District 1 Report Hello District 1 members! I hope you are all doing well and getting lots of babies in the nest box this Spring! As many of us are gearing up for shows, something has been on my mind lately that I believe is an important part of supporting our hobby. For me that is mentoring new breeders and sharing our knowledge with those still learning. Being a mentor can look different for each breeder but the most important part, in my opinion, is sharing what we have learned and encouraging others to keep improving our beloved breed, the Jersey Wooly. Mentoring can be extremely fulfilling and allows for long lasting friendships to form as well as encouraging breeders not to give up when their project seems to be at a standstill. I personally have seen many great examples of a mentor helping new and experienced breeders. This can look like visiting their barn to evaluate brood animals, helping them go over juniors at a show, or simply talking over genetics and pedigrees. Often times helping someone think of a different way to fit the “puzzle piece” together or a second set of eyes when you feel like you’ve become “barn blind” is exactly what is needed to help someone improve their herd. I think at times we have all felt a bit discouraged in our breeding programs and a helpful tip or a positive spin can motivate us to keep pushing forward and not to give up! I am so thankful for the friendships I have made and tips I have picked up from mentors and even from mentoring others. It is a wonderful thing to see and know when others lend a helping hand! ~Bethany Robertson
BETHANY ROBERTSON bethanyrobertsongm@gmail.com Regions Represented: Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Washington, Wyoming, Saskatchewan, Alberta, BC, Yukon Territory & Japan
"Mentoring can be extremely fulfilling and allows for long lasting friendships to form as well as encouraging breeders not to give up" ~Bethany Robertson
The
Fluff
6
Summer
2022
