch necropsies, have Rachael AI and collect my sheep, ultrasound, and watch C-sections. She has given me the opportunity to assist in these processes and teach me valuable skills I will need in the future. As someone who would like

to become a vet, Rachael is a role model and friend to me as well as others I know. I asked her what one piece of advice she would give any youth looking to go into Veterinary Medicine, “Get involved in anything and everything to create a diverse resume” Thank you Rachael for all you do for everyone aspiring to be like you!

Written by: Addisen Nicholson with Sand Meadow Farm in South Windsor, CT who raises Shropshires and is in the 8th Grade at Kingswood Oxford School. *Photos courtesy of Rachael Gately

R OOS T ER PKF 1905

SENIOR CHAMPION RAM 2019 NAILE Sold privately to Rick Klampe, Oregon

We are excited to be headed to Ohio to the National Dorset Sale. 3 of our 5 entries are sired by “Rooster”.

Rachael Gately

126 Pioneer HeigHts, somers, Ct 06071 860-202-4490 regately@gmail.Com Follow Us on FaCebook

Look for our online sale on April 19 on Integrity with Scotch Lane Farm.

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For All Your MArketing needs • • • • •

Email Marketing and E-blast Invitations Livestock Photography Logo Design Print Media - Ads, Catalogs, Banners

• Promotional Item Design and Curation • Senior, Family and Wedding Photography • Social Media Management • Videography

Volume 1: November 2019

Undefeated Flock

Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Big E and Keystone

Come see us in Louisville!

Rincker Land and Livestock & VonBehrens Show Stock Dusty, Claudia and Kingston Rincker Katelyn and Claire Vonbehrens 422 State Highway 32 Stewardson, IL 62463 www.rinckershowstock.com

Add a

ck

S

TAR

flo r u o To y

Futurity Nominated

Sand Meadow 2005 Sold to Street Shropshires

Look for us at the Ohio showcase

Sand Meadow 2010 2nd Place Late Jan Ewe National Junior Show

MOBO Junction 217

CHECK OUR FACEBOOK pages FOR PRE-SALE news!

2nd Place Late Feb Ewe National Open Show

PRIVATE YEAR ROUND SALES

The Nicholson Family

The Moore Family

sandmeadowfarm@gmail.com

adam.moore76@yahoo.com

South Windsor, CT 860.490.7238

Greentop, MO

660.676.2825

EVAN’s Top Ten Tunes

Evan McClain is from Albany, IN and is currently attending Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, IL on the livestock judging team.

Evan is no stranger to the sheep world and has been showing for many years and has acquired several accolades along the way.

This year’s lambs sired by Bartender Public Enemy No Mercy Kaboom

S

e h t g in Align

S R TA Online Sales April 6th & 20th at wlivestock.com

Show Barn Top Ten 1. Jordan Belfort - Wes Walker, Dyl 2. Wine, Beer, Whiskey - Little Big Town 3. Clout - Offset, Cardi B 4. February 28, 2016 - Koe Wetzel 5. Boys From Oklahoma - Cross Canadian Ragweed 6. Welcome to the Jungle - Guns N’ Roses 7. Congratulations - Post Malone, Quavo 8. Ayy Ladies - Travis Porter, Tyga 9. Barrel Racer Land - Kenny Feidler 10. Life Is Good - Future, Drake Ringside | 11

From The Kitchen LAMB MEATBALL SOUP

From the Kitchen of Catherine Milner, Milner Club Lambs, IL INGREDIENTS: Meatballs 1 lb ground lamb 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint 1 egg 1 Tbsp kosher salt 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper Mix until well combined. Form into meatballs (~1 Tbsp). Place on parchment lined baking sheet and refrigerate.

Serve with homemade bread and butter.

Heats up nicely the next day, just skim remaining grease before heating up.

Soup base 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 white onion finely chopped 2 Tbsp tomato paste 3 stalks celery finely chopped 3 ears of corn - remove kernels 3 carrots peeled and finely chopped 6 cups low sodium chicken stock 1 bay leaf 1 whole serano pepper DIRECTIONS: Chop all vegetables except the pepper. Celery, corn and carrots are added after the onion. Heat a heavy bottom pan on medium-high heat. Add oil and tomato paste, stir to combine and heat through.

Add chopped onion and cook until the onions are softened. Add celery, corn and carrots. Saute until soft. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.

Add the lamb meatballs and bay leaf. Score the serano pepper down the middle, but do not cut in half. Add the pepper to the pot.

Lower the heat to simmer and cover. Simmer for 35 minutes, skim grease from top and discard.

Season with salt & pepper.

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Have a family favorite lamb recipe?

Share it with us at ringsidesheep@gmail.com

May 6-8, 2021 Darke County Fairgrounds, 800 Sweitzer St., Greenville, OH

Entries close March 20, 2021.

Entry Info and Forms available at www.selectls.net Catalogs available mid April at www.selectls.net as well as breed association websites Sale will be broadcast with online bidding available at BreedersWorld.com Show Schedule: Thursday, May 6, Swine Building, 8:00 am RING 1 RING 2 Natural Colored Rambouillets Columbias Lincolns National Corriedale Show Tunis Wether Sires & Dams

Katahdins Cheviots Montadales Dorpers White Dorpers Texels

Friday, May 7, Cattle Pavillion, 8:00 am National Southdown Show Suffolk Polled Dorsets Horned Dorsets Oxfords National Shropshire Show Hampshires

Judges:

Dave Cook, OH - Natural Colored, Rambouillets, Columbias, Lincolns Dale Davis, OH - Katahdins, Cheviots, Montadales Mark Johnson, IL - Corriedales, Suffolks, Shropshires, Hampshires Alex Wolf, OH - Dorpers, White Dorpers, Texels, Polled & Horned Dorsets, Oxfords Billy Wade, IN - Tunis, Wether Sires & Dams, Southdowns

Sale Schedule Friday, May 7, Swine Building, 9:00 am

Natural Colored, Rambouillets, Columbias, Lincolns, National Corriedale Sale, Katahdins, Cheviots, Montadales, Dorpers, White Dorpers, Texels, Tunis, Wether Sires & Dams

Saturday, May 8, Cattle Pavillion, 9:00 am Same as Show Order

Hotels - Check the Ohio Showcase Information on our web site www.selectls.net for a list of area hotels.

P.O.Box 25, Rushsylvania, OH 43347 www.selectls.net Gary: 937.597.7214 - gary@selectls.net Pat: 937.935.1975 - pat@selectls.net Jim: 937.658.3119 - jim@selectls.net Dan: 937.243.5111 - dan@selectls.net Ringside | 13

Junior Spotlight:

I have the opportunity to spend many of my waking hours with Emma, whether that be from car rides to practice or 1,000 pound sisters on the couch.

Emma Peters is from Versailles, Ohio where the Peters’ raise Corriedales.

Emma was an extremely independent 5 year old. She got her first Southdown ewe as a birthday present, and her love for the breed has continued to grow.

She currently owns 11 Southdown ewes, in addition to her family’s Corriedale flock.

Emma and her family have been raising sheep for 3 generations yet when asked what sparked her interest in showing sheep she stated that her family has always been showing sheep, the first show she attended was when she was 5 days old and from there she has been hooked.

Emma’s favorite part of showing is being able to spend time with her friends that like many of us has become more like her family. Emma is excited to get back into the ring this spring not only to see her friends, but to get that rush of adrenaline that walking into the show rings brings.

Emma already owns a flock of Southdown ewes, yet when I asked her what her plans for her flock in the future are, she has big plans. She plans to increase her numbers to be able to sell her sheep on a broader platform. Her goal is to produce lambs with squarer and leveler hips, along with adding more power in her lambs. With the ample amount of time spent together, we have many discussions that structure is the most important aspect of raising sheep and once we get our sheep to where we want them we can add more power.

No matter the age, whether you are just starting raising sheep or have children of your own.

We all have mentors that have shaped us into the 14 | Ringside

Emma Peters

herdsmen, and quite frankly the people we are today.

Emma looks up to her dad (Scott Peters) and her grandfather (Bob Peters). She states that her grandpa started raising sheep when he was in 4H, which sparked a fire for her and her father. Their time spent in the barn together allowed for her passion to grow.

Both Bob and Scott have taught her everything that she knows, from vaccination to fitting the Corriedales. She says that she is grateful for everything they taught her and for the passion they have instilled in her.

Written by: Brea Knittel wrote the article on Emma Peters.

Emma Peters wrote the article on Brea Knittel.

I asked them to write about a junior that inspired them and I think they did a great job telling each other’s story. *Photos courtesy of Brea and Emma

Junior Spotlight:

Breanna Knittel

Breanna Knittel has become one of my best friends through the endless time we have spent together discussing livestock and all things life.

Breanna is from Greenfield, Illinois where she lives on a small farm with her family raising Dorset and Southdown sheep. Though she is very active within her family’s Southdown flock, she purchased her first 2 Dorsets in 2012 to begin her flock.

She had always been very independent as a child and saw starting her own flock as a way to do this, so she purchased 2 ewes from Chad Heisdorffer. Her flock has now grown considerably to now having 25 Dorset influenced ewes and has begun receiving national recognition.

In 2019, was when her flock truly reached the next level with “Nose Candy” being the National Champion Dorset Ram at All-American and also the first ever slick-sheared ram to win the Champion Dorset Ram title, and he was also the Reserve Champion Dorset Ram at NAILE. She has also had the opportunity to raise numerous Champion Wether Dam Ewes at NAILE. Though she has already achieved success, she only wants to improve.

When asked about the future of her flock, Brea stated, “My main focus has always been structural correctness, but in the past couple of years, I have been trying to inject more muscle into my sheep.”

Ultimately, her goal is to raise a complete set of lambs that will be nationally competitive no matter where they are placed.

Her family’s involvement in agriculture has pushed her to be active as she is today, but raising her own flock has pushed her to gain a true love and passion for the sheep industry and has overall changed her life for the best. Her passion also makes her want to continue her involvement in sheep as it is very important to her.

Further, she has had mentors that have had a great impact on her life and pushed her to be her best while also helping her to recognize her passion. One of her most influential mentors is quite easily her father,

Rodney. When asked about her father “I am really a 1st generation sheep producer, but my father’s extensive background in agriculture has given me the ideals and fundamentals I stick to while raising my own livestock.”

Gale Cole has also been another mentor to Brea as their family got her into showing Southdowns and taught her much of what she knows today.

When in the show-ring and just in the barn, she finds one of her favorite parts of being at the show is to help younger members. She stated that she remembers older showmen helping guide her such as Sarah Nichols, and that was among her favorite memories of shows. Brea also went on to say, “The sheep industry has allowed me to meet so many of my friends that have become the people that I call my show family. People say it takes a village, and that could not be more true, especially when it comes to show day.”

To younger members, she has said that her mom has always told her to stay humble whether winning or losing and she sticks to that advice no matter what aspect of life she is in.

Our friendship goes much deeper than being ringside. We both attend Lincoln Land Community College and are on the livestock judging team. This opportunity has allowed us to grow closer as friends and gain a new appreciation for the industry we are both passionate for. We would like to give a big shout out to Craig Beckmeir for putting together a great group of people, that are not only great teammates but a dysfunctional family in our own way. #loggersforlife

After completing our time at LLCC we are still both undecided on where we will attend. Emma hopes to major in Animal Science and Agriculture Business and obtain a career.

Ringside | 15

Thank Ewe, Essential Workers!

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BLU, THE BLUEFACED LEICESTER UNION BLUSHEEP.COM INFO@BLUSHEEP.COM

Spring Online Sales March 31, 2021 on Look for details coming in Mid-March via our Facebook page.

We will also have Prescription and our other consignments at the National Dorset Sale in Ohio.

Sheep are available to view any time. Just reach out and we would be happy to show you around.

N

NICHOLS

Sheep Farm

Cruz, Sarah & harper NiCholS | roN & lori Moore

28783 Pleasant Hill School Rd. | Jerseyville, IL 62052 | Cruz: 859.612.7175 slnichols93@gmail.com | Ron:618.535.3235

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SAVE THE DATE for the 2021

Look for details on our Facebook page

ADVERTISE IN RINGSIDE TODAY NOW ACCEPTING ADS FOR OUR MAY 2021 ISSUE

JOIN US for the 2021

Reach out to Cruz or Emily or email ringsidesheep@gmail.com to reserve your space today!

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RS

Look for details on our Facebook page

2021 Sale Schedule We’re gearing up for BIG things in 2021!

Find us at these sales & events this spring 12812 Mountain Valley Road Warm Springs, Virginia 24484 (304) 268-2295 wilfongdorsets@hotmail.com www.wilfongdorsets.com

March 8:Continental 8: Dorset Club Junior Fundraiser Online Sale March 14:Bases 14: Loaded Online Sale March 19 & 20:National 20: Dorset Sale in Ohio March 23:Mountain 23: State Show Series Online Sale April 7:Virginia 7: Showmasters Circuit Online Sale May 6-8:Big 6-8: Ohio Sale June 3-5:W 3-5: V Purebred Sheep Sale June 14-19:Midwest 14-19: Stud Ram

We will be e xcited to see everyone at sales and shows this spring and are making plans to be at Midwest Stud Ram this summer!

Visitors welcome!

Stay tuned for our 2021 online sales.

Your Source for Corgis & Southdowns Troy Longenecker 125 Heisey Rd., Annville, PA 17003 717.679.7394

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Texas A&M AgriLife’s Wool Testing Lab Becomes Nation’s Largest

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M AgriLife Research’s wool lab is poised to become the nation’s largest commercial wool testing lab. Already one of just two academic wool labs in the country, AgriLife Research’s lab is now transitioning to also accommodate the testing needs of the domestic wool trade.

The Bill Sims Wool and Mohair Research Laboratory in San Angelo is partnering with the American Sheep Industry Association, ASI, to upgrade with state of the art equipment to service the entire nation’s commercial wool testing needs. Currently the commercial U.S. wool industry must rely on labs overseas for testing, after the closure of the sole U.S. testing facility in 2020.

“With the closure of the testing lab in Colorado, we felt it was crucial to expand so producers aren’t reliant on overseas testing services,” said Reid Redden, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service sheep and goat specialist and Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center interim director, San Angelo.

“With the addition of more equipment and personnel, we will be able to handle the testing needs of the entire U.S. commercial wool trade.”

HISTORY OF INNOVATION, SERVICE

The Bill Sims Wool and Mohair Research Laboratory, housed at the Texas A&M AgriLife center in San Angelo, has been analyzing wool, cashmere, mohair and alpaca fiber samples of sheep, goats and alpaca for quality and yield since 1985.

“To me it really is a safety and security issue for the agriculture industry that we are addressing,” Pope said.

SETTING THE STANDARD

The critical work done in San Angelo has already been key for ensuring international wool imports meet the specifications of U.S. textile mills and that U.S. exported wool meets global standards.

Pope added that knowing which animals produce the best fiber is crucial in making genetic decisions that improve breeding programs and their associated bottom lines.

The lab utilizes over $1 million in equipment, which includes infrared, microscopes and lasers, to scientifically analyze the fiber samples. ASI will aid in procuring additional equipment in the near future to expand the lab’s analysis capabilities.

“We are so excited to be expanding to better serve the American wool industry and our producers,” Pope said. “This is important not just for AgriLife and our community, but fiber producers across the entire country.”

–Susan Himes Texas A&M AgriLife Today

“The ability to have samples classified and verified is key to producers getting top dollar,” said Ronald Pope, Ph.D., AgriLife Research animal fiber scientist, San Angelo. “It is so important that the American wool producers can have their fibers tested by someone that they know and trust and not to have to rely on facilities overseas.”

Pope explained that when U.S. wool producers have to ship fleece samples to other countries for analysis, it not only adds to the cost and time involved, but not having a homegrown facility leaves them vulnerable to changing and fluctuating import and export rules.

The AgriLife wool lab is expanding their equipment to accommodate the needs of the U.S. wool trade. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Susan Himes)

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BREED BUSINESS OXFORD NEWS from David Trotter, Secretary, American Oxford Sheep Association

SUFFOLK NEWS from Amanda Everts, Executive Secretary, United Suffolk Sheep Association

Again in 2021, the American Oxford Sheep Association (AOSA) is pleased to announce that through the continued generosity and vision of several prominent Oxford breeders, the Oxford Foundation Flock award will continue. The deadline to apply is March 15, 2021.

I know each year I say this but wow, it’s hard to believe that March is here! After a frigid cold February, sunshine and 30s is a welcome sight! For many of you lambing season is beginning to wind down, I hope that the long days and nights are paying off as you see your 2021 lamb crop grow and blossom! It won’t be long and spring will creep up on us…and hope that 2020 will be just a memory and see you at upcoming sheep events! By the way, if you have a Suffolk event you would like to add to the USSA calendar, please contact the USSA Office! I’d like to share a few things that may be of interest to you, if you have any questions please contact the USSA Office!

Amanda www.suffolks.org 641.684.5291 - info@suffolks.org

The foundation Flock Award is given out each year to help establish a new Oxford flock. The award consists of quality Oxford ewes and one year’s breeding service and flock consultation by a prominent Oxford breeder in the recipient’s district. The ewes will range in age from lambs to young brood ewes.

The animals selected will be sound structured and will maintain good breed type qualities.

Details of the application process and what needs to be included can be found at the AOSA website (www.americanoxfords.org). Completed application and support materials can be e-mailed to Kermit Daniels (kldaniels1@gmail.com) or to Darwin Hall (darwin.hall53@gmail.com) no later than March 15, 2021. The winner will be announced by April 15. The animals will be presented to the new owners at the National Oxford Show and Sale, June 11 – 12, 2021. In 2020, 5 winners were selected and a total of 20 ewes were presented to new owners.

Speaking of the National Oxford Show and Sale, yes, we are planning to be able to conduct this event live in 2021 at the state fairgrounds in Springfield, IL. Again the dates will be June 11 – 12. In addition to the show and sale, the annual meeting of the AOSA will also be held on site. At this time there is some on-going discussions about again offering an on-line option with the sale and the final details about this opportunity will be announced later. Deadline for making entries for the National Show and Sale is April 15, 2021 and the entry form is available at the AOSA website.

A closing point is of interest is that the AOSA secretary email address is changing. As of June 30, 2021 the old email address (secretary@ americanoxfords.org) will no longer be functioning. The new address will be (oxfordsecretary7@gmail.com).

This new email address, oxfordsecretary7@gmail.com, is currently functioning and can be used now.

22 | Ringside

USSA ONLINE SALES This year the USSA is expanding our online sales to include a May sale and a used equipment sale!

Consider consigning OR buying! For more information on consigning visit www.suffolks.org.

April 19 – Suffolk Futurity Ewe Lamb Sale, Showstockplanet.com, Entry Deadline: April 4 April 26 – USSA Online Sale, Showstockplanet.com, Entry Deadline: April 11 April 27 – Equipment Consignment Sale, showstockplanet.com, Entry Deadline: April 11 May 2 – Semen Sale/Foundation Fundraiser Online Auction, wlivestock.com May 24 – USSA Online Sale, integritylivestocksales. com, Entry Deadline: May 9 Oct 25 – USSA Bred Ewe & Ewe Lamb Sale, integritylivestocksales.com, Entry Deadline: Oct 10 SUFFOLK U WEBINAR SERIES The 2021 Suffolks U Webinar series will be finalized soon! Again, this year the UJSSA will include a webinar or two in our Suffolk U Webinar series, of course, geared toward youth! Watch the USSA website and USSA/UJSSA Facebook pages for the announcement.

USSA FUTURITY PROGRAM Have you considered nominating you ewe lambs this year in the USSA futurity? There are several options for breeders to nominate ewe lambs; Consignment Sales, Organized Production Sales and/or Organized Internet Sales. To get more details please contact the

USSA Office or check out the 2021 USSA Futurity Rules which will be posted on the association’s website soon!

GENETIC RECOVERY PROGRAM The Suffolk genetic acquisition program (GAP) offers USSA members, who own Suffolk ewes that have not been registered for generations, a multi-step procedure to register those females. Add value to your Suffolk flock by building a registered herd. To explore the opportunity to recover your Suffolk genetics, visit the USSA website at suffolks.org for details on this genetic recovery program.

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES

Facebook Suffolk Sheep Marketplace: Free for any member to post what they have available for sale!

Join the group if you haven’t already! Over 1700 group members to-date!

Email Blasts: Send an email blast ad to over 1200 Suffolk members and enthusiasts across the United States. Blasts are $100.

Website Banner Ads: Your ad will be seen by current breeders and prospective Suffolk buyers! Rates are extremely affordable!

2021 NATIONAL SUFFOLK SALE Mark your calendars for the 2021 National Suffolk Sale that will be held in conjunction with the Midwest Stud Ram Sale in Sedalia, Missouri, June 14-19.

JUNIOR NEWS National Jr. Suffolk Show The 2021 National Jr. Suffolk Show will be held with the All-American Junior Sheep Show in Springfield, Illinois. All entry information can be found on the AllAmerican’s website – www.allamericanjuniorshow.com.

Feel free to contact the USSA Office if you have any questions or the All-American Junior Show directly.

USSA FUTURITY Did you know that we have a bred and owned futurity ewe lamb division? Consider participating this year!

Are you looking to purchase an ewe lamb this spring?

Consider purchasing a futurity nominated ewe lamb!

Several USSA Breeders futurity nominate ewe lambs they sell each year. Participation is super easy!

1)Purchase a nominated ewe lamb OR nominate a bred & owned ewe lamb or yearling or owned yearling 2) Exhibit in eligible classes 3) Submit your futurity points forms to the USSA Office If you are interested in learning more about purchasing or nominating a ewe, contact the USSA Office!

DORSET NEWS from Debra Hopkins, Executive Secretary/Treasurer, Continental Dorset Club 2021 NATIONAL DORSET SALE SITES

The 2021 National Dorset Sale for Polled & Horned Breeding Sheep will be held at the Ohio Dorset Sale in Greenville, OH at the Drake County Fairgrounds. The dates for the sale show and sale are March 19-20, 2021. Classes will be offered for fitted and slick shorn sheep both Polled and Horned. Dustin Cruit will be the judge.

The annual CDC Membership Meeting and Hall of Fame induction will also be held in conjunction with the Ohio Dorset Sale. The meeting with take place Friday afternoon, soon after completion of the sale show and prior to the 3rd Annual Dave Harmann Cornhole Tournament.

Dorsets are scheduled to be shown on Friday, March 19th at 10:00 AM and sold on Saturday, March 20th at 10:00 AM. The show will be live-streamed and the sale will offer online bidding through Breeders World. The sale is managed by Select Livestock Services and more information can be found on www. slectls.net.

The 2021 Dorset Wether Sire Dam and Dorset Advantage sale will be held this year in conjunction with the Midwest Stud Ram Sale, at the Missouri State Fairgrounds, Sedalia, MO, June 16-18, 2021. This sale is managed by Heartland Livestock Services - information can be found at: www.midwestramsale.com. Entry deadline is April 20, 2021.

CDC RE-INTRODUCES NEW DORSET MARKET LAMB INCENTIVE PROGRAM

Continental Dorset Club members of junior exhibitor status, can earn $500 if their registered Dorset wether is named Champion of the Dorset Breed Division or the White Face Division at a major show designated shows are as follows: -Aksarben Stock Show

-All American Junior Show

-Keystone Int’l Livestock Expo

-National Western Stock Show

-North American International Livestock Expo

The qualifying show must have a minimum of 10 head in the Dorset Breed Division or the White Face Division to be eligible for the incentive.

Registered Dorset ewe lambs and Registered Dorset advantage lambs are not eligible for the incentive. *Continued on page 28 Ringside | 23

>STOCKMAN’S SHOWCASE Chickasha, OK Photos courtesy of The Pulse

CHAMPION COMMERCIAL EWE Sayde Allen

RES CHAMPION COMMERCIAL EWE Mason Smith

CHAMPION MARKET LAMB CHAMPION BFX Madison Woods

RESERVE CHAMPION MARKET LAMB RES CHAMP BFX Reagan Rodgers

24 | Ringside

>SAN ANTONIO STOCK San Antonio, TX Photos courtesy of The Pulse

CHAMPION MARKET LAMB CHAMPION MEDIUM WOOL LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT Hayden Schroeder

RES CHAMPION MARKET LAMB RES CHAMPION MEDIUM WOOL LIGHT - HEAVYWEIGHT Lily Appleton

Find or submit show results to The Pulse powered by Sullivan Supply!

Send Us Your Show Results to be Featured in an Upcoming Issue!

Ringside | 25

GEORGIA JUNIOR NATIONAL

Perry, GA Photos Courtesy of The Pulse

GRAND CHAMPION BREEDING EWE Gabrielle Ralston

RESERVE CHAMPION BREEDING EWE Margaret Winn Carnes

THIRD OVERALL BREEDING EWE Mac Heuer

FOURTH OVERALL BREEDING EWE Margaret Winn Carnes

FIFTH OVERALL BREEDING EWE Ava Lynn Cravey

26 | Ringside

Connect to Potential Customers and Keep in Contact with Current Customers through Email Marketing Ringside OFFERS E-Blast Services - a great option to market your flock or business.

Current Advertiser - $50 for one eblast Non-Advertiser - $100 for one eblast Additional Eblast - $50 per additional blast until next issue No additional fee for design, print ready also accepted.

Analytics will be provided following the campaign.

Reach breeders across the United States and Canada.

Contact Emily to get on the eblast schedule today: ringsidesheep@gmail.com

#joinusRingside

Ringside | 27

BREED BUSINESS *continued from page 23

AOB and AOP Division Champions are not eligible for incentives.

Complete program guidelines including breeder and exhibitor rules can be found at the CDC website at: www.dorsets.homestead.com NJDA ONLINE BENEFIT SALE ORGANIZED FOR MARCH 8TH

The National Junior Dorset Association is doing fundraising activity this year to assist in raising funds for the association activities and scholarship program.

The sale will be March 8, 2021 hosted by Show Circuit Online Sales at sconlinesales.com.

A percentage of the sale will go straight to the NJDA. There is a minimum percentage but consignors can donate a higher percentage if they would like. All ewe lambs sold on this sale will be futurity nominated.

Ewes, Ram, Wethers, Polled, Horned, Fitted, Slick Frame, Wether Type, Dorset Advantage, Semen Lots, all welcomed!

If you are a Dorset breeder, of any style, we would love to have you support our youth! Please call or text Allison Smith with any questions regarding the sale. Allison’s cell phone is 620.794.0613. Thank you in advance for your support of this important fundraiser for the National Junior Dorset Association.

2021 DORSET YOUTH GRANT PROGRAM WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The 2021 winners of the Dorset Youth Ewe Purchase Grants are Junior Division: Selah Blum, CO; Intermediate Division Group A: Kendall Driscoll, CA: Intermediate Division Group B: Emma Whitlock, MO; and Senior Division: Dylan Waldron, ID.

All recipients will receive $500 towards the purchase of a registered, purebred Dorset ewe. The CDC received 85 applications from well deserving youth, hence another grant was added for the I intermediate age group which received 41 applications alone. The applicants range from youth just starting out with their sheep projects to those looking to improve the quality of their Dorsets or looking for another breed to get involved in. It was nice to award four grants this year to help get out funding to young Dorset breeders to assist them in getting their Dorset breeding programs established. It is inspiring to see all of the sheep industry’s youth from across the country interested in getting more established in the Dorset breed.

28 | Ringside

The ewe grant program awards at least one grant to the following three age divisions: Junior 8 to 10 years of age; Intermediate 11 to 14 years of age; Seniors 15-18 years. Additional questions have been added to the application and a scoring rubric has been developed for the selection committee. Don’t miss out on applying for the grants next year. December 1st deadline. Applications are available on the CDC website: www.dorsets.homestead.com 2021 ALL-AMERICAN JUNIOR SHOW HEADING TO ILLINOIS FOR THE FIRST TIME

The 2021 All-American Junior Sheep Show is going to be held at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL from July 1-4, 2021. The Illinois planning committee is working hard to make it another excellent showing experience for all of our exhibitors and their families.

The show will feature classes for both Polled & Horned Dorsets and Dorset Advantage breeding sheep and market lambs. The Polled & Horned Dorset shows will feature fitted and slick shorn classes. Moving forward there will be only one slick shorn division as the breed has no evolved to the point where there is no longer a need to have two slick shorn divisions in the show ring. If one truly wants to continue showing slick shorn frame sheep, they are more than welcome to participate, but they will be better suited to be evaluated in the fitted division with sheep of the same type versus competing with wether type sheep that now dominate the slick shorn division.

Final details are being worked out. Since we are still in the midst of the COVID pandemic we will still be abiding by the safe COVID practices required of us to keep all our exhibitors and families safe. Just keep an eye on the All-American Junior Show website for the most up to date COVID guidelines we will be abiding by for the show to go on!

Email your breed news to ringsidesheep@gmail.com at any time and we will be happy to run it in our upcoming issue!

APRIL 12

MAY 17

It’s time to start planning!

National Columbia Show and Sale is June 7-12, 2021 in Sidney, Ohio, at the Shelby County fairgrounds.

There are a number of hotels close to the fairgrounds. The host committee has arranged for two hotels with discounts.

BE SURE TO MENTION YOU ARE WITH THE COLUMBIA SHEEP/SHOW GROUP. Hampton Inn -- $115 for a 2 queen bed room.

Book by 5/8.

Address: 1600 Hampton Ct, Sidney, OH 45365 Phone: (937) 498-8888 Holiday Inn -- $119 for a 2 queen bed room. Book by 5/7 Address: 450 Folkerth Ave, Sidney, OH 45365 Phone: (937) 492-6010 Ringside | 29

> ADVERTISING INDEX

Blufaced Leicester Union ...................................................page 16 Crazy H Club Lambs ...........................................................page 16 Double A Oxfords ................................................................page 3 Emily Adcock Photography and Design..........................page 10 & 31 Freedom Fest ........................................................................page 18 Integrity Livestock Sales......................................................Front Cover Knutson Suffolks & Rambouillets......................................Back Cover Lobdell Dorpers ....................................................................page 18 Longenecker Show Stock ...................................................page 19 Mid-States Wool Growers .................................................page 19 MoBo Junction Shrops ........................................................page 11 Nathan Club Lambs .............................................................page 2 Nichols Sheep Farm .............................................................page 17 Ohio Showcase Sale ............................................................page 13 Pine Knob Farm .....................................................................page 9 Sand Meadow Farm .............................................................page 11 Wilfong Dorsets ...................................................................page 19 Winnings Ways Sheep Farm ..............................................page 7 Youth Sheep Expo ................................................................page 18

Thank you for joining us Ringside!

30 | Ringside

NEVER underestimate the

HEart of a CHAMPION We are excited to be the official photographer at the following shows:

Freedom Fest All American Junior Show Youth Sheep Expo If you are looking for a photographer for an upcoming event, sale photos or family photography reach out! We would love to capture your memories.

Thank you for all the support in 2020!

Email: emily.adcock13@gmail.com or ringsidesheep@gmail.com Cell: 217.330.0539

"Cooper Special" Knutson R20-55 Reserve Champion Ewe 2020 NAILE Open Show

"Lana" Knutson 20-106 Reserve Fitted Junior Champion 2020 NAILE Open Show

OPPORTUNITIES DON'T

HAPPEN. YOU CREATE THEM

KNUTSON SUFFOLKS AND RAMBOUILLETS

OUR BARNS ARE ALWAYS OPEN - COME SEE US!

JASON, ALICIA, JACLYNN, ALISON, SHANIA AND KASI CENTERVILLE, SD (605) 670-2147 KNUTSONSHEEP@GMAIL.COM