We
added more balance, depth of body, and dimension this year!
Official Publication of The American Shropshire Registry Association
Board of Directors of the American Shropshire Registry Association
PRESIDENT
Rick Adams (2024) 10828 W 1000 S Rd., Bonfield, IL 6091
VICE-PRESIDENT
Adam Moore (2024)
27568 Morgan Way Greentop, MO 63546
Bill Bryant Jr (2023) PO Box 136 Fredericktown, OH 43019
Mandy Curtiss (2023)
1698 Nesbit Rd. Attica, NY 14011
Mike Elsbury (2023) 5385 E 500 N Greenfield, IN 46140
Caleb Fritz (2023) 104 Sells Rd. Beech Bluff, TN 38313
Ashley Fuss (2023) 12737 Woodsboro Pike Keymar, MD 21757
Jim Gruenhagen (2024) 7622 Jersey Ridge Rd. Davenport, IA 52807
Jason Heeg (2025) Po Box 217 Shepherd, MT 59079-0217
Mary Anne Keck (2025) 665 Niangua Rd. Niangua, MO 65713
Jon Nicholson (2024) 906 Main St. South Windsor, CT 06074
Jared Poynter (2025) 8 N 215 McGough Rd. Maple Park, IL 60151
Danny Rogers (2023) 2435 W McCracken Rd. Monrovia, IN 46157
Charlotte Stephenson (2025) E8977 Pierce Hill Rd. Viroqua, WI 54665
Rick Whiting (2024) 1779 Green Rd. Martinsville, OH 45146
All registrations and payments should be made to The American Shropshire Registry Association office. Payments are also available via credit card. Visit shropshires.org/registrations.
Rates effective since February 1, 2010
Full Page $125
Half Page ...................................... $75 Quarter Page................................. $50
Front Cover Full Color............... $325 Other 3 Covers Full Color.......... $250 Inside Page Full Color $250 Center Two Page Spread ............ $375
Each Photo (If full color, no charge) .... $10 Full Color added to any ad $125 Full Page in Voice and four Months on Web site $225
Breeder’s Directory (3 Voice issues and 12 months on the website ...... $30
Add your website link $20
Mon.-Thurs.–11 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST
Mon. & Thurs. evenings –8-11 p.m. EST
Secretary Becky Peterson will be near the office at most other times and will return calls as soon possible. She will make the best effort to process registrations and transfers within a day or two of receipt.
Contact her at: American Shropshire Registry Association
Becky Peterson, Secretary
41 Bell Rd., Leyden MA 01337
Phone/Fax –(413) 624-9652
Shropsec@hotmail.com
If you need to place an ad or news item in the ShropshireVoice, or on the Shropshire website, shropshires.org., contact Rinda Maddox, Voice Publisher/Web Coordinator.
Rinda Maddox
P.O. Box 475 Sidell, IL 61876
shropshirevoice@ thesidellreporter.com
(217) 288-9365 (office)
(217) 474-9365 (cell)
RINDA MADDOX
Voice Advertising Manager
(217) 474-9365
P.O. Box 475, Sidell, IL 61876
shropshirevoice@thesidellreporter.com
“The American Shropshire Registry Association does not necesarrily endorse paid advertisement published in this publication.”
For questions on any of the junior events for the Shropshire Association, contact:
Taylor Young, Junior Assoc. President
913 Brothers Rd. Bell Buckle, TN 37020
tslivestock18@gmail.com
Hello everyone, welcome to spring, sale and show season. If you haven’t already done so, get out to see the Shropshire offerings at the sales.
The board has been busy working on several new things. We have formed three new committees: the Judging Committee is tasked with changing how we go about recommending and selecting judges for our biggest shows. They have met and will present a recommendation that we will discuss at our board meeting in May. Look for those changes to be published on the webpage and on Facebook.
The DNA Committee has been working on how to handle the use of DNA to help guide our breed. A decision has been made on how to handle the dwarf gene.The results of the survey had a big impact on how we made these decisions. I’d like to thank everyone that took part in the survey and shared their opinions.The re-
Darke County Fairgrounds
Greenville, Ohio
Friday, May 12 6:00pm on the fairgrounds
$15 per ticket
sults of the survey and the boards actions are discussed in an article in this magazine.
The Breed Standards Committee has met and will have new recommendations for our board to discuss in May.
We are also working on a brochure that details breed character from good to bad with an array of pictures. We want to use this and the improved breed standards together as a way to guide us into the future.
Our breed continues to offer a lot of opportunity for the youth of our organization. Please use all these opportunities to help guide our kids to adulthood and a successful show season.
If you ever want to talk
about the things the board is working on or other issues that need to be addressed, give me or your director a call. I always look forward to talking to you. Enjoy your show season.
RickThree new Hall of Fame nominations will be inducted to the 2023 class in May. We are honored to announce the second class of inductees to be presented at the National Sale dinner on April 12 in Greenville, Ohio.
Congratulations to the family of Lowell Douce (deceased), the family of Max Bryant (deceased), and the family of Glenn High (deceased).
Read about these Shropshire breeders on the Hall of Fame page of Shropshires.org and in future issues of the Shropshire Voice. Applications will be accepted through December 31 for the 2024 class and are available on the website as well.
G’day Shropshire World! I hope all is well with you and your flocks and that you have a barn full of nice Shropshire lambs! Things are good enough here, though I am currently working under generator power due to late winter snow storm Sage dumping 20+ inches on us three days ago on March 14.The damage to our little town’s electrical lines was severe and the snow so heavy that the plow trucks had trouble getting through. It is amazing how much we have come to depend on the flip of a switch to function in our daily lives and that we are frozen in place when it is all out of commission.
Enough said about that, let’s move forward.
The various committees have been working hard already developing policies and materials to help the breed move forward through some of the discrepancies of the past year.The DNA Committee has a policy in place to deal with the dwarf gene. The Breed Standards Committee will have a flyer out by the Ohio Sale in May to help educate our breeders and judges about the Shropshire breed character. The Judging Committee has a judge selection process in development.The Junior Activities Committee is working on an online sale for the program fundraisers, hopefully taking place by the time this book reaches you.
Three new Hall of Fame Inductees have been chosen, all from Ohio. Max Bryant, Lowell Douce and Glen and Joan High will be honored during the Ohio Showcase Sale supper on May 12 in Greenville. We think back to the folks involved in the breeding of the Shropshire and I believe we have only just begun to acknowledge their hard work.
New Royalty kids, as well as the Starter Flock winners, will be introduced at the same time. So all is moving forward and we are looking forward to another great year showing, selling and promoting your Shropshires.
It has been said that behind every great man is a greater woman. We are saddened at the loss of two wonderful ladies in the past few weeks. Connie Slutz, wife of former ASRA board member Tom Slutz, passed away on Feb. 10. More recently on March 12, we lost Karen Johnson who was the wife of former board member and ASRA past president, Bob Johnson. Our hearts go out to their families as they learn to cope with the loss of their loved ones.
Shropshire registration applications are now arriving almost daily again and soon the mail box will be full. As always I encourage breeders not to wait until the last minute to send in their work. Work orders are always done in the order in which they are received. My mind reading skills aren’t what they used to so please tell me when you need your papers in hand so that everyone’s work gets done. Please double check your sires, dams and birthdates so that there will be minimal confusion when your work comes to the top of the stack. I am going to make big efforts to keep turn-around time to three to four days, if possible. And then, of course, there is the mail time so I will do the best I can to help you.
I am sure the spring sales, both live and online, will be well attended. I look forward to seeing good sheep and good people at the National Sale in May and along the way through the summer.
Your sponsorship is always needed for the Starter Flock Fund & All-American Jr. Show Shropshire classes.
May 11-13, 2023
Darke County Fairgrounds, Greenville, Ohio 800 Sweitzer St, Greenville
2022 OHIO SHOWCASE SHROPSHIRE SALE AVERAGED $1,093.37 ON 83 HEAD! Entries close March 25!
SHOW SCHEDULE: FRIDAY, MAY 12
CATTLE PAVILION, 8 A.M. Southdowns, Shropshires, Suffolks, Hampshires, Oxfords, Dorpers/White Dorpers
SALE SCHEDULE: SATURDAY, MAY 13
CATTLE PAVILION, 9 A.M. Breed order same as Show
AUCTIONEERS:
Gary Saylor
Danny Westlake
Bill MacCauley
JUDGE FOR SHROPSHIRES: Dr. Neal Knapp
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
www.selectls.net
January 29, 2023 via Zoom
President Rick Adams called the meeting to order at 8:01 p.m. Present were Danny Rogers, Adam Moore, Bill Bryant, Jim Gruenhagen, Caleb Fritz, Jason Heeg,Ashley Fuss, Rick Whiting, Jared Poynter, Mary Anne Keck, Charlotte Stephenson, Mike Elsbury and Mandy Curtiss. Jon Nicholson was unable to attend.
Secretary’s Report - The minutes of the November BOD meeting minutes were previously distributed. There were no additions or corrections. Jim Gruenhagen moved to accept with a second from Danny Rogers. Report accepted.
Treasurer’s Report - The end of 2022 financial report also was sent by email. Becky noted that the report had omitted the December interest from the three CD’s.The P&L showed a net loss of $905.33 for 2022 and a total asset of $59,009.01. Jared Poynter moved to accept
with a second from Bill Bryant. Report accepted.
Finance– Adam Moore reported that the committee had gone over the projections for 2023 to allow for the expenditures of the various programs and committee activities. There are plans for an online fundraiser for some of the junior awards. There had also been previous discussion regarding a percentage from any national sale to help support the scholarship fund but so far it is not in place. Becky noted that the computer has not been purchased yet but the old Stars of Louisville income is available for capital expenses so it should be covered. The proposed expense is $57,240.08, income $56,086.51 for a net loss of $1,153.57. These figures can be adjusted through this meeting as committees make requests. Final report will be brought out at the May meeting.
Voice & Promotion– Danny Rogers–ASRA currently has a full page ad in the Banner in January. The committee would like to do multiple smaller ads instead.
Royalty – Committee is in place. Presentations will be made in Ohio. Not sure what part of the committee can be present.
Junior Activities – Taylor Young and Sandy Kovacs are working on an online auction for some of the junior award sponsorships. Neither was present to discuss.
Futurity – Caleb Fritz reported that the Futurity Committee had updated the rules according to the board recommendation from November. No DD or FD ewes can be nominated. Only one point card per day per judge can be submitted. Entire rule document will be printed in the February Voice.
Starter Flock – Mike Elsbury – The application is on the website and will be emailed to the list. Deadline is March 15.
Competition Committee – most of the subject matter has been diverted for other committees.
Breed Standards – Adam Moore reported that the committee has met and went through the current Judging Standards document. The recommendation that “General Appearance”
will be moved into the Priority of Judging list as #4 ahead of size. Other verbiage suggestions will be ready as a first draft by April before the next meeting so that the Judging Committee can make suggestions for education.
Hall of Fame – Ashley Fuss stated that there are three nominations in 2023 and that her committee will be meeting soon.
Judging Committee – will meet soon to make recommendations on judge education and selection.
DNA Committee – Rick Whiting reported on the earlier dwarf gene survey. 522 had been sent to email contact list and 34 were mailed. 66 surveys and several pages of member comments were returned with all regions reporting. Becky had assembled the results to be 94% of those responding did not want to see the dwarf gene as part of the Shropshire breed and that roughly 66 percent wanted to see some sort of genetic testing done.The sixperson committee reviewed the surveys and comments and made the following suggestions:
1. To continue with the BOD previous ruling of November 2022 that no dwarf gene will
be allowed to sell at 2023 sales.
2. To conduct testing in 2023 and 2024 of champions and reserves at named shows only for the purpose of determining the presence of the gene in the breed. No individual results will be published and no penalties will be placed. Results will be shared with the owner only. Shows involved will be NAILE (open, junior and futurity winners), AAJS and one to four other shows that receive ASRA funding.
3. To conduct testing in 2025 with penalties to be determined. DNA Committee will develop this to present a draft at the next BOD meeting.
Testing costs were discussed. Contact has been made with the two major testing labs. GeneCheck has offered to do the scheduled show testing at no charge to the ASRA other than the tags and shipping and will likely offer testing deals to members.
Rick Adams asked, based on some comments received, whether the BOD has the ability to administer this policy. Jim Gruenhagen stated that the ByLaws allow the BOD to make any policy for the breed.
Bill Bryant moved that the BOD proceed with #2 and #3 above with a second from Caleb Fritz. A roll call vote was taken of the members present with a unanimous decision of 13 in favor of the recommendation. Motion passed. The committee will proceed to develop the method for testing and determining penalties. Becky was instructed to send the minutes ASAP and when approved, make an announcement via email blast, webpage and FaceBook page and will include survey results.
Old Business
Judge Nominations – Becky had compiled the nominations for NAILE 2024 Open Show judges as follows: Matthew Anderson 10, Tim Gatsby 2, (Matt Martin, Bill Webster, Craig Beckmeier, Jeff Ebert, Mark Johnson, John Mrozinski, Richard Jacobson, Eric Bruns, Tim Barnes, Aaron Crome, Tom Buckham, Brad Angus, DJ Kyle, Joel Parker and Alex Wolfe all received one nomination). ASRA needs to submit three names. Jared Poynter moved to submit the Matthew Anderson and Tim Gatsby in that order and to add Mark Johnson as the third choice. Mary Anne Keck seconded. No further discussion. Motion passed. Becky will submit them in that order
National Sale – Jim Gruenhagen said he would purchase the banners for the champions and reserves and be reimbursed as before.
Website auction has previously been held at sale as silent auction the last two years. Rick Whiting suggested that this be added to the online auction that the junior association is planning. Sandy Kovacs and Taylor Young and committee will work on this. The Ohio Association is planning a meal on the grounds on Friday evening. Hall of Fame and other presentations will be held during this dinner.
Breed Character – Rick Adams has started a Power Point presentation showing the different expressions of current Shropshire breed character as an educational tool. Rinda has agreed to set up and print and quoted the following for full color: $100 for set up and then $208 for 50 copies, $343 for 100 copies. Production cost would be a little less for black and white. Discussion followed. Rick Whiting suggested including the Breed Standard docu-
ment. Jim Gruenhagen moved and Bill Bryant seconded to combine into one document and proceed with development. Motion passed. More photos are needed.
Belly and Leg Wool – Mike Fox was hired and paid $100 to be ringside for the NAILE Junior Show. He and Rick Adams went around to junior exhibitors the day before to help inform.There were still minor incidents but they were handled.The open show needs to do the same thing. Charlotte Stephenson suggested that a fitting stand and shears be ringside. Should there be an inspector at the national sale. Bill Bryant moved with a second from Adam Moore to have such person and to ask Mike Fox, Sam Wiford and Jim Davis. Motion passed. Becky will contact.
Indiana Premier Sale – Mike Elsbury wants to name the sale the Midwest Regional Shropshire Sale in keeping with some of the other breeds having regional sales there. There was no discussion. So moved by Jared Poynter and Jim Gruenhagen. Motion passed.
Next meeting date – Shropshires show and sell second at the national and there is a Friday night dinner. Discussion followed. It was decided to meet instead on Sunday, May 7 via Zoom at 8 p.m.
With no other business to come before the board, Bill Bryant moved to adjourn at 9:42 p.m. Second by Jared Poynter. Meeting adjourned.
June 27 - July 2, 2023
Alliant Energy Center, Madison Wis.
Shropshire Family Lunch, Sat 7/1
Shropshire Show, Sunday 7/2
Judge: Skip Anderson
Entries due 5/25/23
allamericanjuniorshow.com
allamericanjuniorshow@gmail.com
Ph: 401-647-4676
Jan. 12, Judge:Travis Hoffman
Early Spring Ram Lamb
1. River Lease
Champion Ram
Late Spring Ram Lamb
1. Natasha Maddox
Reserve Champion Ram
Yearling Ewe
1. Lyla Engle Champion Ewe
2. Kaycee Engle
3. Nathan Tripp
4. Fall Ewe Lamb
5. Kaycee Engle
Early Spring Ewe Lamb
1. Rachel Olver
Reserve Champion Ewe
2. River Lease
3. Colette Hoffman
4. Kaycee Engle
5. Nathan Tripp
6. Grace Eroh
Late Spring Ewe Lamb
1. Don Claycomb
2. Kaycee Engle
3. River Lease
4. Colette Hoffman
5. Lyla Engle
6. Don Claycomb
Pair Ewe Lambs
1. River Lease
2. Kaycee Engle
3. Colette Hoffman
4. Don Claycomb
Premier Breeder
Kaycee Engle
Premier Exhibitor Kaycee Engle
Feb. 28, Judge: Woody Joslin Ram Lamb
1. Christi Keeton Champion Ram
2. Christi Keeton
Four To Six Tooth Ram
1. Christi Keeton Reserve Champion Ram
Ewe Lamb
1. Vivian Stephenson
2. Christi Keeton
3. Christi Keeton
4. Christi Keeton
5. Haydan Lowrey
Two-Tooth Ewe
1. Vivian Stephenson Champion Ewe
2. Tatum Duncan
3. Haydan Lowrey
Four to Six Tooth Ewe
1. Vivian Stephenson Reserve Champion Ewe
2. Vivian Stephenson
3. Christi Keeton
4. Tatum Duncan
5. Tatum Duncan
Pair of Rams
1. Christi Keeton
Pair of Ewes
1. Vivian Stephenson
2. Christi Keeton
Best Pair of Sheep (Both sexes represented)
1. Christi Keeton
Exhibitor’s Flock (1 ram, 4 ewes, any age)
1. Christi Keeton
Noble T Apple (deceased)
Jasper Dirlam (deceased)
Frederick Groverman (deceased)
Dennis Avery Michael Anderson
Lowell Douce (deceased)
Max Bryant (deceased)
Glenn High (deceased)
Inductee Lowell R. Douce
Douce Farms
(1920-2004)
Washington Court House, Ohio
Nominated by Louise Douce
Lowell’s father, R.E Douce, started his flock of registered Shropshire sheep in 1926, one of the oldest flocks in the country. Lowell assisted with this flock from childhood until his service in World War II. After the war, Lowell served as the County Extension Agent in Highland County, Ohio where he supported young shepherds in 4-H. In 1956, he started the foundation flock of Douce Farms from his father’s flock. Lowell continued to support and advance the quality, genetic predictability, and economic value of the Shropshire breed throughout his life. Having earned a Master’s Degree in animal genetics from Iowa
doylebrotherssheep@gmail.com
State University in 1954, he was especially concerned with the genetic purity and evolution of the breed. He was a true master at selecting sires and dams to improve the breed and eliminate weaknesses.
Lowell was also a supporter of young breeders. As an extension agent, he established a program of loaning a ewe to a young person who then kept half of the lambs over several years. He supported many young people in 4-H with this program. All three of his children, Louise, Pat and Dick, bred and exhibited Shropshire sheep through 4-H and exhibited at the County and State Fair. In fact, Douce Farms exhibited at the Ohio State Fair from 1958 until after his death in 2004. The entire family moved into a room above the sheep barn for the duration of the fair.
Lowell also exhibited regularly at the International Livestock show in Chicago and the Louisville Livestock Exhibition from the mid 1960s until illness in the early 2000s. Douce Farms sheep were purchased for many flocks around the country.
Lowell was often asked to judge the sheep show at county fairs and junior shows. He also served as a mentor to young breeders, including Randy Rife among others. Through 2019, awards were presented in his name at the Ohio State Fair: junior fair, best Shropshire head – ewe and ram – and the Breeders Flock in the open class.
Lowell was very active in Shropshire sheep activities at the local, state and national level. After moving to Fayette County in 1962, he was active in the Fayette County Sheep
Association. He served various offices in the Ohio Shropshire Association and served on the national board.
Finally, his name is still known in the breed 15+ years after his death. When his nephew, Phil Douce, who has moved the R E Douce and Sons flock to Columbia Mo., was looking for a ram and referred by the University of Missouri to a Shropshire breeder, his first question was are you related to Lowell Douce?
The 4th Annual Freedom Fest is a Breeding Sheep Jackpot Show held May 27-28th at the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia. It has been designated as several regional breed shows including the Mid-West Regional Shropshire Show which will be Saturday at 8:30 a.m. with classes for rams and ewes. The judge will be Brad Schrock.
The organizers are doing a great job getting it together, gathering and recognizing sponsors.The show looks like it will be a great deal of fun! Entries opened April 15 on showman. app. Check out the Facebook page Freedomfestsheepshow to follow the details or contact Bobby Spoonster at (636)359-5487 or bjspoonster@me.com.
Recently the ASRA Board of Directors reviewed the dwarf gene surveys sent last December. Five hundred twenty-two surveys were emailed to Shropshire contacts and 34 were mailed to members not having email addresses. A total of 66 responses were received. All districts were represented. Results as follows:
Question 1: Do you want the dwarf gene to be part of the Shropshire Breed?
Yes ( ) No ( ) 62 (or 94%) answered no, 4 answered yes.
Question 2: There was a recommendation by the Competition Committee to start testing for the dwarf gene at Shropshire sponsored shows. Please pick one from the following options:
a. ( ) Testing of the D-gene should take place at Shropshire Shows in a random fashion with some sort of penalty for testing positive.
b. ( ) Testing of the D-gene should take place at Shropshire shows in a random and blind fashion to help determine what level of
occurrence we have.
c. ( ) No testing at Shows at this time.
Twenty-five (or 38%) answered in favor of testing at shows with some sort of penalty for having a D; 22 (or 33%) answered in favor of blind testing to determine prevalence of the dwarf gene, 18 (or 27%) answered against any testing at this time.
Question 3: If you selected option “a” or “b” in Question 2 when would you want this to start?
a. ( ) In 2023
b. ( ) In 2024
c. ( ) In 2025
Twenty-three (or 35%) wanted to start testing in this year in 2023, 19 (or 29%) wanted to start next year in 2024, and nine (or 14%) wanted to wait until 2025
Question 4: If you selected option “a” in Question 2 what would you want the penalty to be?
a. ( ) A stripping of the placing and removal from Shropshire events for a year.
b. ( ) A stripping of the placing.
c. ( ) Nothing.
d. ( ) Other________________
Fifteen (or 23%) wanted placings stripped and exhibitor banned for one year; 12 wanted only the placing stripped; six preferred no penalty and five had other suggestions, such as verbal and written warnings.
In addition, 34 responders took the time to add comments, some very lengthy, well thought out and some right off the cuff and defensive. These comments were assembled as written into an 11-page document and shared with the committee, along with the survey results.
The committee discussed all of this at length and presented a proposal at the board meeting in late January. After much discussion
The board voted unanimously in favor of the following.
1. To continue with the previous Board of Director (BOD) ruling of November 2022, that no ewes or rams with a dwarf gene (D) will be allowed to sell at 2023 sales.
2. To conduct testing in 2023 and 2024 of champions and reserves at named shows only for the purpose of determining the presence of the gene in the breed. No individual results will be published and no penalties will be placed. Results will be shared with the owner only. Shows involved will be NAILE (open, junior and futurity winners), AAJS and one to four other shows that receive ASRA funding.
3. To conduct similar testing in 2025 with penalties for detected D gene to be determined. DNA Committee will develop this to present a draft at the next BOD meeting.
With all of that being said, Shropshire breeders will have time to evaluate their breeding programs and take whatever steps they feel they need to control the gene within their flocks. No sheep with a D in their genotype will be allowed to sell in public and online sales where futurity ewes are offered. Consignors will have to guarantee (by either testing or parentage) that their entries are FF. These genotypes will appear on the sale orders or be listed in the info presented in an online sale. 2023 spring breeding decisions should include the possibility of having a dwarf carrying fall yearling ewe or ram tested with a penalty at the NAILE National Show in 2025.
At this time, the ASRA is not requiring testing of entire flocks or even individuals and continues to accept all registrations.
Any person registering Shropshires may designate a name for a specific sheep, either at the time of registration or some time afterward, or ahead of time for future use, for a $25 fee. Once that name is reserved, it may not be used again for 10 years, either as an informal name or a reserved name.
Names should be submitted in writing, either at the time of registration or by written request submitted with an existing registration certificate in which case a new certificate with the sheep’s Christened name will be issued. The Christened name will appear on the pedigrees of all progeny. It is still recommended that a farm or flock name be used and a number matching a tag or tattoo in the sheep’s ear is required.
No sheep will be officially named without payment of this $25 fee.
A list of names recorded in 2022 follows: 464880
We look forward to seeing other Shropshire
Ph.D. Candidate, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
Long ago...
“Growing up I was active in 4-H and chose the Shropshire breed as my focus. Cody Hiemke helped me get a Wisconsin Shrop Starter Grant and to understand the breed. We went to Tim Elsbury’s place and came back with some nice sheep. Tim and Cody deserve credit as the people that got me going on this adventure. I wound up getting a ewe from Rick Adams later, a few from Erik Mrozinski, and a bunch from City Limits. Every person that I dealt with helped me on my path. I was quiet
and took it all in.The Shropshires afforded me the opportunity to travel the United States to show and experience production schemes in different parts of the country.
I graduated from Unity High School in Balsam Lake, Wis. and applied for and received one of the Shropshire scholarships back in 2012. I then enrolled at the University of Wisconsin to study animal science and pre-vet. While in school in 2016, I agreed to step into the Wisconsin/Michigan region ASRA board seat when Cody Hiemke decided to step down. I was an active member for a young person and did my part speaking my opinions at meetings. School was taking all my time, so I decided to step away in 2019 and let the region appoint my mother (Debbie Petzel) to fill the roll.
It was my passion for the sheep industry that led to me attend South Dakota State University for my masters from 2016 to 2018 under the mentorship of Dr. Jeff Held and Dr. Derek Brake. At South Dakota State, I had the opportunity to help with a variety of trials pertaining to both sheep and cattle production while my Master’s program focused on cattle.
My research helps to identify diets selected by cattle grazing corn residue after harvest
and the energetic value of the corn residue thus helping farmers to know how long a field of cornstalks will last for their respective herds. After South Dakota State, I moved to Columbia, Mo. to start my Ph. D. program. My research at the University of Missouri is a little more diversified, studying both lactating dairy cattle and feedlot cattle nutrition.
I am currently finishing my Ph.D. in Ruminant Nutrition at the University of Missouri and applying for jobs in academia to continue researching ways to increase efficiency of ruminant production.
Now, at the tail-end of my formal education, I can reflect on the support received throughout the journey. Scholarships, like those provided by the Shropshire Association, allow students to fully immerse themselves in educational and life experiences that is otherwise diminished by financial burden. I will be graduating from Mizzou with a Ph.D. in Ruminant Nutrition thanks to all the people in the Shrop world. You never really know the impact you have on kids.
Connie L. Slutz, 74, of LaMoille, Ill. passed away peacefully on Feb. 10, 2023. Connie was born on May 15, 1948, in Princeton, Ill. to the late Albert and Dorothy (Heuer) Anderson. She graduated from Princeton High School Class of 1966 and attended IVCC.
Connie met the love of her life, Tom Slutz, in April 1965. They married on Jan. 21, 1968 and celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this past January.
She worked at the Bureau County Extension Services, Browning Ford and retired after 17 years from the Bureau County Courthouse. Throughout her years, she attended many sheep shows to watch her children and grandchildren show sheep. She enjoyed mending sheep blankets, doing crafts, going on cruises, vacationing with friends and making friends wherever she went. She was active in 4-H as a leader and was a member of the Bureau County Home Extension.
Connie is survived by her husband, Tom, their three children, Tracy (Don) Newberry, Tonya (Chris) Flaxington, Brad (Carol) Slutz; six grandchildren, Jaedyn, Rachelle, Logan, Hunter, Drake and Kodey.; a sister, Carolyn (Mike) Welch, two sisters-in-law; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert L. and Dorothy J.Anderson; and in-laws, Donald and Lois Slutz; one sister, two brothers; and one nephew.
Services were held at Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments and was officiated by Pastor Michael Slutz. Memorials may be directed to the LaMoille Fire Department or LaMoille Park.
Connie will be deeply missed by family and
friends, but most of all by her loving family.
Karen Sue Johnson, Marshfield, Mo. was born Aug. 9, 1944 in Cabool, Mo. to Alpha and Daisy (McCubbins) Morse. She departed this life on March 12, 2023, in Mercy Hospital, Springfield, at the age of 78.
Karen was a 1962 graduate of Cabool High School, and an SMSU graduate. She was united in marriage with Robert Glenn Johnson on July 23, 1966.
Karen was tough, fun, sarcastic, and loved a good joke – even at her expense. She was a great cook. She loved puzzles and was an avid Wordle player. She was a teacher. She taught at home, school and church. She was great at teaching and had an impact on many kids in the Marshfield school system. We were so lucky to have a great mom!
Karen had worked as an elementary school teacher for Marshfield Schools for many years. She was a member of Marshfield United Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Jay Morse, Ronald Morse, and Donald Morse; and one sister, Mary Lou Henry. Karen is survived by her husband of 56 years, Bob Johnson, of the home; four children, Kari Johnson (Rob Hill), Marshfield, Russell Johnson (Molly),Wooster, Ohio, Regina Wilson (Kalen), Bentonville, Ark., and Mary Anne Keck (Jason), Niangua; eight grandchildren; three siblings, and a brother-in-law.
Celebration of Life Services were March 19 in the chapel of Fraker Funeral Home, Inc. Inurnment will be in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield. Memorial contributions may
be made to T.L.C. Program or The Ark @ UMC, in care of Fraker Funeral Home, Inc., P.O. Box 85, Marshfield, MO 65706.
Larry F. Derricks, passed away on January 5, 2023, at his home in Jacksonville, Illinois. He was born on Sept. 19, 1936, in Denmark, Wis., the oldest of seven children. He graduated from Denmark High School in 1954 and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for two years in agriculture studies. He was hired by Armour Meat Packing as a livestock buyer and traveled extensively in the US. His work brought him to Illinois in the 1960s where he met and married his wife, Barb, in 1964. After his position with Armour ended, Larry became a claims adjuster with Country Companies and then began his true calling as a salesman with Gordon Implement in Riggston in 1970 where he sold John Deere equipment throughout the Midwest. He retired after 50 years of selling John Deere equipment in 2020. After retirement, he kept busy helping out at J.O. Harris Sales.
Larry’s life outside of sales was heavily involved in 4-H, FFA, and livestock judging. One of Larry’s proudest moments was winning the Reserve Champion Carcass Lamb at the Chicago International show at age 16. He kept up with the industry by helping run the Oxford show in Louisville, Ky. for several years; serving on the Board of Directors for the Oxford Association; served as the wether superintendent at the Illinois State fair for several years; and had a 30-year run as Sheep superintendent for the Greene County Fair in Illinois.
Larry enjoyed helping the kids. He advocated for ways to give everyone a chance to show. He wanted guidelines that didn’t make
things difficult or deter a good herdsman. Larry held up his end of an old phrase “someone has to do it” and he did it well.
Larry is survived by his wife, Barb, and two daughters, De De (Keith) Fricke and Darcie (Rob) Reckers, one grandson, three brothers and one sister.
Larry loved spending every spare moment watching his grandson Mason play sports and being his right hand man with Fricke Show Goats. Mason was his pride and joy. Larry also loved auctioneering and consignment sales. Larry never met a stranger.
Memorials to Prairieland Heritage Museum or Junior Livestock Department of the Morgan County Fair, Illinois.
Larry showed several prominent flocks (Wisconsin origin) at Chicago International before coming to Roodhouse, Ill. as an Armour Order Buyer (cattle, sheep, hogs), making friends everywhere, especially with owners of purebred sheep. His girls showed sheep at 16 county fairs each summer often picking up other junior’s sheep strings (10-12 sheep), transporting these flocks for them with his girls’ sheep from county fair to the next fair. Larry was always interested in judging, especially market lambs. A hands-on guy, maybe touching a lamb four or five times, he always carried a towel but was still covered with lanolin after a show.
Working with Dale Lehman (Sheep Supt. Illinois State Fair), Larry made great strides as Whether Supt. at Illinois State Fair both in the junior show and open show. Dale and Larry made many friends along the way with a big sheep family. As a auctioneer with friends over a seven state area he could help find breeding stock on a certain farm implement for his farmer friends at reasonable prices.
He was sheep superintendent for Green County Fair for 30 years. Auctioneering many Oxford sales, knowing most everyone there, he pulled when needed, but knew when to stop. He will be missed.
We will have consignments at the Ohio Showcase and Midwest Stud Ram Sale! We have picked many good ones that shouldn’t even leave the farm. One of those consignments being a ram that Taylor says is the most attractive ram to walk our farm to date. Our loss with his close relation to our ewe base can be your gain! He not only brings the pretty but is stamped with shape.
We will also be offering a hand full of brood ewes ranging from ages two to six. These are all proven ewes with successful lambing histories. As we have decided to cut back our flock, they can help grow yours! As we are going to have some yearling ewes and ewe lambs consigned to Ohio and Stud ram we will have some available off farm as well! Be watching our Facebook for more information and pictures!
If you liked Taylor’s yearling ram at the Midwest Stud Ram last year, be on the look out again this year as we offering a son from him. This ram has grown out spectacularly and definitely took after his father. If you are needing a breeding ram soon we will be offering many off farm!
This list is a paid subscription published both in the Voice and on shropshires.org.
Adams Shropshires
10828 W 1000 S Rd Bonfield, IL 60913
Cell: (815) 228-2903
radams1976@hotmail.com adamsshropshires.com
Anderson Farms
Matthew, Christie, Emily & Andrew 15884 W State Hwy NN Grant City, MO 64456 (660) 988-3503
anderson_farms@hotmail.com
Facebook.com/AndersonFarms www.anderson-farms.com
Averill, David Village Farm
115 Cape Cod Hill Rd. New Sharon, ME 04955 (207) 778-9421
saverill48@yahoo.com
Avery, Dennis & Nancy Avery Shropshires
151 Beechwood Dr. Bremen, IN 46506 (574) 209-0988
davery@etproducts.com
Floyd & Sharon Avery (229) 942-3415
www.averyshropshires.com
Barnes, Shane & Kim. SKB Shropshires
1122 Browns Creek Rd. Sycamore, PA 15364 (724) 852-2673
kmbarnes@mail.wvu.edu
Barnes, Tim & Deb Barnes Farms
5707 Mooney Road
Radnor, OH 43066 (740) 494-2125
Cell: (740) 815-2402
troytongrn@gmail.com www.barnesfarms.com
Brown, Rob & Ron
Clay-Nob Farms 17527 Maple Drive Saegertown, PA 16433 (814) 431-8133
claynob75@gmail.com
Bryant, Bill Jr 6838 Bryant Rd. Fredericktown, OH 43019 (740) 398-2053
bbryant4@hotmail.com
Calvert Farm
Christine Sanders 735 N Perry Hwy Mercer, PA 16137 (724) 974-8208
recalvert5@hotmail.com
Curtiss, Mandy Attica Loc-up 1698 Nesbit Rd. Attica, NY 14011 (716) 465-0565
swartzm721@yahoo.com
Dirlam, John & Matt
11646 N. Bethesda Rd. Mooresville, IN 46158 (317) 443-2901
dirlamjd@aol.com
www.dirlamshropshires.com
Dockter, Darrell & Janet 3-D Sheep Co 19411 So Carpenter Rd. Snohomish, WA 98290 (425) 327-1428
darrell.dockter@gmail.com
Ebert Sheep Farm, Jeff, Christine & Monica Ebert 10015 Flush Rd. St. George, KS 66535 (785) 458-9174
Cell: (785) 458-9174
ebertsheepfarm@gmail.com
www.ebertsheepfarm.com
Edmondson, Andy
Lazy E Ranch
4456 Fruitland Rd
Loma Rica, CA 95901 (541)281-2311
sheep00@live.com
Elsbury, Mike & Karen
Elsbury’s Shropshires
5385 E 500 N
Greenfield, IN 46140-8939 (317) 326-4461
elsburyfamily@aol.com
www.elsburyfarms.com
Elsbury, Tim & Family Double Doc Farm
W 7112 Cherry Hill Dr
Adell, WI 53001
262-483-4668
doubledoctim@gmail.com
Evans, Dave 5884 St Rt 292
West Mansfield, OH 43358 (937) 363-3610
david_evans_5884@hotmail.com
Flanders, Jerry Flanders & Rachel Flanders
1626 Atlantic Rd
Noblesville, IN 46060
317-508-4738
vipdvm2355@gmail.com
www.vipclublambs.com
Fleener, Tim & Sarah 273 South Mountain Rd.
Robesonia, PA 19551 (717) 413-5181
fleenerlivestock@gmail.com
Facebook/Fleener Livestock
Fritz, Caleb 104 Sells Rd.
Beech Bluff, TN 38313 (615) 653-0867
caf3r@mtmail.mtsu.edu
Fuss, Ashley
Greenbrier Acres
12737 Woodsboro Pike
Keymar, MD 21757 (240) 405-9383
afuss95@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/Greenbrier-Acres
Grohmann, Stacy
Step Ahead Shrops
994 Step Rd
Gilson, IL 61436
Cell: (309) 371-4260
Farm: (309) 876-2364
s_jo6@hotmail.com
Gruenhagen, Jim & Donna
SS Shrops
7622 Jersey Ridge Road
Davenport, IA 52807 (563) 355-6730
ssshrops@gmail.com
Hardisky, Denise
Southern Tier Shropshires
254 E Sullivanville Rd. Horseheads, NY 14845 (570) 687-7967
dmh268@cornell.edu
Heaton Farms
Fred & Pam Heaton Family
622 Fessler Buxton Rd. Russia, OH 45363 (937) 526-3118
heatonfarms@centurylink.net
Hiemke, Cody
Mapleton Mynd Shropshires
1773 Koshkonong Rd.
Stoughton, WI 53589 (415) 302-8035
cjhiemke@gmail.com
Facebook.com/MapletonMyndShropshires
High Life Farms
David & Jodi High & Family
3388 McDermott Pond Creek Road
McDermott, OH 45652 (740) 259-1907
highlifefarm2000@yahoo.com
Hubbard, Brenna
Land Run Shrops
354636 E 750 Rd
Cushing, OK 74023 (918)225-9743
megafarms1@yahoo.com
J&R Farm
Norbert Jackson & Family
4125 West St Rt 28
Alexandria, IN 46001 (765) 754-7057
JRFarm1977@outlook.com
Johnson, Bob & Karen
RoKaJo Farm
569 St. Hwy. DD
Marshfield, MO 65706 (417) 859-4452
rokajo6@centurytel.net
Mary Anne Keck
417-844-5895
rokajomaj@gmail.com
Kalina Family
Sue and Bessie Kalina
35586 Oakville RD SW
Albany, OR 97321 (503) 939-0303
skalina26@gmail.com
Kemp, Taylor Kemp Shropshires & New Horizons Farm
31522 Kennel Street Macon, MO 63552 (660) 346-0121
Kempshropshires@gmail.com
King, Craig & Andrea
Weston King
Peiter Shrops
860 CR 315 Taylor, MO 63471 (573) 767-0003
Kipp, James & Terri Grey Feather Farm
E 5085 Irish Ridge Rd. Viroqua, WI 54665 (715) 255-8300
info@greyfeatherfarm.com www.greyfeatherfarm.com
Only$30/year 3 issues of Voice and 12 months on website
Knepp, Don
Knepp Shropshires
128 Old Barrington Rd
North Barrington, IL 60010 (847) 846-6354
trbear@mc.net
knepp-lafollette-shropshires.com
Kovacs, Sandy & Victoria Cross Country Shropshires
239 Cunard St. Fulton, OH 43321 (740) 751-3183
sbushatz@gmail.com
LaFramboise, Andy, Rebekah & Elizabeth LaFramboise Livestock 16481 Unicorn Rd. Stark City, MO 64866 (503) 580-7430
laframboiselivestock@gmail.com
Larimore, Larry & Sharon Triple J Farm
3370 Cattail Branch Road
Harrington, DE 19952 302-233-8912
threejfarm@gmail.com
Larson Livestock
Ashley & Gerry Larson PO Box 454 Tenino, WA 98589 (360) 790-1671
glarson@scattercreek.com
McCabe, Mark & Marilyn
McCabe Shropshires
5154 Nickelson Road Prospect, OH 43342 (740) 360-1103
mamccabe51@hotmail.com
Merveldt, Darin & Kim 8104 N. Alfadale Road
El Reno, OK 73036 (405) 206-6473
dkmerveldt@aol.com
Moore, Adam
MoBo Junction Farms
27568 Morgan Way Greentop, MO 63546 660-676-2825
Facebook.com/MOBOJunctionFarms/
Motter, Jan
Lane’s End Farm
12211 W. Rt. 973
Jersey Shore, PA 17740 (570) 398-2078
Mrozinski, Erik
6333 N 600 E Road
Rolling Prairie, IN 46371
Cell: (219) 716-4921
emrozins@gmail.com
Nicholson Family
Sand Meadow Farm
92 Frog Hollow Rd
Ellington, CT 06029
(860) 490-7238
sandmeadowfarm@gmail.com facebook.com/sandmeadow
Pence Farms
1083 W. Co. Rd. 61
Tiffin, OH 44883
Mike: (419) 992-4305
Doug: (419) 986-5848
Jay: (419) 992-4701
Percival, Jim & Denise
Schoolhouse Shropshires
961 Hoop Road
Xenia, OH 45385
(937) 374-3371
schoolhousshrops@aol.com
schoolhouseshropshires.com
Petzel, Debbie
Windswept Crest Farm
2037 180th Ave
Centuria, WI 45824 (612) 578-1528
dspetzel@gmail.com
Powell, Doris
40405 Route 187
Rome, PA 18837
(570) 247-7316
dorisap@frontiernet.net
Reason, Sandra M.
High Desert Hay & Livestock
PO Box 3819
Tonopah, NV 89049
(775) 482-4191
Roberts, Tim Roberts Farms
29754 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, OK 73093
Cell: (405) 314-3370
timrobertsfarms@gmail.com
Rogers, Danny & Cynthia R&G Farm
2435 W. McCracken Road
Monrovia, IN 46157 (317) 996-3301
Cell: (317) 358-3260
crogers821@yahoo.com
Rueber, Carol & Aimee Rueber Shropshires
2530 280th St
Marshalltown, IA 50158
Carol: (319) 231-7626
Aimee: (319) 230-9739
aimeer_@hotmail.com
www.freewebs.com/ruebershrops
Shrum, Lori and Darron
New Horizons Farm
31522 Kennel Street Macon, MO 63552 (660)651-8881
Newhorizonsfarm@hotmail.com
Slutz, Tom City Limits Sheep Farm
P.O. Box 177, 602 S. Main St. LaMoille, IL 61330 (815) 638-2177
Tom: (815) 866-5031
Brad: (815) 766-0584
tcslutz@gmail.com
www.citylimitssheepfarm.com
Smith, Lance or Brenda Smith Sisters Shropshires
2129 130th Ave. Russell, MN 56169-3072 (507) 823-4784
lbsmith@woodstocktel.net
Stephenson, Jon, Charlotte & Vivian Sugar Ridge Ranch
E8977 Pierce Hill Rd.
Viroqua, WI 54665 (608) 774-3151
sugarridgeranch@frontiernet.net
www.sugarridgeranch.com
Street, Mitch, Brittany, Leila and Landree Street Shropshires
4753 W. 1400 N.
Elwood, IN 46036
Mitch: (317) 606-5234
Dennis Avery: (574) 209-0988 Facebook.com/StreetShropshires
Warren-Allen, Rachael A. Silver Cliff Farm
968 Drift Creek Rd NE
P.O. Box 319
Silverton, OR 97381 (503) 873-4005
rawa@joyofdoing.com
Webster, William 413 Roosevelt Trail
Windham, ME 04062 (207) 831-0608
National Shropshire Showcase Show and Sale – May 12 & 13
Freedom Fest Jackpot Show (Southwest Regional) – May 27 & 28
Shropshire Scholarship due – June 1 Midwest Stud Ram Sale – June 12-17
AAJS – June 28-July 2
North East Youth Sheep Show – July 14-16
Penn & SO Regional Show, Maryland – September New England Regional Show – September
Weidauer, Greg Rafter W Shropshires
17624 340th Ave Starbuck, MN 56381 (320) 424-2543
Greg.Weidauer@gmail.com
Whiting, Rick BWB Farms, Inc.
1779 Green Road Martinsville, OH 45146 (937) 685-2603
Rick.Whiting@cascorp.com
is ecstatic to introduce our next Stud Ram:
Slack- 2313 “ANOTHER
NAILE Junior Shropshire Champion Ram NAILE Open Show Jr. Champion Ram NAILE Open Show Res. Champion Ram
Come visit and check out his lambs at our farm this fall!
We’ve pursued this ram long before he hung the banners at NAILE. When I saw him as a lamb I knew he had a spot in our breeding program!
INDIANA PREMIER SALE CONSIGNMENTS: 3 Yearling Ewes • 2 January Ewe Lambs
NATIONAL SHROPSHIRE SALE IN OHIO CONSIGNMENTS: • 3 Yearling Ewes • 2 Fall Ewe Lambs • 1 January Ewe Lamb • 1 Yearling Ram • 1 Fall Ram Lamb • 1 January Ram Lamb
Jared, Kara, Westin & Faith Maple Park, IL 60151 (815) 276-2200
Jeff & Jan Paris, IL 61944 (217) 251-9984
