May2009Voice

May 2009

The

Shropshire

Voice

Washburn 550 – “ Aphrodite” 2008 National Show Junior Champion Bred by Emily Washburn, Gouverneur, NY

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“Great Genetics Make The Difference”

Rife 08-060 Reserve Champion Ewe 2008 Classic

Congratulations Tyler Bruhin!

1st Jan. Ewe Lamb 2008 All-American 2nd Overall Futurity Winner

We look forward to participating in the 125th year of our National Association. Let’s party!

Randy, Julie, Justin, Melissa, Olivia, Zachary & Ethan Rife 2423 Clifton Road, Yellow Springs, OH 45387 Only 6 miles south of I-70 (Exit 54) (937) 767-1871 Cell: (937) 603-0535 rifeflockmaster@dishmail.net

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www.rifeshropshires.com

Volume 29, Issue

~ The Shropshire Voice ~

May 2009

Official Publication of The American Shropshire Registry Association Published in the interest of Shropshire Breeders each February, May and October

Becky Peterson, ASRA Secretary

Board of Directors American Shropshire Registry Association Mark McCabe – Pres. (2009)

5154 Nickelson Road

Prospect, OH 43342

(740) 494-2969

mamccabe51@hotmail.com Darrell Dockter – V. Pres. (2010)

19411 S. Carpenter Rd.

Snohomish, WA 98290

(425) 334-9130

dddockter@earthlink.net Gary Brockmann (2009)

2011 Blake Road

Garden Prairie IL 61038

(815) 544-4515

gvbrock@aol.com Re Call (2009)

964 Mohawk Trail

Shelburne, MA 01370

(413) 625-2436

doonyc@netscape.net Robert Dinsmore (2011)

5842 Broad Run Road

Jefferson, MD 21755

(301) 371-4483

cod-cnh@fred.net Cody Hiemke (2010)

2324 Webster St., Apt. B

Berkeley, CA 94705-1970

(Family flock is in Wisconsin)

(415) 302-8025

cjhiemke@hotmail.com Norbert Jackson (2011)

4125 W. State Route 28

Alexandria, IN 46001

(765) 754-7057

njackson@macdermid.com

Rinda Maddox, Voice Publisher

Robert Johnson (2009)

569 State Highway

Marshfield, MO 65706

(417) 859-4452

rokajo6@centurytel.net

Ralph Lovely (2011)

292 Cold Stream Farm Rd.

Madisonville, TN 37354

Cell: (865)-604-5747

Jim Percival (2011)

961 Hoop Road

Xenia, OH

(937) 374-3371

schoolhousshrops@aol.com Tim Roberts (2009)

27954 Pennsylvania Ave.

Washington, OK 73093

(405) 485-9255

RobertsSheepCo@cs.com Carol Rueber (2009)

24632 210th Street

Sumner, IA 50674

(563) 578-8663

ruebershrops@yahoo.com Bill Seals (2011)

2360 B Shafer

Morgan Hill, CA 95037

(408) 779-1789

sbarssheep@cs.com Brad Slutz (2010)

1144 Oxford Circle

Sycamore, IL 60178

(815) 899-0366

bslutz@1stfarmcredit.com Sandy Cross(2011)

198 Shaws Mill Road

Gorham, ME 04038-2233

207-839-8717

scross@covenanyr.fairpoint.net _______ Page 3

Contact us American Shropshire Registry Association

All registrations and payments should be made to The American Shropshire Registry Association office.

ASRA Office Hours:

Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST Monday & Thursday evenings 8-11 p.m. EST Secretary Becky Peterson will be near

Shropshire Voice Advertising Rates

Full Page..................................... $100 Half Page....................................... $60 Quarter Page.................................. $35 Front Cover (Full Color)............. $325 Other 3 Covers (Full Color)........ $250 Each Photo.................................... $10 Spot color•..................................... $35 Full Page in Voice and four Months on Web site..................... $200 Breeder’s Directory (3 Voice issues and 12 months on the website....... $30 Add your website link........... $20 Spot color is shared by all advertisers and is publisher’s color choice.

Voice Deadlines

February Voice...............Jan. 15 May Voice....................March 15 October Voice................. Sept. 1 Steve & Rinda Maddox

Voice Advertising Manager

(217) 288-9365 or (217) 288-9493

P.O. Box 475, Sidell, IL 61876

shropshirevoice@thesidellreporter.com

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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

Shropshire Voice & Website

If you need to place an ad or news item in the Shropshire Voice, or on the website, shropshires.org., contact Rinda Maddox, Voice Publisher/Web Coordinator or her husband, Steven Maddox, advertising manager.

Steven and Rinda Maddox

P.O. Box 475

Sidell, IL 61876

shropshirevoice@

thesidellreporter.com

(217) 288-9365 (office)

(217) 288-9493 (home)

Junior Activities

For questions on any of the junior events for the Shropshire Association, contact Mark McCabe or Tim Roberts.

Mark McCabe

5154 Nickelson Road

Prospect, OH 43342

(740) 494-2969

Mamccabe51@hotmail.com Tim Roberts 27954 Pennsylvania Ave. Washington, OK 73093 (405) 485-9255 RobertsSheepCo@cs.com

From the President The state of Shropshires in one word is “exciting.” 2008 had many positives for our breed. The largest ewe lamb futurity ever and many state fairs and shows with Shropshires as the largest breed show.

2009 marks the 125th anniversary of our breed. Many events are planned to help celebrate this anniversary. Check out this Voice and our website, www. shropshires.org, for events.

The biggest event will be at Louisville in November, so plan to be there.

Most of us in the Midwest and Northeast are tired of snow and cold weather.

Hopefully, the winter lambing went well for all Shropshire breeders.

The sale season for 2009 is fast approaching. The three main Shropshire breeding stock sales are the Shropshire Classic in Eaton, Ohio, the Shropshire Spectacular, our National Sale this year in Springfield, Ill., and the Midwest Stud Ram Sale in Sedalia, Mo. There will also be numerous smaller sales that are good places to purchase Shropshires.

Many areas have club lamb sales and

as Shropshire breeders we need to sell some Shropshire wethers. Our breed has excellent carcass characteristics and the wethers and ewe lambs make great 4-H and FFA projects.

As part of the 125th activities this November at Louisville, our Shropshire breed will hold a new sale. It will be a small but very select ewe sale.The sale will be held on Saturday morning and will have ewe lambs and bred yearling ewes. The Shropshire NAILE Sale (Shropshire Stars of Louisville) will feature 2030 high quality females.

This will be the eighth year for our Shropshire ewe lamb futurity. Every year since its inception the futurity has grown.

Last year we had 92 ewe lambs nominated and 24 of these competed for the $1820 purse. Many thanks to our Shropshire breeders for their financial support.

I hope to see many of you this coming spring and summer at the sales and shows. Again, hopefully you can make plans to be a part of the 125th at Louisville in November.

J & R Farm Shropshires You are all invited to Louisville in November to celebrate the 125th Celebration of the American Shropshire Registry.

Make plans to attend the Junior and Open Shows.

Norbert Jackson & Family 4125 W. St. Rt. 28 • Alexandria, IN 46001 • (765) 754-7057 Inquiries always welcome

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From the Secretary As I look out the office window here trying to do some more creative writing, all I see is snow. There is plenty of it here on my hill at this point with NO bare ground but it had better be gone when this issue is out!

The office is starting to see an increase in registry work with spring approaching. I’ve been entering old pedigrees into the registry database and appreciate all of those that have been sent in.

2009 will be a big year for the Shropshire breed. The 125th Anniversary celebration is coming along well. The new logo will be chosen soon and will be seen in the spring on tee-shirts and other items that everybody will want to have.

Fund-raising will be very important as the year goes along. There will be baskets to bid on at the sales to support all of the 125th activities. Get together with people from your local area and see what you can put together to offer. Everything is appreciated.

Also be sure to get the information about your Shropshire project to Russ Johnson or the office to be included in the update to the history book.

There will be regional shows in Oregon and Indiana and the other state fairs should be well attended also.

The All-American Junior Show plans are well underway. There are three major sales and several smaller ones held during the spring and summer months. And of course, there will be a new sale in Louisville in November. _______ Page 6

We hope to have an offering of very elite Shropshire females at this sale.

Look for information to be posted at other events and in the envelope with your registration papers.

A memorial page will be added to shropshires.org to show appreciation to those breed enthusiasts who have left us. The Scholarships will be offered again this year. Information can be obtained from the office and from the website. The Futurity Program has been improved and it looks like there will also be a yearling ewe Futurity Program in 2010. Tim Roberts has been working on a youth ambassador program and also on the junior activities set for Louisville this fall.

The financial books for 2008 have been duly closed. An official audit has been performed with good results.

All is in order and the association is in good standing. Of course there are always budget constraints but we are doing our best to operate within them.The work to incorporate the association in the state of Massachusetts is nearing completion and hopefully by summer I’ll be able to do the banking locally.

Please be sure to thank Voice enthusiasts Rinda and Steve Maddox. These two work endlessly to publish this quality magazine. Please support their efforts with advertising and news items. That’s how the word gets out!

Becky Peterson, ASRA Secretary

First female Shropshire sale is planned for NAILE 2009 Plans are still underway for the 1st Shropshire Female Sale to be held at the North American International Livestock Exposition. The sale will take place in the sheep barn sale arena on Sat., Nov. 14th. A 10 a.m. sale time has been requested. Being the first sale of the day, coffee and donuts will be available. The entries in the different age groups will be evaluated to establish sale order. Danny Westlake of Ohio will serve as auctioneer. This sale hopes to be a very exciting kick-off event for the 125th Anniversary National Show.

This sale is for Shropshire ewe lambs and yearling ewes only. Consignors are encouraged to enter their very best.

An entry fee of $50 and commission of 10% per head will be charged. Every sheep sold will have a valid interstate health certificate and the usual sale guarantees will apply. Yearling ewes will be ultra sounded on site for pregnancy.

It is hoped that all entries can be photographed on site and their pictures will be available on the official ASRA website www.shropshires.org the day before the sale.

Plans are underway for a Shropshire yearling ewe futurity in 2010 and ewe lambs purchased from this sale by youth should be eligible. A portion of the proceeds from this sale will be directed toward the ASRA’s various youth programs.

The sale is being managed by ASRA Secretary Becky Peterson, who has successfully managed the New England Sale since 1999. Committee members Randy Rife (chairman), Jim Brandt, Mark

McCabe, Bob Johnson and Gary Brockmann will assist. Questions can be directed to any or all of the above.

Entries are due Sept. 1. The sale catalog should be mailed with the October issue of the Shropshire Voice and also will be printable from the website. Entry blanks and other information will be available from the ASRA office or the website after June 1.

So please join us in Louisville in November to help set the pace!

2008 ASRA Stats

Category Quantity Annual Junior dues....................... 110 Annual Senior dues...................... 158 Life Memberships........................... 22 Transfers.......................................1004 Duplicate papers............................ 38 Extended pedigrees..........................6 Futurity Nominations.................... 92 Rush Fees (Reg & Transfers)...... 108 Rename sheep ..................................4

Top 10 Registering Breeders

These numbers are occurances, not income.

Breeder # head Randy & Julie Rife, OH.................105 Bryant Shrops, OH......................... 50 Mike & karen Elsbury & Family.... 41 WEG Shropshires, NE.................... 39 Barnes Farms, OH........................... 38 Fred & Pat Groverman, CA.......... 34 Brianna Brockmann, IL................... 33 FW Heaton, OH.............................. 31 City Limits Sheep Farm, IL............ 27 Warren Farms, OK......................... 27

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The 125th Anniversary plans

By Norm Jackson with the open show. There will also be 2009 is here now, the year of the 125th a 125th Anniversary junior show at the Anniversary of the American Shropshire West Coast Regional Show.

Registry Association. Plans are in place The Midwest Regional Show will be for many activities to celebrate the year. held at the Indiana State Fair, also in The first major events are the Shrop- conjunction with the open show, Aug. shire Classic 13. The regional Sale in Eaton, shows will proOhio on May 8 vide opportu& 9. The Mark nity for many McCabe Family breeders who will be donatare not able ing a ewe lamb to show at the that will be sold Louisville Nain the Classic tional Show to Sale with the show in a 125th proceeds going Anniversar y to fund 125th show event. anniversar y Karen JohnJanet Dockter of Snohomish, Wash. is the winner events at the of the logo design contest for the 125th Anniverson from MisNational Show sary.The logo can be used by all state associations souri is working in Louisville in with their promotions this year. A high resolution on a 125th AnNovember. niversary yearcopy is available at www.shropshires.org. book project; The National Shropshire Show & Sale is the next event we would like our breeders to submit at the Spectacular to be held at the Il- information on their flocks and pictures linois State Fairgrounds June 19 & 20. that Karen can use for the book.

The last major sale is the Midwest Stud The Louisville events will run over Ram Sale held at the Missouri State Fair- three days this November, we will start grounds in Sedalia the week of June 22. on Sat., Nov. 14 with the Shropshire mar We plan to have our theme baskets ket lamb show along with the quiz bowl silent auction at each of the sales to raise and other junior events.We will have our funds for the Louisville events. We en- 125th Anniversary Banquet on Saturday courage all state and regional Shropshire night that will be held on the fairgrounds.

Associations, along with breeders, to On Sunday we will have the 125th Anniprovide baskets for one or more of the versary junior breeding sheep show. The silent auctions at the three major sales. event will conclude on Monday with the Plans are now in place to have two re- 125th Anniversary National Open Show. gional 125th Anniversary shows. A West A special class will be held for this show, Coast show will be held at the Oregon a mixed pair of lambs bred & owned by State Fair Sunday, Aug. 30 in conjunction the exhibitor. _______ Page 8

Mike & Karen Elsbury & Family

s

El bury

hropshires

5385E 500N GreenďŹ eld, IN 46140 (317) 326-4461

NNRR Yearling Ram consigned to the Ohio Classic

We will also be consigning to the Shropshire Spectacular in June.

ELSBURY

FARMS.COM

Visit our website to view our sale sheep a week before the sales!

Premier Breeder IN State Fair 1993-2008 Premier Exhibitor IN State Fair 1995-2008

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10th Annual Shropshire Classic

By Becky Peterson Join us for a great Ohio weekend at the Shropshire Classic in Eaton, Ohio on May 8 and 9. The event is sponsored by the Ohio Shropshire Sheep Association. Banner Sale Management will see to the sale details.

Events will happen much like in years past. The Shrops will show and sell in Bruner Arena at the Preble County Fairgrounds. Look for the sale sheep to be exhibited first thing Friday morning as the first breed of the day. Farby McCarthy of Ohio will officiate over the Shropshire show. Sheep will be offered in the following classes: yearling rams and ewes, fall ram and ewe lambs, January, February and March ram and ewe

enjoying the

125

th

Shrop Party in 2009!

Morgan Johnson’s ShropShireS c/o Russ Johnson

3020 Fox Lake Rd • Wooster, OH 44691 (330) 345-1290

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lambs. All sheep will be shown slickshorn.

The next day brings the preview of the sale sheep at 8:30 a.m. The sale entries will be brought to the arena and be available for inspection in the order that they were placed. Prospective buyers will be able to give them a good inspection at this time. Snacks and beverages will be available during this social event. Also here is an opportunity for youth to compete in a yearling ewe futurity class with the futurity ewe lambs they purchased at the 2008 Shropshire Classic.

The Shropshire Classic Sale will begin at 11 a.m. on Sat., May 9 as the first breed to sell. 2009 Futurity-nominated lambs will be offered. There will be an excellent selection of rams and ewes offered. Sheep purchased at this sale have had a history of going on and doing well for their new owners. The 2008 Shropshire futurity winner, as well as the 2008 All-American champion ewe, were purchased at this sale last year.

Auctioneers Gary Saylor and Danny Westlake, both of Ohio, will sell the sale. According to Banner Sale Management, at press time, there are 120 Shrops consigned to sell at the Classic Sale. Several other breeds will be selling at separate sales on the same grounds on Saturday. There should be ample transportation available to several areas of the country if you are unable to attend in person.

For a catalog, contact The Banner at 309-785-5058 or see www.bannersheepmagazine.com. Contact Mark McCabe at 740-494-2969 regarding other aspects of the event.

McCabe Shropshires Working hard for the highest quality Shropshires!

McCabe’s Overtime 720

Thanks to Fred and Pam Heaton for their purchase of this National Champion Ram. Congratulations to ASRA on 125 years!

I am donating a ewe lamb at the Classic Sale with all proceeds going to the 125th.

We’ll be selling ewe lambs, ram lambs, and yearling ewes at the sales this year — all will have good breed character and be of show quality.

All ewe lambs will be futurity nominated.

Check out our website at www.mccabeshropshires.com

Mark, Marilyn, Janice & andrew Mccabe 5154 Nickelson Rd., Prospect, Ohio 43342 (740) 494-2969 Email: mamccabe51@hotmail.com

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2009 “Spectacular” happenings planned for Springfield in June

By Becky Peterson The Illinois Shropshire Association will again host the National Show and Sale in 2009. Plan now to attend the event in Springfield on June 19 and 20.

Banner Sale Management conducts the show and sale and David Simms is the event chairman. As before, there are other breeds holding events there on the grounds of the Illinois State Fair.

The Shropshire show begins at 8 a.m. on Friday. The sheep will be judged by Kent Spilde of Stoughton, Wis. Being the National Sale, Shropshires will show and sell slick-shorn.

Buyers will be able to sort prospective purchases from the following classes: yearling rams, fall ram lambs, early spring ram lambs, late spring ram lambs, yearling ewes, fall ewe lambs, early spring ewe lambs, intermediate spring ewe lambs, and late spring ewe lambs. Consignors are invited to nominate their ewe lamb entries for the 2009 Shropshire Futurity Program. Consignors will also have the opportunity to have their entries scanned by ultrasound by Wisconsin ASRA Director Cody Hiemke.

Cody is gathering data on rib eye area, etc., as a service to consignors and buyers alike.

This event also hosts a junior show open to any junior Shropshire exhibitor.

Classes are available for fall and spring ram lambs, yearling ewes, fall and spring ewe lambs and showmanship. There is also a special class for yearling ewes that were purchased as futurity ewe lambs at the 2008 Shropshire Spectacular. This _______ Page 12

show is held along with the judging of the sale sheep with the classes being interspersed.

The Illinois Shropshire Breeders Association sponsors this junior event along with help from the American Shropshire Registry Association. There will also be snacks available to the junior exhibitors after the show. Show coordinator Megan Mumm does not require pre-entries for this junior show but would appreciate hearing of your intentions to participate. Call her at 217-687-2874 or email meganmumm@hotmail.com Rounding out Friday’s activities is a catered banquet for Shropshire buyers and consignors. This will be held at 6 p.m. in the junior building on the fairgrounds.

Juniors present will have an opportunity to sign up for a drawing for a $50 sale credit to be used toward the purchase of a Shropshire at the sale. Watch the website for more information regarding the banquet. Also to be auctioned off will be the Center Stage advertising spots on the Shropshire web page.

Saturday begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. with the National Shropshire Sale. Curt Overcash will be doing the auction honors. Sale catalogs will be printed in the May issue of The Banner and also will be mailed and found online at www.bannersheepmagazine.com.

The sale headquarters is the Northfield Inn and Suites right there in Springfield. Call 217-523-7900 soon to make your reservations. Springfield is located in central Illinois and is a good place to visit the various Abraham Lincoln attractions.

Board of Director’s teleconfernce Sunday, Feb. 8, 7 p.m.

Mark McCabe called the teleconference meeting to order. On the call were Mark McCabe, Re Call, Rinda and Steven Maddox, Darrell Dockter, Jim Percival, Tim Roberts, Norm Jackson, Bob Dinsmore, Ralph Lovely, Bob Johnson, Carol Rueber, Brad Slutz and Gary Brockmann.

Becky Peterson was on the call to take minutes. Absent were Bill Seals, Cody Hiemke, and Sandy Cross.

The secretary’s report (November Board meeting minutes) was approved.

Becky had also distributed the treasurers report (year end 2008) but amended it to better show the restricted funds of the 125th Anniversary, Futurity, and Louisville Matching Funds. The report was approved. Becky noted that the accountant is working on the audit and she will send the amended report along with the audit report when it is received.

Becky noted that the scholarship award checks had not been received.

Both have been voided. The Elsbury award ($300) has now been paid in full.

Becky is waiting to hear from Stephanie Barker to reissue the $500 award. The question was raised regarding the futurity account. Becky noted that the 2008 nomination fees have not been fully collected from the Midwest Sale but that all the awards have been paid out.

Budget–Re Call. Re suggested that the ASRA be cautious in spending. Discussion followed. Becky noted that there was not an expenditure approved for the 125th Anniversary event.

125th Anniversary–Norm Jackson.

Norm reported the committee has recently met. The banquet was discussed.

They want to try to hold the event on

the show grounds. It will be expensive but they’ll try to hold the cost at $20/ plate. Becky is waiting for the new menu from NAILE. Norm has received a commitment from Heinold Feeds for a $250 corporate sponsorship. Nancy Cessna is working on awards and estimates a $1000 expense. Wayne Brooks is getting costs for printed T-shirts using the new logo.

Karen Johnson is trying to get farm/flock information for the yearbook. There will be a special class for a “Mixed Pair of Lambs – Bred & Owned” at NAILE. This class will be funded from nomination fees and will have a 100% payout.

Bob Johnson suggested that each director try to get a commitment for a basket to be sold at the spring and summer events. Basket funds raised so far amount to $816. Jim Percival reported a commitment of a $100 donation from Louise Douce in memory of her father.

Mark McCabe reminded everyone that he is donating a ewe lamb at the Classic sale to go to the 125th and would like to see a lamb for both the Spectacular and the Midwest Sale. There will be regional 125th shows at the Oregon State Fair and the Indiana State Fair in 2009.

Becky has contacted the Fifth Quarter (restaurant) main office regarding naming the 125th event “Fifth Quarter”. She has not received a decision or response one way or the other. The members feel it is alright to proceed with the plans but should get positive confirmation before printing any logo with that name.

Voice–Rinda Maddox reported that the February issue is at the printer with 64 pages. All four covers have been sold.

Rinda has found a service to do the bulk _______ Page 13

Website Auction

_______ Page 14

Friday, June 19, 2009

at the Spectacular Banquet

If you are unable to attend, mail your bids to the ASRA office or contact your district director to bid for you. Minimum bid $75.

Exclusive opportunity to have your flock on the Shropshire homepage for a month. High bidders choose the month they want.

www.shropshires.org

www.shropshires.org

www.shropshires.org

www.shropshires.org

uebeR RShropshires

mailing. If bulk mailing is successful, Rinda thinks that future February issues should be dedicated to the Classic Sale and that the May issue be for the Spectacular and summer shows and have an April 1 deadline.

There had not been much activity on the website in December but there is more happening now. Bob Johnson and Mark McCabe expressed the appreciation of the group for all of Rinda’s and Steve’s work on the Voice and website. Rinda reminded everyone that the deadline for the next issue is March 15.

Newsy items would be appreciated.

NAILE Sale–Becky.The sale committee met January 25. The committee consists of Chair Randy Rife, Jim Brandt, Gary Brockmann, Bob Johnson, Mark McCabe and Becky Peterson, Sale manager. A 10 a.m. sale has been requested for Nov. 14 and this has been preliminarily approved

by NAILE.There will be a hospitality area and increased signage. Promotion will be very important.

The quality of the 20–30 sheep needed for this sale is HIGH. A flyer advertising the sale would be posted at the spring and summer sales and also sent out of the office with registry work. The entry fee would be $50 per head. A 10% commission will be charged. Entry deadline would be about October 1. Yearling ewes will be preg-checked. There is talk of putting photos of the entries on one or more websites along with the catalog.

Other perks are being discussed.

Becky discussed the other expenses associated with the sale. Floor bids were recommended at $400 for yearlings and $300 for lambs. Bob Johnson moved to recommend that the committee continue work on the sale. Ralph Lovely seconded. It was noted that there still had

Come and get them while they’re

All yearling ewes, fall and spring lambs are priced to sell on the farm!

All DNA tested.

Give me a call with your needs.

Check the website for new pictures of lambs as they become available. Some are already on the site!

Shropshires from the Heartland

24632 210th St., Sumner, IA 50674 • (563) 578-8663 ruebershrops@yahoo.com www.geocities.com/ruebershrops _______ Page 15

to be a commitment of a minimum of 20 head by July 1st in order to proceed with the plans. The motion passed with no opposition.

Junior Activities–Tim Roberts. Tim discussed the ambassador guidelines he and Rebecca had drawn up. They have been submitted to Rinda for the February Voice. They are now working on an application and are looking for other input, especially on fund raising. He would hope to offer the winning youth some travel expenses and not have to fund it from the association. He suggested selling a donated ewe lamb at a spring or summer sale or holding a raffle.

National Sale–Gary Brockmann. Gary spoke about the Spectacular. The Banner is managing the sale. The Illinois group has suggested a list of judges for this sale (Jared Poynter, Stan Poe, and Dan Spilde).

Carol moved and Ralph seconded to accept the list of judges in the order they were presented. Gary said that the Illinois committee had not met yet but he did not expect many changes. He would report to them that the list of judges has been accepted.

New Business. Scholarship Awards– Mark spoke about offering two equal scholarships of $400 each instead of $500 and $300. It would make selecting the winners easier. Discussion followed.

Ralph moved to make the two awards equal with a second to the motion from Norm. The motion passed. Mark will get this to Rinda to go on the website and to Becky to distribute from the office.

Yearling Ewe Futurity – The youth are interested in adding this to the program.

There was discussion as to the way it would be run. Mark thought it should begin in 2010. Tim said that Rebecca had talked with the youngsters in Louisville and thought they had some good ideas.

Bob Johnson thought that this would encourage even more nominations of ewe lambs.

Jim moved to go ahead with planning a Yearling Ewe Futurity Program but suggested getting some youth input.Tim will contact the junior members and solicit suggestions. Gary seconded this motion and it passed. The committee will try to have the plans together in time for the June meeting.

Memorial Recognition – a memorial page is being planned for the website.

There should be a photo and write-up for honoring the Shropshire notables who have passed away.This could remain on the site permanently. Mark thought to start with Dale Blackburn, Roger Snyder, Emil Hartzell, Farrell Shultz, Lowell Douce and the Buckhams. Gary moved to begin this and Bob Johnson seconded.

6471 Miller Drive, Edwardsville, IL 62025 (618) 656-5388 • cell: (618) 581-3554 Call for a fee catalog or visit www.ketchamsheepequipment.com _______ Page 16

People are encouraged to submit information to add to this project. It would be very important to go back and include as many as possible.

Massachusetts Incorporation – Becky is working on the forms to complete the incorporation process. The bylaws would be required. Since the amendments are in process, she is concerned about the time frame. She will send in the bylaws as is.

State Fair Requests – Becky noted that she had received several requests for awards for state fair junior awards.

These awards should come from the regional youth funds and be approved by the director of the region.

NAILE Premiums – Becky asked about the premium spread for the show in Louisville and would like director input before sending the request to the management. Mark appointed Brad Slutz and Jim Percival to lend a hand.

National Show proposal – The Big E (Eastern States Exposition) will be submitting a proposal to hold a National Shropshire Show in 2011. The show would be run in accordance to the ASRA recommendations. The proposal will be officially submitted in time for the June Board meeting. The Big E is a privately owned, large regional fair and is one of the few that are expanding.

Next Board Meeting – The board plans to meet on the Thursday of the Illinois Sale, June 18, at 7 p.m. Becky will arrange for the meeting room at the Extension Service on the grounds in Springfield.

There was no other new business to come before the board. Bob Johnson moved to adjourn. Bob Dinsmore seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:33 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Becky Peterson

1175 58th Ave. Suite 100 Greeley, CO 80634

(800) 822-6740 (970) 472-9951 Fax: (970) 472-9956

http://www.genecheck.com genecheck@genecheck.com

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Codon 171 or Codon 136 & Spider Gene on same sample ........ $22 Codon 171, 136 & Spider Gene on same sample ........................................ $30

Ovine Progressive Pneumonia

(OPP) ............................................... $5 Johne’s ............................................ $5

Be prepared for the testing season with Gene Check DNA Collection Ear Tags or DNA Collection Only samplers. The easy, affordable way to DNA test. _______ Page 17

Animal DNA Genotyping

Animal DNA Genotyping � Scrapie Resistance in Sheep (USDA/APHIS Approved Laboratory)

▪ Sheep Spider Gene (SLS)

(Licensed by Utah State University)

� BSE (Mad Cow) Resistance in Cattle � � � � � � � � � � �

(Exclusive License, Texas A&M University System)

Identification and Protection Parentage Analyses Forensic Analyses Animal/Meat Tracing (Labeling) Johne’s Testing Freemartin Analyses Coat Color (e.g. Black/Red) Quality Analyses Porcine Stress Syndrome(PSS) in Swine Whirling Disease in Fish Birds – Identification and Sexing

Biogenetic Services, Inc. 801 32nd Avenue • Brookings, SD 57006 Phone: 605-697-8500 • Fax: 605-697-8507 www.biogeneticservices.com ISO/IEC17025 Accredited Visit our web site and/or call us for details about these and other tests, as well as current prices, and other relevant information for collecting and shipping samples. _______ Page 18

     

    

     

        _______  Page 19

Houston Livestock Shropshire Show The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was held in March at Reliant Park.Travis Hoffman of Fort Collins, Col. officiated the Junior and Open Breeding Sheep Shows.

Tim Roberts of Washington, OK exhibited the Champion Ram, Reserve Champion Ram and Reserve Champion Ewe. The Champion Ewe was exhibited by Dalton Hicks of Stillwater, OK. Ram Lambs 1. & 2. Tim Roberts, Washington, OK 3. Hunter Brockelman, Sherman, TX 4. Joe Steichen, Ponca City, OK Four to Six Tooth Rams 1. Tim Roberts 2. Joe Steichen Champion Ram-Tim Roberts, Ram Lamb Reserve Champion Ram – Tim Roberts, 4-6 Tooth Ram Ewe Lamb 1. Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, OK 2 & 3. Tim Roberts

F&P Groverman Shropshires Dr. Fred Groverman DVM Petaluma, CA (707) 763-3132 fgroverman@sbcglobal.net

4. Hunter Brockelman Two Tooth Lamb 1. Tim Roberts Four to Six Tooth Ewe 1. Tim Roberts 2. 3 & 4. Joe Steichen Champion Ewe – Dalton Hicks, Ewe Lamb Reserve Champion Ewe – Tim Roberts, Ewe Lamb Pair Ram Lambs 1. Tim Roberts Pair Ewe Lambs 1. Dalton Hicks 2. Tim Roberts 3. Joe Steichen Best Pair Sheep 1. Tim Roberts 2. Hunter Brockelman 3. Joe Steichen Exhibitors Flock 1. Tim Roberts 2. Joe Steichen

Mapleton Mynd Shropshires Cody Hiemke Range-raised in Rio Vista, CA (415) 302-8035 cjhiemke@hotmail.com

Shropshires selected for true, consistent, predictable and repeatable breed type: performance traits – with weaning weights taken for decades and soon on NSIP; greater muscling – ultrasound-based selection for loin muscle size for over a decade; and hardiness – high-capacity sheep pasture-raised during wet winters and dry summers.

Call us and put one of our rams to work on your flock. _______ Page 20

Pennsylvania Farm Show The Pennsylvania Farm Show was held at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Penn., Jan. 10-17. The open Show Judge was Mark Johnson.

Results Yearling Ram 1. Derick Bollinger, PA 2. Steven M. Spayd, PA 3. Jeffrey McConn Jr. , PA 4. Britteny Valtin, PA Fall Ram Lamb 1. Denise Hardisky, PA Early Spring Ram Lamb 1. Steven M. Spayd 2. Rob & Ron Brown 3. Shane Raffensperger, PA Late Spring Ram Lamb 1. Rob & Ron Brown 2. Derick Bollinger 3. Steven M. Spayd 4. Rob & Ron Brown 5. Denise Hardisky 6. Steven M. Spayd 7. Derick Bollinger 8. Britteny L.Valtin 9. Britteny L.Valtin Pair of Ram Lambs 1. Rob & Ron Brown 2. Steven M. Spayd 4. Derick Bollinger 4. Britteny L.Valtin 5. Denise Hardisky Champion Ram –Late Spring Ram Lamb, Rob & Ron Brown, Clay-Nob Farms Reserve Champion Ram–Early Spring Ram Lamb, Steven M. Spayd Yearling Ewe 1. Denise Hardisky 2. Rob & Ron Brown 3. Rob & Ron Brown

4. Steven M. Spayd 5. Steven M. Spayd 6. Derick Bollinger 7. Benjamin Shughart 8. Denise Hardisky 9. Derick Bollinger 10. Shane Raffensperger 11. Shane Raffensperger 12. Jeffrey McConn Jr. 13. Jeffrey McConn Jr. 14. Britteny L.Valtin 15. Britteny L.Valtin Pair of Yearling Ewes 1. Rob & Ron Brown 2. Denise Hardisky 3. Derick Bollinger 4. Steven M. Spayd 5. Shane Raffensperger 6. Jeffrey McConn Jr. 7. Britteny L.Valtin Fall Ewe Lamb 1. Denise Hardisky 2. Jeffrey McConn Jr. Early Spring Ewe Lamb 1. Rob & Ron Brown 2. Steven M. Spayd 3. Steven M. Spayd 4. Derick Bollinger 5. Derick Bollinger 6. Rob & Ron Brown 7. Benjamin Shughart 8. Shane Raffensperger 9. Shane Raffensperger 10. Michael Hardisky Late Spring Ewe Lamb 1. Denise Hardisky 2. Rob & Ron Brown 3. Rob & Ron Brown 4. Derick Bollinger 5. Steven M. Spayd 6. Benjamin Shughart 7. Benjamin Shughart 8. Steven M. Spayd 9. Jeffrey McConn Jr. �

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10. Derick Bollinger 11. Britteny L.Valtin Pair of Ewe Lambs 1. Rob & Ron Brown 2. Derick Bollinger 3. Steven M. Spayd 4. Denise Hardisky 5. Benjamin Shughart 6. Shane Raffensperger 7. Jeffrey McConn Jr. Champion Ewe – Yearling Ewe Denise Hardisky Wow! You are I’m going to be so lucky! in the Voice

You are?!

Wish we chickens had a Voice!

Share your Blue Ribbon winnings from the sheep shows in the next issue of The Voice! Deadline Sept. 1!

Reserve Champion Ewe Denise Hardisky Breeder’s Young Flock 1. Rob & Ron Brown 2. Steven M. Spayd 3. Derick Bollinger Pen of Lambs 1. Rob & Ron Brown 2. Steven M. Spayd 3. Derick Bollinger 4. Denise Hardisky Flock 1. Rob & Ron Brown 2. Derick Bollinger 3. Steven M. Spayd 4. Denise Hardisky 5. Shane Raffensperger 6. Jeffrey McConn Jr. Premier Breeder Rob & Ron Brown Premier Exhibitor Rob & Ron Brown

Avery ShropShireS Your source for quality Shropshires Give us a call today for your next Stud Ram Our lambs are sired by “Juice” - Champion Ram 2005 NAILE and “Breakthrough” – who we bought last summer from Randy Rife.

Look for us at the Ohio Classic & Shropshire Spectacular.

_______ Page 22

Dennis & Nancy Avery Bremen, Ind. Cell: (574) 209-0988

Floyd & Sharon Avery Cell: (229) 942-8754

BE PART OF A GREAT OHIO WEEKEND!

S P H O I R H S Classic RE MAY 8 & 9 • EATON, OHIO Bruner Arena, Preble County Fairgrounds

Quality from the Nation’s Finest Shropshire Flocks sell, including the bloodlines that bred the sheep below.

All Shropshires will sell slick-sheared!

Sale sponsored by the Ohio Shropshire Sheep Association.

GRAND CHAMPION SHROPSHIRE RAM Bred by High Life Farm & sold to Avery & Mrozinski Shrops, IN.

BE PART OF IT!

SHOW: FRIDAY, 8:00 A.M. SALE PREVIEW: SAT., 8:00 A.M. SALE: SATURDAY, 11:00 A.M.

Judge: Farby McCarthy, Ohio Auctioneers: Danny Westlake & Gary Saylor, Ohio

She sold in last year’s sale! Supreme Champion Shropshire at The Big E was a Rolling Hills ewe from PA purchased by Hallie Walker, MA.

SALE HEADQUARTERS: Holiday Inn, Richmond, IN • 765/966-7511 OR Lee’s Inn, Richmond, IN • 765/966-6559 Block code for both is: Sheep Sale Book now for special rate!

Complete Sale Catalog will appear in the April issue of The Banner.

P.O. Box 500 • Cuba, IL 61427 309/785-5058 www.bannersheepmagazine.com _______ Page 23

s

Ander on 2007 Champion Illinois State Fair

hrops

I will be consigning lambs from this 2007 Illinois State Fair Champion to the Shropshire Classic and Shropshire Spectacular

r Fo e l Sa

After 50 years of raising Shropshires I would like to slow down my work load and disburse the sheep.

Contact me at the farm for prices.

Congratulations!

American Shropshire Registry Association on the 125th Anniversary!

Michael L. Anderson 346N 1600E, Paxton, IL 60957 (217) 379-3189 _______ Page 24

Riddick Family Shropshires Remaining True to Quality

Don’t Overlook Us!

See what you’re buying when you buy a yearling from us!

We’ll have yearlings for sale at the Shropshire Classic, Shropshire Spectacular and West Springfield, Mass. Sales.

“Flockmakers”

VERMONT

DANIEL H. RIDDICK Mayo Mountain Sheep Company 680 Mayo Road, Huntington,VT 05472 (802) 434-2745

Quality…

that stands the test of time

George Buckham 6508 W ‘R’ Ave., Schoolcraft, MI 49087 (269) 375-7676 • buckhamfarms@yahoo.com _______ Page 25

POWERFUL RAMS=

POWERFUL LAMBS Rife’s

City Limit’s

2008 Spectacular High Selling Ram

2008 NAILE Senior Reserve Ram

“Raging Bull” “Fine N Dandy”

Avery’s

“Geronimo” 2008 Classic 1st Place February Ram

Purchased 1/2 interest

For your next show ewe or ram contact us or see our consignments at the Classic and Spectacular.

JIM & DONNA GRUENHAGEN 7622 Jersey Ridge Road, Davenport, Iowa 52807 (563) 355‐6730 ssshrops@netins.net Breeding quality Shropshires as Shrop Sisters since 1992 Our entire flock is RR & QR and spider free

_______ Page 26

New book on raising sheep will benefit large or small herds A new book released this spring will be a help to sheep enthusiast. “How to Raise Sheep” is for anyone interested in raising sheep, either one or two hobby animals or a full scale herd.

“How to Raise Sheep” is an indispensable resource filled with useful information and advice. With details on everything from particular breeds to feed requirements, fencing and general care, showing and breeding and marketing, this handy, expert guide tells you all you need to know to raise healthy sheep.

Author Philip Hasheider, himself a successful farmer, offers reliable directions for getting started and being successful and discusses the merits of various breeds, of different farming methods, organic, sustainable, and conventional and which approach can best meet the needs of prospective sheep owners.

“How to Raise Sheep” is published

by Voyageur Press and is in association with the National FFA Organization

and has been reviewed and approved in accordance with industry standards.

The book is available in bookstores or through www.voyageurpress.com.

We Had a Great ‘08 & we are Ready to Shine in 09!

You can see our offerings at: The Ohio Classic, Shropshire Spectacular & Sedalia 15 proven two to five year old RRNN and QRNN ewes for sale.

Call for your selection of sheep that are getting it done… judge after judge…show after show… year after year.

David, Jodi, Trevor and Taylor “Darby” High 3388 McDermott Pond Creek Road, McDermott, Ohio 45652

(740) 259-1907

Manufacturers of Quality Livestock Equipment

“Always striving to improve”

LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT 4141 South 25 West Trafalgar, IN 46181 Fax: (317) 736-4314

E-mail: mailto:townsendsales@franklinisp.net Web Address: townsendequipment.com

A full line of high quality sheep equipment…built to last!

Kenneth Townsend, Owner

(317) 736-4047 or toll free: (866) 736-4047 Phone:

_______ Page 27

2009 All-American Junior Show

By Becky Peterson The 16th Annual All-American will be held July 3-5 in Greenville, Ohio at the Darke County Fairgrounds. Greenville is located approximately 20 miles north of I-70, just east of the Indiana border.

Participants are guaranteed a weekend chuck full of sheep fun and social activities.

There are four classes for ram lambs, four classes for ewe lambs and a class for yearling ewes. There are also group classes for pairs of yearling ewes, pairs of ewe lambs, young flock, best four head, and market lambs. In addition, there is showmanship and team showmanship, a Skillathon, wool shows, sheep judging and promotional contests. Let’s not forget the three-on-three basketball tournament, the pool party, and the Top Gun Awards.

Funding for this event comes from a variety of sources. Raffle tickets are available from the Shropshire office or any junior exhibitor. First prize is an Alumline popper for your pickup truck.

Second prize is a collection of Kitchen Aid appliances (to include a 4.5 quart Stand Mixer, 7 quart Slow Cooker and 7 cup Food Processor) and third is a Longaberger Basket and Pottery.

Tickets sell for $5 each or 5 for $20.

The drawing is on July 5 at the show after the basketball final. You need not be present to win. Jump in and buy a fist full to help support America’s premier _______ Page 28

youth sheep event.

You may also sponsor class awards.

The AAJS committee has some really neat things for the champions, reserves and class winners. It would be “All-American just Super” if each Junior that exhibits Shropshires in this prestigious show could find a sponsor for an award. The donors will be listed on a display and winners will be provided with an address to which to send a from-the heart note of appreciation.

Such sponsorships are set at $35 and should be sent to the ASRA office to achieve recognition. The budget for this entire show is in the $50,000 area so funding of any nature would definitely be appreciated. So if you think today’s junior Shropshire exhibitors are doing an excellent job promoting this breed that they are so proud of, consider helping them out a little to showcase Shropshires at the All-American Junior Show.

A “Spaghetti Supper” will be held at the Shropshire Classic Sale at the Preble County Fairgrounds in Eaton, Ohio on Friday, May 8. Cost will be $10 per adult, $6 for children 12 and under. This is being offered by the local Ohio area organizers and proceeds will benefit the entire All-American Junior Show.

Camping is available on the Drake County Fairgrounds or you may stay at the Comfort Inn (937-316-5252) or Holiday Inn Express (937-548-1328), both in Greenville. A block of rooms has been reserved at both. Make your

reservations prior to June 1. Also check in Richmond, Ind. for other accommodations.

Entries are due June 1. For entry information, call Associated Sheep Registries at 641-942-6402 or see www.allamericanjuniorshow.com.

Please Note...

Regional Baskets Needed

Gift-filled baskets are needed for the Shropshire Classic, Spectacular and Midwest shows. Please bring your baskets to be sold at silent auction. Proceeds from these will go toward the 125th celebration in November.

Pre-order for pick-up at Eaton, Springfield & Sedalia

Visit www.sydell.com to: •See live video on goat and sheep equipment •Order on-line •Check monthly specials •See show schedule •Ask for catalog

Bid high, Bid Often!

14 BREEDS...

SHROPSHIRE SHOW: 5:00 P.M. WEDNESDAY SHROPSHIRE SALE: SATURDAY MORNING

_______ Page 29

A TRIBUTE

To Breakthrough Breakthrough died in 2008 but we have a great lamb crop out of him and we have semen to sell.

His two sons are carrying on the family name...

Adams 08-18 RRRN

Reserve Grand Champion Ram at 2008 Spectacular.

At stud for Bishops of New York

Discovery RRNN

First Place Late Junior Ram, Illinois State Fair

We will be consigning ram lambs from these powerful rams to the Classic and Spectacular.

Adams Shropshires

“Your Foundation For Quality” Brad and Rick Adams

6898 S 7000 W Rd., Chebanse, IL 60922 (815) 697-2903 radams@daca.net • AdamsShropshires.com _______ Page 30

National Shropshire Futurity 2009

By Mark McCabe For the eighth year, The American Shropshire Registry Association will sponsor a Shropshire ewe lamb futurity.

The American Shropshire Association, in an effort to get junior members more interested and involved, have again decided to have a Shropshire Ewe Lamb Futurity for 2009. The Futurity will not only enhance the junior members ability to purchase extremely high quality breeding stock but will also make it more beneficial for the breeders to consign their very best animals.

The rules of the futurity are relatively simple and are outlined below. You can buy a top quality ewe lamb at one of the designated sales that has been nominated for the futurity, exhibit the lamb

at the shows you normally attend and then send in your results on the point record form. A junior can add a top quality female to his or her flock, and possibly win back a sizable premium.

The 2009 designated sales will include the following: Shropshire Classic at Eaton, Ohio; Shropshire Spectacular at Springfield, Ill.; and Shropshire Midwest Stud Ram Sale at Sedalia, Mo. CONSIGNOR RULES 1. Entries are open to all ewe lambs born Sept. 1, 2008, thru March 31, 2009.

2. A nomination fee of $20 is required and payable to The American Shropshire Registry Association. Payment of nomination fees must also be made prior to the sale of the animal.

3. Each ewe lamb must be properly identified, according to the registration �

Morgan

Cabaniss shropshires 2009 Sales:

4 Custer County Fairgrounds Clinton Oklahoma 4 Early Bird Lamb Sale April 11, 4pm 4 Big 4 Lamb Sale April 18, 1pm 4 Super Star Lamb Sale May 16, 1pm 4 Nationwide Lamb Sale June 13, 11am 4 Cabaniss Production Sale June13, 1pm (100 head of 6 year old ewes and 100 head of Yearling ewes)

4 Fall Nationwide Oct 17, 1pm 4 Ram lambs for Sale at Farm

Registered Shropshires yearling ewes bred like this wether will be in the June 13 Production Sale.

Cabaniss Club lambs

Joe Cabaniss (580) 323-2802 • Riley Cabaniss (580) 445-6240 • Norman Cabaniss (580) 445-7553 22220 E. 1010 Rd., Arapaho OK 73620 Email: cabanissok@itlnet.net Web: http://cabanissok.tripod.com _______ Page 31

certificate. Futurity ewe lambs will be tattooed in one ear and paint branded with an F before entering the sale ring.

A representative of the National Junior Committee will do the tattooing.

4. Each ewe lamb must conform and abide by the rules and regulations of the individual sale to which it is consigned.

All normal entry and commission fees will apply.

5. The American Shropshire Registry Association will not be responsible and shall be held harmless for any disputes and/or disagreements between buyers and sellers.

EXHIBITOR RULES 1. Up to date paid membership in the junior Shropshire Breed Association.

2. Not more that 21 years of age at the date of the NAILE. in November.

3. Junior member must be at least 5 years of age with no partnerships or joint registrations.

4. Ewe lambs and points earned in the futurity are not transferable to any other person, nor are the points from one lamb to another.

5. Ewe lambs are to be registered to individuals only, no and family, no partnerships, and no joint registrations.

6. No futurity entrant can compete with more than two ewe lambs. Total points earned by two ewe lambs may not be combined into one lamb’s total.

7. Junior members must exhibit their own lamb within a class. If they have two lambs in the same class, another junior member may exhibit the second lamb.

8. If an exhibitor that owns a lamb is not present at the respective show, futurity points are not eligible and should not be submitted.

9. Premiums – Based on percentages of the total amount of money collected _______ Page 32

for Futurity entries.

First_____ 20% Second___ 15% Third____ 12% Fourth___ 10% Fifth_____ 8%

Sixth_ __ Seventh_ Eighth___ Ninth___ Tenth___

7% 6% 5% 4% 3%

Five per-cent will be divided by all futurity entries that have sent in at least 3 point cards and not placed in the top 10.

Premiums and awards will be presented in November at the NAILE after the Junior Shropshire Show. Additional recognition for the exhibitors and breeders will appear in the Shropshire Voice and on the Shropshire website 10. Five percent will also be saved as a base to start the 2010 Shropshire Yearling Ewe Futurity.

POINT SCORING 1. A point card must be filled out for each show and forwarded to Mark McCabe, 5154 Nickelson Road, Prospect, Ohio 43342 within 14 days of the show. Must have a post mark of 14 days or fewer to count. The card must be signed by the superintendent of the appropriate show. The point card can also be scanned and e-mailed to mamccabe51@hotmail.com 2. At each individual show the ewe lamb may earn futurity points from the open division, the junior division, or from both (when a different judge or day is involved) except at NAILE, where only the junior show placing will be counted.

3. Ewe lambs can compete at an unlimited number of shows. The exhibitor may submit as many cards as they want for that ewe lamb. Each ewe lamb’s point cards will be kept separately. The five highest point award cards will be recorded as futurity points. In the five

point award cards you can include up to but no more than three county fairs.

4. Ten points is the most number of points that can be awarded per class.

5. At two shows double points are

awarded. These shows are The AllAmerican Jr. Show and the National Jr. Show (at NAILE in 2009). The higher placing lamb at NAILE in Louisville will break ties.

Futurity Point Scale

Placing in Class No. in class 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 1 1 3 3 2 1 5 5 4 3 2 1 6-10 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 11-15 10 10 10 10 10 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 16+ 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Shropshire Ewe Lamb Futurity Point Record Form I ___________________________________________have exhibited the Shropshire ewe lamb, _______________________________________, Association Registry Number___________________. This ewe lamb placed ________ in a class of _______ fall/junior ewe lambs. This lamb was shown in the ______________________________ division of the following show: __________________________________________________________ Lamb tattoo no.-____________On the date of ______________________.

This placing was verified by the superintendent/management of the above listed show: __________________________________________________ Signature __________________________________________________ Title & Phone Number Please fill out form completely and accurately and mail to Mark McCabe within 10 days. Incomplete forms will be invalid.

Mark McCabe 5154 Nickelson Rd. Prospect, Ohio 43342.

_______ Page 33

_______ Page 34

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Classic Great Lakes Sale Spectacular Some of these ewes are out of “Off the Hook”, sire of Overtime, 2008 National Champion Ram

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16th Annual Scholarship offered

By Mark McCabe The American Shropshire Registry Association will award two scholarships to students planning to enroll in a post-secondary, under-graduate program (University, College, Junior College, Vocational/Technical School) during the 2009-2010 academic year.

These scholarships are not intended for use of graduate studies. Both scholarships will provide $400. Each will be apportioned in two equal stipends during the academic year (one-half each semester).

General Information High school seniors or students currently enrolled in an under-graduate program are eligible to apply. The applicant must be directly involved with Shropshire sheep. Previous scholarship winners are ineligible.

Selection criteria will include the applicant’s scholastic record, leadership, extra-curricular activities and involvement with the sheep industry, and in particular, the Shropshire breed.

Application Information The application must be completed and returned to Mark McCabe No

Later than June 1, 2009.

An official transcript of all high school and college work completed must accompany the application.

The applicant should have two letters of recommendation forwarded to the office of The American Shropshire Registry Association. Forms are provided for these letters. An applicant can also download the scholarship forms from the Shropshire web-site (shropshires.org). An application will not be considered complete until the letters of recommendation are received. The evaluator should comment on the applicant’s academic ability, leadership skills, involvement with extra-curricular activities and involvement with the sheep industry.

The completed application, official transcripts of all high school and college work completed and two letters of recommendation must be returned to the following address by JUNE 1, 2009.

Mark A. McCabe, President American Shropshire Registry Association 5154 Nickelson Road Prospect, Ohio 43342

Do you like the new Shropshires.org site?

Let me design a website for your farm!

aRull Designs

_______ Page 36

www.Rull.net/Designs or 605.791.2402

Royce Rueber Scholarship

The deadline for returning an application for the Royce Rueber Scholarship is June 1. Applications should be sent to Carol Rueber, 24632 210th St, Sumner, IA 50674.

A $250 scholarship is available to undergraduate student majoring in an animal science related field who has exhibited for more than four years at the All-American Junior Show.

The winner will be selected based on application and essay.

To receive an application contact Carol Rueber at 563-578-8663. Applications forms can also be downloaded at shropshires.org.

3. Shane Raffensperger 4. Benjamin Shughart Spring Ewe Lamb Class 2 1. Jeffrey McConn Jr. 2. Benjamin Shughart Champion Ewe – Yearling Ewe Benjamin Shughart Res. Champion Ewe–Spring Lamb, Class 1 Shane Raffensperger

Illinois Royalty

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Illinois Royalty should contact Carol Slutz, 1144 Oxford Circle, Sycamore, IL 60178; 815-899-0366; bcjd@comcast.net.

The royalty includes Ambassador, ages 14-21; Junior Ambassador, ages 9-13; and Boy Blue/Bo Peep, ages 3-8.

Entries due by May 31, 2009.

Juniors results at PA Farm Show The Pennsylvania Farm Show Junior Show was held at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Penn., Jan. 10-17. Junior Show judge was Doris Powell.

Spring Ram Lamb 1. Shane Raffensperger Champion Ram Shane Raffensperger Yearling Ewe 1. Benjamin Shughart 2. Jeffrey McConn Jr. 3. Shane Raffensperger 4. Shane Raffensperger 5. Jeffrey McConn Jr. Fall Ewe Lamb 1. Jeffrey McConn Jr. Spring Ewe Lamb Class 1 1. Shane Raffensperger 2. Michael Hardisky

Menard County Fair Petersburg, IL Entries due: July 11 Arrival: July 14 Show: July 15 Call 216-632-3840 for a fair book

_______ Page 37

Meet your Directors Ralph Lovely Penn./South District Greetings to all from the great volunteer state of Tennessee. I am Ralph Lovely and myself, along with my good friend Robert Dinsmore, represent the Penn. South Region on your National Board of the American S h ro p s h i r e Registry Association.

I reside at 292 Coldstream Farm Rd. in Madisonville, Tenn.

I run a flock of 20 Shropshire ewes and 10 black face wether ewes. Our main market is to sell high quality show lambs here in Tennessee. I have sold lambs into the states of Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and as far west as Oklahoma.

I’ve been in the sheep business for 25 years. I have had four different breeds

since 1984. Shrops were added in the mid 90’s with the other breeds being phased out in the late 90’s. Several factors led me to settle on Shrops. Some of those reasons were longevity, hardiness and good mothers. Our summers here in Tennessee are hot and humid and our main forage is fescue.We don’t have large corn bins here in Tennessee and our sheep have to make it on grass and withstand the heat and humidity.

I worked for the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service for 27 years retiring in 2004. I now work part time for Tractor Supply Co. I showed at local, county, and state fairs until the last couple of years. I now take just as much enjoyment to watch others show, especially the juniors. We have a good group of junior exhibitors here in Tennessee and they are very competitive.

Anytime you are in the south just give us a call. I’d love a visit. If you come in the fall we might even take in a UT football game. Best wishes to all Shropshire breeders and congratulations on 125 years. Hope to see you at the shows and sales.

Tim Roberts & Family Registered Shropshire Sheep

405-314-3370 _______ Page 38

We look forward to seeing you at the shows as we celebrate the 125th!

Extreme Shepherding is Internet sensation

Take a flock of sheep, a smattering of sheepdogs and a group of scraggly farmers armed with film equipment and outlandish ideas, then step back. A group of Welsh shepherds and their flock of glowing sheep have become the latest internet sensation.

The shepherds call themselves the ‘Baa-Studs’ but acknowledge that the sheep are the real stars in this well managed production. The dogs answered orders, drove the sheep where needed and, from afar, you can see amazing moving art, the recreation of the masterpiece Mona Lisa with a fireworks show providing the finale.

You have to watch it to believe it! www.slipperybrick.com/2009/03/pongplaying-led-sheep/.

Visit us in Eaton!

These guys are hoping to join in the celebration in Louisville this fall!

Look for the basket auctions at the Classic and Spectacular!

Bob & Karen Johnson & Family 569 St. Hwy D, Marshfield, MO 65706 417-859-4452 • rokajo6@centurytel.net

Schoolhouse 9004

Congratulations ASRA on 125 years of promoting the Shropshire Breed!

Schoolhouse Shropshires Jim & Denise Percival 961 Hoop Road Xenia, Ohio (937) 374-3371

This January ram lamb features beautiful breed character.

He’s one of five lambs that Schoolhouse will offer at the Ohio Shropshire Classic!

For more information, we invite you to visit our website!

www.schoolhouseshropshires.com _______ Page 39

Highs reach 50th

Glenn and Joan High of Lexington, Ohio will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on May 3, 2009.

They were married May 3, 1959. Glenn is retired from General Motors, and is currently a Master Mason at Chester Lodge. Both Glenn and Joan are Eastern Star members at Evelyn Chapter 146.

The couple raise registered Shropshire, Targhee and Hampshire sheep on their farm in Lexington.

A reception in their honor will be hosted by their children at the Steam Corners United Methodist Church, located at 8955 St. Rt. 314, Lexington, on Sunday, May 3, 2009, from 2-5 p.m.

The couple are the parents of Pam (deceased); Roger (Holly) of Richwood, Ohio; David (Jodi) of McDermott, Ohio; and Wanda (David) Berk of Upper Ar-

lington, Ohio. The couple also has five grandchildren, Trevor, Adam, Darby, Rachel and Rebecca.

City Limits Sheep Farm

Make sure to stop by our pens at the 2009 Ohio Classic and the Shropshire Spectacular!

We plan to bring a nice group of ewe lambs, yearling ewes and a few stud ram prospects.

To see our sale entries, visit www.citylimitssheepfarm.com Tom Slutz LaMoille, IL 61330 (815) 638-2177

Brad Slutz Sycamore, IL 60178 (815) 899-0366

Congratulations to the ASRA on 125 Successful Years!

_______ Page 40

Hiemke appointed to Lamb Board

Cody Hiemke of Berkeley, Calif. has recently been appointed to the Lamb Promotions, Research and Information Board. Hiemke is the Wisconsin District Director for the American Shropshire Registry Association.

Hiemke, along with four others, were appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer to three-year terms. Hiemke will represent first handlers on the board.

The 13-member board is composed of six producers, three feeders, one seedstock producer and three first handlers. The Secretary of Agriculture appoints one third of all board members each year.

The American Lamb Board is a national promotion, research and information organization whose purpose is to strengthen the position of lamb and

Please Note...

Photos Wanted

Do you have old photos of sheep events or shepherds? Perhaps you have some vintage photos of Shropshires when they were much shorter and much woollier than they are today. Photos are needed for use in the Voice for the “Guess Who” and other photo opportunities. Contact Rinda Maddox, (217) 2889365 or email her at: shropshirevoice@ thesidellreporter.com.

lamb products in domestic and foreign markets. The work of the board is overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture Marketing Service.

Performance Update

As of March 1, 12 flocks have signed up for, and received, National Sheep Improvement Program flock identification numbers. These 12 flocks represent six states: California, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

If you are taking weaning weights on this year’s lamb crop it isn’t too late to sign up. If you’re interested, contact Cody Hiemke, cjhiemke@hotmail.com.

1300 S. Hwy 75 – P.O. Box 188 Pipestone, MN 56164

Call for a free catalog

Order or Catalog Only: (800) 658-2523 Information: (507) 825-4211 Fax: (507) 825-3140 _______ Page 41

On-line sheep management classes Continuing with providing various delivery methods of educational information, the Pipestone Lamb and Wool Program launched 4 online courses so sheep enthusiasts can keep current in the comfort of their own home or office.

The courses provide fundamental sheep management information designed for any size or type of sheep operation.

•Introduction to Sheep Management (LWMP 1001) •Introduction to Sheep Health (LWMP 1300) •Ewe Ration Formulation (LWMP 1502) •Wool Characteristics and Properties (LWMP 1701) These courses would be an excellent opportunity for youth and adults to learn more about sheep production within their own home or community.

The Introduction to Sheep Management course is a 14-lesson self-paced course with continuous enrollment. This is the online version of the successful home study course that provides an overview of year long sheep management. The other courses are more structured and are designed for more interaction. The required text book for the Introduction to Sheep Health is Gates’ Practical

Guide to Sheep Disease Management (3rd edition) and the Sheep Production Handbook, 2002 Edition is required for the Ewe Ration Formulation course and the Wool Characteristics and Properties course.

The Pipestone Lamb and Wool Program is a sheep management education/consulting program offered

by Minnesota West Community and Technical College located at Pipestone, Minnesota. The purpose of the program is to help sheep producers increase income and profit through the production of quality lamb and wool. To maximize the profit per ewe and realize the full potential of all sheep through use of modern management practices, new technologies and new approaches to marketing of both lamb and wool.

For more information visit the Pipestone Lamb and Wool Program, www.pipestonesheep.com or contact one of the Lamb and Wool instructors, Philip Berg, philip.berg@mnwest.edu, (507) 825-6799 or Mike Caskey, mike. caskey@mnwest.edu, (507) 825-6808.

To register for an on-line course contact Sue Lovell (507) 847-7929, sue.lovell@ mnwest.edu or register on-line at www. mnwest.edu/formmail/formdl.htm.

Barry Barr & Family 4401 Sorg Road Hillsboro, OH 45133 (937) 288-5004

Congratulations to the ASRA for 125 successful years!

Randy Barr & Family 4417 Sorg Road Hillsboro, OH 45133 (937) 288-0001

Check out our web-site

Rick Whiting & Family

for consignments to the Shropshire Classic & Spectacular.

Email us at: bwbfarmsinc@verizon.net

www.BWBFarmsInc.com

_______ Page 42

1779 Green Road Martinsville, OH 45146 (937) 685-2603

_______ Page 43

Doug Chamber’s message in 1992 still speaks to today’s breeders Submitted by Cody Hiemke Doug Chambers’ address at the annual members’ meeting of the American Shropshire Registry, Sacramento, Calif.

Sept. 5, 1992.

Shropshires – Past, Present & Future Breeds of livestock originated, and were improved, in geographic enclaves where their conformation and performance traits suited that environment, and whose superiority in wool, meat or milk best satisfied local demand. Then, during the last century, the development of rapid transportation and international livestock shows blurred these original functions. The result – at least in America – has been a growing trend toward species, not breed, similarity:“one for meat, one for wool.” We should not forget that there never has been, and there never will be, one best breed for every situation.

Instead of concentrating on market trends and emphasizing each breed’s unique potential, breeders, our registry associations, educators and judges have seemingly forgotten the importance of variation, and efficiency under diverse conditions. Increasingly, the false idol of baseless, purely visual fads – show stands – consumes the United States so-called purebred sheep industry. Without the breed name, modern standards of excellence are near-copies of each other, and performance correlation is down played.

What makes a breed’s fortunes rise and fall? In a 1919 Breeders Gazette article, University of Minnesota and Shropshire Association President Dean _______ Page 44

W.C. Coffey wrote, “Breed progress and prosperity depend largely on two factors. One is the DEMAND for the products yielded by the class of animals to which the breed belongs. The other is THE DEGREE OF ENERGY AND ENTHUSIASM POSSESSED BY THE MAIN GROUP OF BREEDERS SUPPORTING THE BREED...”

In these three short paragraphs I have spelled out – for the purebred industry IN GENERAL – the origin, the loss of objective identity, and what causes ups and downs of popularity. Now, I will apply them to Shropshires, beginning with a very short history.

Most of you probably don’t know that before Suffolks were even a recognized breed, and Hamps and Dorsets were just establishing an identity in their native counties in southern England, Shropshires were already the world’s leading meat breed. In 1894, only 25 years after their official recognition, 60 breeders exhibited 875 Shropshires at the Royal Show in Shrewsbury, over twice as many as all others (including wool breeds) combined. And in the next half century they become so predominant in the United States and Canada that by 1934 the American Shropshire Association, with 805,000 recorded, was the largest registry society on earth! At the start of World War I, the Knollin flock in Idaho contained over 4,000 Shrop ewes to produce commercial range rams.

As I will demonstrate, this explosion of popularity was a perfect example of Dean Coffey’s axiom; demand for the

class of animals, and breeders’ energy. It was also partly luck; the right product, the right place and time.

500 years ago Columbus brought the first Spanish sheep to the new world and, as the trackless frontiers opened in Mexico and the American west, in Argentina, Australia, Russia and South Africa the only sheep with the herding instinct and toughness to do the job were Merinos. Before refrigerated transportation, the only commodity that could be stored, and shipped worldwide, was wool. What sheep meat that was consumed came from wethers or ewes whose wool production had become unprofitable; mutton, raised and eaten fresh locally.

Then, beginning in Great Britain during the early 19th century, the industrial revolution drew ex-farmers to factories in nearby towns and cities and, with their wages, a market opened up for younger, more tender carcasses from sheep raised primarily for meat. For the first time, mutton prices out-paced the age-old primacy of wool.

And right there, in the heart of England’s new industrial center, was the birthplace of Shropshires. In the hills and vales of Salopshire and Staffordshire, a neighborhood group of skilled tenantstockmen began to blend and improve three kinds of native sheep, using careful selection (and probably the introduction of some Southdown and Leicester blood). Their goal – because they recognized the emerging markets – was an identifiable, prepotent, earlier-maturing, easy-keeping, meaty breed—a dualpurpose farmers’ sheep! To consolidate their gains these pioneer breeders petitioned the British Agricultural Society to appoint THE SAME JUDGES FOR A

TERM OF YEARS at the Royal Show to fix the true type and character of Shropshires; and they organized one of the first breed associations, to set standards and register acceptable animals.

Worldwide, as fenced farms replaced open ranges, and railroads and refrigeration allowed the delivery of meat to city dwellers, previously unknowable opportunities unfolded and, because crossbred offspring sired by Southdowns proved to be lighter and shear less than their dams, no other breed but Shropshires was ready with the right product and enough numbers to meet the demand!

How could these Shrops of a 100 years ago be described? By today’s standards they were rather short-legged but with great length of body. They were fleshier, particularly in the forequarter, and they had by far the longest staple and best wool quality of the meat breeds. Their face covering ranged from just a ring around the eyes to an open channel and bare muzzle.

By the 1890s over 25,000 had been exported to America, primarily for crossing on fine wools. They created a sensation! A contemporary U.S. Department of Agriculture bulletin report, “...they are quiet, strong and healthy.

They are very prolific and the lambs fatten readily at any age. Ewes from one to three years of age weigh 160 to 250 pounds and mature rams 175 to 300 pounds and over. (A ram) is on record as weighing 400 pounds, and an Indiana breeder reports one weighing 328 and shearing 18 pounds of wool at two years.”

Instead of building on this tremendous head start, over the next 50 years Shropshires were turned into little fat toys and were totally spurned by � _______ Page 45

the commercial industry. A popular 1950s champion yearling ewe at the International weighed just 134 and lambs around 100 pounds in November were winning the breeding classes.

What Happened?

The most popular sheep judge in American history was Noel Gibson, an honorary lifetime vice president of the Shropshire Association. He judged everything but specialized in fat stock, placing the prestigious International seven times, and was the only American ever invited to judge Shrops at the British Royal. For many years, before starting his own Shropshire and Shorthorn breeding establishment in Ontario, Canada, Noel had been the shepherd for Dr. G. Howard Davison, a wealthy New Yorker who was cofounder of the International, prominent in Shropshire, Guernsey, Shorthorn and show horse circles – and a two term Shrop president.

Beginning about 1907 these two highly regarded, influential men led a movement—initially limited to the show and hobby-oriented northeast—toward smaller, more compact, dense-fleeced, wool-blind Shrops. An editorial in the December 1911 Sheep Breeder asked, “Can it be that the frequent winnings

by Southdowns in the fat classes is influencing the Shropshire breed to imitate the smaller breed?”

In 1913 the Shrop board lowered minimum size standards for mature rams by 50 pounds, to 175, and ewes by 35, to 140 pounds.

From Wisconsin on west, Shrop breeders who were selling car loads of rams to commercial operators, resisted the trend until, by the 1930s, it became impossible to place in shows or sell _______ Page 46

breeding stock unless the “trademark” face, ears and legs were completely wooled over.

If ever a fad flew in the face of practicality, this was the prime example! Who wanted a sheep that topped out at 80 or 90 pounds, that couldn’t see fences of dogs (either herding or predator), that hung up in brush and was timid around feed troughs?

This is where Fred Groverman’s family, Verne Hoffmen and I started. All that saved us—that saved the American Shropshires—was the timely importation from England of the practical medium-large, open-faced, “old-time” throwbacks. But, once farmers turned away from Shrops it has been an uphill battle to regain acceptance, even a trial, for modern Shrops.

For a couple of decades, big, heavyboned Hampshires replaced Shrops as the premier meat-sire breed. Then, unbelievably, the eastern show people started them down the same blind alley that had swallowed Shropshires!

Many of the mid-century Hamps were nearly wool-blind, low-set, big-shouldered hard lambers and almost as wide as they were long. The breed might have stayed on top by turning to the practical kind still being raised in the west but we’ll never know, because after World War II a new challenger appeared in the U.S. Sweeping in from England, via Canada, came a vigorous, short-wooled, clean headed package of live meat, “Lord Suffolk, the Black Knight!”

I remember that every spring, as the first baby wooled, 100 day old Suffolkcross lambs began to come in to our stockyards. I consistently under guessed their weight by 10 or 15 pounds. I �

nual

n 16th A

Junior Show

July 3-5, 2009 ~ Darke County Fairgrounds H Greenville, Ohio H Featuring Shropshires and 12 other popular breeds

H Competition for: H H Breeding sheep H Market lambs H Showmanship H Promotional contests H Wool H Top Gun Award H Sheep skill-a-thon H Judging Contest

H Fun events for entire family H

• 3-on-3 basketball tournament •All-American Lamb Camp • Pie & Ice Cream •Pool Party •Raffle Prizes Shropshires purchased at summer sales eligible!

Shropshires must be slick shorn!

Double points for Shropshire Ewe Lamb Futurity!

ENTRIES MUST BY POSTMARKED BY JUNE 1

For premium list and entry blanks:

Raffle

(641) 942-6402 www.allamericanjuniorshow.com

5

$

per ticket

5 tickets/

20

$

1st Prize – Alumline Popper

truck topper 2nd Prize – Kitchen Aid Appliances 3rd Prize – Longaberger Basket & Pottery

For tickets, contact ASRA Secretary Becky Peterson

_______ Page 47

soon learned why—their exaggerated inner legs literally bulged.

These were not the extreme sheep we see today. They were good milkers, were lean yet heavily muscled and the lambs grew like weeds. I loved them and had great results for 20 years using my Shrop stud bucks on Suffolk-North Country Cheviot grade ewes.

Suffolks quickly dominated the American sheep industry at every level. They monopolized commercial and purebred sales, swept the market lamb shows and colleges substituted them for their long-time Shrop, Hamp and Southdown flocks.

But right at their apex... once again, the same old story Why can’t breed trend-setters deal with success? Why are they deaf to the commercial men and blind to performance? Suddenly, tape measures—not scales, and “elevation”—not efficiency and carcass merit, determined worth.

What misguided idiots were behind the fallacy that “taller was better”; that longnecked, fine-boned, “meatless wonders” that never finished (or died of anorexia) were the wave of the future? Why would a supposedly profit-oriented industry follow this spindly pied piper on such a potentially dangerous innovation without extensive tasting?

From the standpoint of personal gain, those that are in on the start of the “chain letter pyramid” of a major change or new fad reap the lion’s share of the benefits. The effect – good or bad – on the breed and those that follow suit depends on the soundness and integrity of the undertaking. So profitable had this newest glamour fad become that certain devious opportunists decided to “borrow” some of that stove-pipe-spindle_______ Page 48

leggedness to speed up the “modernization” of their Hamps and Shrops. Do I need to finish the story?

There’s an old saying, “Don’t fool with Mother Nature!” By hiding or disregarding danger signals of a mutant gene, the third greatest breed in this century foolishly self-destroyed its preeminence.

And it’s leaking ship has caused a lot of frantic bailing among survivors of its two predecessors.

Next, we watch, as the currently popular Dorsets, in the senseless quest for “air-space,” adulterate their primary attractions to commercial demand; yeararound estrous and plump Easter lambs.

Part of the blame for these fateful wrong turns falls on our system of judging. Contrast our American system with the early English Shropshire plan where, over a period of years, the same association-recommended judges, experienced with Shrops and knowing their goals, established a consistent breed pattern.

From our county 4-H shows to national exhibitions and sales most of the Shropshire have been judged by either “Suffolk experts” or glib, jack-of-allkinds, expedient politicians, who are often just theorists who have never had to risk their own livelihood trying to make a sheep program pay its way.

There is only one University Shropshire flock left in the U.S. and vast sections of the country have few, if any, good Shrop breeders. Where are aspiring judges to learn what a Shrop looks like, and to know the middle of the road characteristics that make them so easy to raise instead of trying to match them up against their own concept of the currently most popular fad or breed?

I’ve been on both sides, having judged at nearly 200 shows, where I was called

on to place market hogs and cattle, sheep, goats, wool...even llamas!

We watched our three sons in 4-H taking their beatings during the days when woolly and English Shrops were battling. With the same sheep I have stood at the top one week, bottom the next.

To this problem of poorly qualified judges I can only repeat my life-long plea that more experienced, successful BREEDERS take up the challenge. Then all of us should pressure show selection committees to USE people that know their breeds.

Obtaining breeder consensus on Shropshire type and performance and breed promotion in the 50x100 mile midlands of England was easy, even in horseback days. In contrast, from their Indiana beginnings in America, problems of unanimity multiplied as the breed spread thousands of miles away.

Fortunately, for the most part, the early American leaders were “gentleman breeders” with full-time shepherds and could afford to pay their expenses and take several relaxed days for annual meetings. And the treasury of the world’s leading association could pay for its own judges and fund extensive national premium bonuses and fancy promotional materials.

Today, although the burden of transcontinental travel by our local directors is partially lessened by scheduling nationals across the U.S. (such as this, the fourth one in the west), we still don’t adequately recognize the sacrifices imposed on full-time family farmers who must prepare and show their sheep (and assist others in order to get exchange holders) – as well as pay all expenses and give their time at distant national func-

tions. They also face the constant dilemma of their association’s rising costs and diminishing resources. I might add that this is NOT just a Shropshire problem!

What is the solution?

Since minor, useful variations in type and size could be expected to develop between New England, the upper Midwest, south-central and Pacific Coast – and because the national promotional budget is so thinly stretched – the answer seems to lie in building stronger regional affiliates with their own fundraising, youth promotional activities and a major annual district show.

However, let’s downplay the transitory – purely visual – perceptions that have given sterile show ring opinions ascendancy over performance in the field.

Unless we want to relegate the raising of purebred livestock to the same category as bantam chicken, gemstone, rose and cat shows – which are merely hobbies – any breed that avows its utility value must be able to demonstrate that claim at both the pure and crossbreed commercial level.

Instead of concentrating on noneconomic idiosyncrasies like “elevation,” long necks and the latest counterproductive craze – small scrotum, tight skin, slow maturing “wether sires” – we should be stressing and promoting (the admittedly less tangible) efficient productivity that made Shrops popular in the first place.

For 47 years, under all kind of commercial conditions –from roughing it year around on hill pastures to intensive confinement, I’ve kept production records on every ewe, purebred and grade.

In comparison to the eight other popular breeds I’ve tried, NONE EQUALS THE SHROP! They return more � _______ Page 49

per acre (or pound of feed), have – and raise – more lambs with less problems, over a longer lifespan, and are sensible and easy to handle.

Through 150 years of attempts by often misguided shepherds to copy others or react to fads, most of our pure modern Shropshires still embody the distinctive qualities sought by their creators; middle of the road, early mature, efficient, easy keeping, meaty, good-fleeced farm flock sheep...and their unique combination of self-reliance and docility make them a shepherds’ joy.There never has been a time when the good Shrops we’re producing today offered more to America’s small-flock enterprises...but what of their flock masters?

Remember that showing is not THE reason for raising purebred sheep!

Since retiring from the costly, timeconsuming, often counterproductive,

usually disappointing show circuit, I have rediscovered the challenge and satisfaction of trying to improve the uniform profit performance of the Shrop flock.

At the golden anniversary banquet in 1934, Professor W.C. Latta (one of the five founders of the Association) said “...may every breeder of purebred livestock have the persistent aim to maintain not only purity of blood, but also prepotency in transmitting vigor, quality, UTILITY, symmetry and beauty to the animals under his molding hand.”

However, it is vital that a non-exhibitor not become a self-satisfied, “barn blind” hermit! The future is in our hands.

Shropshires can return to a leading position if their breeders unselfishly support the National and regional associations, and – most importantly – are promotionally active in their state, 4-H and commercial industries.

We’re proud to be a part of the Association’s history.

Congratulations on 125 years!

BARNES FARMS

Ph: (740) 494-2125, Fax: (740) 494-2913 5707 Mooney Road, Radnor, OH 43066 e-mail: troytongrn@acc-net.com web: www.barnesfarms.com _______ Page 50

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Old-time Shepherd at UConn Don Grant spends four decades at UConn

By Kit Phelps

Reprinted with permission from The Banner

Don Grant was involved with UConn sheep for nearly 4 decades starting in 1944 when he was a student there and ending in 1986 with his retirement as the Livestock Superintendent in charge of beef cattle, sheep, swine, and horses.

Although he was talented and respected in all species, his daughter, Debbie Hopkins, says, “It was in the sheep field where Dad made his most impact and where his heart was.”

Don grew up a city boy in Wethersfield, Conn. but he visited relatives on a Maine dairy farm during summers. He majored in animal husbandry at UConn and worked in the sheep and beef barns until his senior year when he was named the swine herdsman. After graduation he was hired as the beef and sheep herdsman while doing his grad work. In 1951, he married Jayne, who also majored in animal husbandry at UConn.

Two years later he took a two-year leave of absence to serve in the army vet corps. Jayne and 10-month-old Donna moved in with her parents and Don bought her some Suffolks so “she would have something to do.”

When Don returned, he was promoted to Livestock Superintendent and the sheep stayed at his in-laws.

When Don began as shepherd, there were about 200 Southdowns and Shropshires. Numbers fluctuated depending on the research projects and increased in 1956 when someone _______ Page 52

donated a Horned Dorset flock.

UConn used one of the first Polled Dorset rams from North Carolina to start their own Polled Dorset flock.

Bill Rose, former UConn shepherd says, “Crossing the Horned Dorsets with the Polled Dorset ram made a Don Grant dramatic change.”

Bill says that Don was especially interested in super ovulation and chose that topic for his masters. In the early 1960’s they injected ewes with PMS (Pregnant Mare Serum) for multiple births. Some Dorsets would lamb twice in a year.

“Don took me under his wing,” Bill says. “I was sort of his protege. We’d go to shows together and he’d let me judge first and then ‘fix’ my mistakes.”

Don also taught Bill how to shear sheep and they raised Suffolks together for a few years.

Dick Cobb came to UConn in 1968 as shepherd because he wanted to work with Don and the strong UConn animal science program including Al Cowan, Nate Hale, Don Kinsman, and Dan Avery.

He says, “Don was a great teacher without trying to be a teacher. He worked with us all the time and he didn’t have to. He could have been in the office.

I learned a lot from him.”

Bill Rose says, “Don took his job very seriously. His mission was to teach people to be good livestock people.”

Besides the students at UConn, Don also influenced his 4-H group, the Wooly Wonders that he and his wife

Jayne led for over 20 years, and he was a popular speaker on livestock management. He also judges many shows in the Northeast.

Judging at fairs put Don in contact with many young sheep exhibitors who later attended UConn because of him. One of those young people in the 1980’s was Sara Bettencort (Kuykendall) who had known Don since she started showing in Maine at age 5 or 6 and then enrolled at UConn because of Don’s encouragement. While a student she worked in the sheep barn and helped fit and show the sheep. All three breeds had many champions at The Big E and at Louisville and before that at Chicago.

They also attended sales including the Eastern Stud Ram Sale, the Ohio Dorset

sale, the Midwest Stud Ram Sale, the Shropshire Spectacular, and Keystone.

Nate Hale, long time UConn animal husbandry section head, says, “Don was an artist at fitting sheep. He could make them beautiful.” He shared his talent and skills with the students and also taught them how to shear.

Don’s daughter Debbie Hopkins remembers her father getting many calls.

Debbie says, “He never turned anyone down.” Dick Cobb says that although Don had big hands, he could really manipulate lambs.

Donna says, “Dad had a naturalness with animals that amazed me.”

Nate Hale adds, “He really understood the health and every part of the animal – and how to get the job done.” �

Judging at fairs put Don Grant (center) in contact with many young sheep exhibitors. His mission was to teach people to be good livestock people.

_______ Page 53

Don popularized the New England Wool Pool and put 4-H kids to work jumping up and down to pack 200 pounds of wool in each bag. He was also involved in the Connecticut Sheep Breeders, and the New England Sheep and Wool Growers Association. He was president of the Continental Dorset Club from 1986-1987 and served on the ASI board. His range of influence also was international as he advised livestock groups in Belize and Thailand.

On the home front, both daughters practically grew up in the barns of UConn

and it was not surprising when they attended UConn and majored in animal science. Donna says, “Dad thought kids should be involved. We never thought of sheep as work. It was fun.”

The Grant family lived on campus until Donna was in high school and then bought an acreage where she started with a few Southdown ewes. When she left home, Debbie inherited the sheep and when Debbie married, she took most of them and left a few behind on Grant Croft Farm.

Donna is now the Director of

09 calendar

April 25............... Wisconsin Invitational, Janesville, WI

May 8-9............... Shropshire Classic, Eaton, Ohio May 23-24............... Great Lakes Sale, Wooster, Ohio

June 1................DEADLINE for scholarship applications.

June 19-20............... Shropshire Spectacular, Springfield, IL.

June 24.................Midwest Stud Ram Shropshire show, 5 p.m.

June 27.................Midwest Stud Ram Sale.

July 3-5.................All-American Junior Show, Greenville, OH July 17-18............... New England Sale, West Springfield, MA. July 16-19............... North East Youth Sheep Show, West Springfield, MA

Aug. 13............... Midwest Regional Show, Indiana State Fair

Aug. 30............... West Coast Regional Show, Oregon State Fair

Sept. 1............... DEADLINE: 1st Female Shropshire Sale entries.

Sept. 1............... DEADLINE for Voice advertising.

Oct. 9-11............... Delaware Livestock Expo

Nov. 13............... NAILE: Leadline

Nov. 14............... NAILE: 1st Female Shropshire Sale, 10 a.m.

Nov. 14............... NAILE: Shropshire Wether Show

Nov. 15............... NAILE: Shropshire Junior Show

Nov. 16............... NAILE: Open Show (tentative).

............... NAILE: Annual Meeting of the Members (to be announced) Have your shows and sales included in the calendar on both the website and in the Voice by contacting Rinda Maddox, shropshirevoice@thesidellreporter.com. _______ Page 54

Agriculture and Education at the Eastern States Expo and her husband Kevin and family own KDW Southdowns. Their daughter, Kaye Weaber, is co-editor of the Southdown Journal. Debbie is the Executive Secretary of the Continental Dorset Club and she and husband, Donnie, and family have Hopkins Southdowns. Their daughter Jessica is now living with her Grandma Jayne while attending UConn and is involved with animal science. All four grandchildren have participated in raising and showing sheep and another generation is starting with Don’s great granddaughter Julia Weaber.

Many people remember Don for his work with sheep and the Border Collies he and Jayne raised, but he also had other interests. In college he played basketball and was goalie for the 1948 National Soccer Team. In the early 1970’s when students wanted to organize a polo team they asked Don to be their coach and he coached the national championship team in 1974. He and his wife restored their early 1700’s home near Storrs. An avid Boston Red Sox fan, he also enjoyed vacationing and fishing with is family in Maine.

After retirement Don and Jayne continued with their Southdowns and enjoyed spending more time in Maine.

Don Grant with one of his Border Collies.

Don also did some consulting and judging. He died in March of 2005 after a battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Jayne, 81, wintered yearling ewes on her property until this last year and still has a Border Collie.

Family, students, fellow UConn staff members, 4-H members, sheep exhibitors, Connecticut sheep growers, the Continental Dorset Club, and foreign livestock groups remember Don as a great guy with a lot of sheep expertise.

We’ll be consigning to the

SHROPSHiRe SPeCTACULAR

Brockmann ShropShireS

Gary & Vicky Brockmann, Brianna & Austin

2011 Blake Road, Garden Prairie, IL 61038 (815) 544-4515 _______ Page 55

Breeder’s Index The following breeder’s list is a paid

subscription published both in the Voice and on the shropshires.org Web site.

Adams Shropshires 6898 S 7000 W Road Chebanse, IL 60922 (815) 697-2903 radams@daca.net adamsshropshires.com

Benson, Robert Benson Brothers Shropshires 3839 E. 169th Street Noblesville, IN 46062 (317) 896-2213

Agrall, Lewis R.R. 1, Box 230 Athens, IL 62613 (217) 636-8151 Anderson Farms Matthew, Christie, Emily & Andrew 24355 N. Elliott Rd. Acampo, CA 95220 (209) 368-5738 home (209) 642-1137 cell anderson_farms@hotmail.com Anderson, Michael L. 346 N 1600 E Paxton, IL 60957 (217) 379-3189 Avery Shropshires Dennis & Nancy Avery 1500 Douglas Road Bremen, IN 46506 (574) 209-0988 Floyd & Sharon Avery (229) 942-3415

Tim & Deb Barnes Barnes Farms 5707 Mooney Road Radnor, OH 43066 (740) 494-2125 Cell: (740) 815-2402 troytongrn@acc-net.com barnesfarms.com

Biogenetic Services, Inc. 801 32nd Ave. Brookings, SD 57006 (800) 423-4163 Fax: (605) 697-8507 biogene@brookings.net www.biogeneticservices.com Black, Carol & Bob Ewesful Gifts 7868 State Road 73 Columbus, WI 53925 (920) 623-3536 Cell: (920) 296-0326 carol@ewesfulgifts.com Jason Botsford Rolling Hill Farms 4646 Rt. 536 Punxsutawney, PA 15767 (507) 301-1034 jgbotsford@yahoo.com

Be sure your name is listed in the Breeder’s Index It’s the best “phone directory” to Shropshire breeders

Shropshire breeders can have their name, phone, address and e-mail addresses listed in three issues of the Voice and on the Shropshire website for a 12-month period for only $30. A link to personal websites can be included for an additional $20. E-mail info to Rinda Maddox: shropshirevoice@thesidellreporter.com. _______ Page 56

Bradish Family Farm George and Brenda Bradish 3865 St. Rt. 982 Latrobe, PA 15650 (724) 539-8386 or 3808 Brill, Debra & Laura Shrop ‘til You Drop 7029 Pleasant Grove Rd. Pleasant Grove, CA 95668 (530) 656-1040 debraann71@wildblue.net Brockmann Shropshires Gary, Vicky, Brianna & Austin 2011 Blake Road Garden Prairie, IL 61038 (815) 544-4515 Brooks, Wayne, Cyndi, Blaze & Jenny 3760 N 700 E Decatur, IN 46733 (260) 592-6732 brooksshropshires@yahoo.com Brown, Rob & Ron Clay-Nob Farm 17527 Maple Drive Saegertown, PA 16433 (814) 763-3140 claynob@peoplepc.net Bryant Shropshires Bill Bryant 6838 Bryant Road Fredericktown, OH 43019 (740) 398-2053 Cell: (740) 398-2053 bryantb3@hotmail.com bryantsheepandhorses.com Buckham Farms 6508 West R Avenue Schoolcraft, MI 49087 (269) 375-7676 buckhamfarms@yahoo.com Burlingame, Jim & Steve Burlingame Farm 91 Burlingame Road Danielson, CT 06239 (860) 774-5975 Jim: fjburlingame@msn.com Steve: sjburlingame@snet.net www.burlingamefarm.com

BWB Farms, Inc. 1779 Green Road Martinsville, OH 45146 Randy Barr (937) 288-0001 Rick Whiting: (937) 685-2603 Barry Barr: (937) 403-4411 bwbfarmsinc@verizon.net www.bwbfarmsinc.com Call, Don & Re 964 Mohawk Trail Shelburne, MA 01370 (413) 625-2436 doonyc@netscape.net Calvert, Robert E. & Family 735 N. Perry Hwy. Mercer, PA 16137-4737 (724) 475-3119 Cessna, Jim & Nancy Cessna Farms 11100 Jerry City Road Cygnet, OH 43413 (419) 655-3209 jhcessna@dacor.net Crago Brothers Shropshires Steve & Louise Crago & Sons 1499 Hiatt Road Clarksville, OH 45113 (937) 289-3167 Crago, Mark & Jennifer & Family 22 Maki Hill Rd. Columbus, MT 59019 (406) 322-9935 Cell: (406) 298-0015 Creamer, R.J. & Family 4094 Centerville-Newmans Rd. Prospect, OH 43342 (740) 262-3972 creamer@marion.net www.creamershropshires.com Diehl, J.L. & G.L. 902 St. Rt. 14 Deerfield, OH 44411 (330) 584-2192 Dirlam, J.N. & Sons & Matthew Dirlam 11673 N. Bethesda Rd. Mooresville, IN 46158 (317) 831-2130 dirlamjd@aol.com _______ Page 57

Dockter, Darrell, Janet, Stacy & Jason 3-D Sheep Company 19411 S. Carpenter Road Snohomish, WA 98290 (425) 334-9130 Cell: (425) 327-1428 dddockter@earthlink.net www.3dsheepcompany.com Douglas, Donna April Aire Farms 11802 Pleasant Valley Road Woodstock, IL 60098 (815) 337-0598 Ebert, Jeff, Kerri, Christine & Monica Ebert Sheep Farm 10015 Flush Rd. St. George, KS 66535 Home: (785) 494-2436 Cell: (785) 458-9174 ebertj@wamego.net www.clublambpage.com/ebertvanhorn/ index.htm Enterline, Samuel Enterline Shropshires 317 W. Jamestown Road Jamestown, PA 16134 (724) 932-5550 senterline@alltel.net Elsbury, Mike Elsbury’s Shropshires 5385 E 500 N Greenfield, IN 46140-8939 (317) 326-4461 elsburyfamily@aol.com www.elsburyfarms.com Galvin, Samantha & Jenny P.O. Box 835 Turner, OR 97392 (503) 743-2744 jmgalvin53@yahoo.com Gillett, Marie LMG Farm 2551 N 850 E Road Moweaqua, IL 62550 (217) 768-4601 Cell: (217) 972-3470 lmgfarm@yahoo.com _______ Page 58

Groverman DVM, Fred F & P Groverman Shropshires 400 Ormsby Lane Petaluma, CA 94954 (707) 763-3132 fgroverman@sbcglobal.net Gruenhagen, Jim & Donna SS Shrops 7622 Jersey Ridge Road Davenport, IA 52807 (563) 355-6730 ssshrops@netins.net Hardesty, Megan & Molly Come Again Farm 00427 Clover Four Road New Bremen, OH 45869 (419) 629-7205 msac@bright.net Hargrave, Kim & Katie 3759 State Rt 21 Wayland, NY 14572 (585) 534-5382 Harold, Ashley 11316 Durgin Road SE Olympia, WA 98513 (360) 456-3897 asheeper@aol.com Heaton, Fred & family 622 Sessler-Buxton Rd. Russia, OH 45363 (937) 526-3118 Hiemke, Cody Mapleton Mynd Shropshires 2325 Webster St., Apt. B Berkeley, CA 94705 (415) 302-8035 cjhiemke@hotmail.com Hiemke, Cody Mapleton Mynd Shropshires 2325 Webster St., Apt. B Berkeley, CA 94705 (415) 302-8035 cjhiemke@hotmail.com Hiemke Family Shropshires Lynn, Mary, Cody, Carissa & Clayton, Heidi & Hope N87 W35753 Mapleton Rd. Oconomowoc, WI 53066 (920) 474-4589 cmhiemke@hotmail.com

High Farms Glenn & Joan High 7078 Co. Rd. 47 Lexington, OH 44904 (419) 362-3666 highfarms@cs.com

Maddox, Steven & Rinda Maddox Shropshires 6503 E 700 North Road Sidell, IL 61876 (217) 288-9493 ssmaddox@hotmail.com

High Life Farms David & Jodi High & Family 3388 McDermott Pond Creek Road McDermott, OH 45652 (740) 259-1907 highlifefarm2000@yahoo.com

Majchrzak, Steve, Beth,Ashley & Tyler Lan-O-Lin Acres 3745 Bradley Road Federalsburg, MD 21632 (410) 754-7531 Cell: (410) 924-3510 FFABigToe@verizon.net delawarelivestockexpo.com

Jackson, Norbert 4125 W. State Route 28 Alexandria, IN 46001 (765) 754-7057 njackson@macdermid.com Jaycox, Elaine Willaine Farm 3758 State Rt. 30 Middleburgh, NY 12122 (518) 827-5726 Cell: (518) 231-7245 willaine@midtel.net www.willainefarm.net Johnson, Bob & Karen RoKaJo Farm 569 St. Hwy. DD Marshfield, MO 65706 (417) 859-4452 rokajo6@centurytel.net Kipp, LeRoy Box 44 North Prairie, WI 53153 (262) 392-2713 Knepp Shropshires Donald Knepp 128 Old Barrington Rd. Barrington, IL 60010 847-381-5872 trbear@mc.net Lisa Kowalyshyn Kindred Crossings LLC 868 Route 32 North Franklin, CT 06254 (860) 642-4243 (860)642-6210 kindredcrossings@msn.com www.kindredcrossingsfarm.com

McCabe, Mark & Family McCabe Shropshires 5154 Nickelson Road Prospect, OH 43342 (740) 494-2969 mamccabe51@hotmail.com mccabeshropshires.com McCall, Cynthia CMAC Shropshires 1673 22nd Road Washington, KS 66968 (402) 730-9213 cynthiasue@huskers.unl.edu sheepempire.com McNeal, Robert J. 1511 S.E. 20 Street Battle Ground, WA 98604 (360) 687-3410 Ed Mies Family 14810 Maxwll Rd. Loami, IL 62661 (217) 341-9630 jmies@hotmail.com Miller, Edith, Bryan & Fabiola 24417 Ridge Road Damascus, MD 20872 (301) 253-3530 (301) 514-7955 bryan.miller@shropshires.info www.shropshires.info Miller, Sam D. & Family Miller’s Back Achers 3075 E. Rusk Road Troy, OH 45373 (937) 339-7811 srmiller3075@netzero.com

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Motter, Jan Lane’s End Farm 12211 W. Rt. 973 Jersey Shore, PA 17740 (570) 398-2078 Mrozinski, Erik 5906 E 650 N Road P.O. Box 306 Rolling Prairie, IN 46371 (219) 716-4921 (219) 778-1060 emrozins@purdue.edu Mumm, Megan 49 CR 1300 N White Heath, IL 61884 (217) 687-2874 Oehler, Nellie Oehler Family Shropshires 5570 SW West Hills Road Corvallis, OR 97333-2623 (541) 757-3937 Peiter Shrops 5580 Shelby 234 Shelbyville, MO 63469 (573) 769-0003

Pipestone Vet Clinic 1300 S. Hwy. 75 Box 188 Pipestone, MN 56164 (507) 825-4211 www.pipevet.com Proffitt, Jim 38208 Brady Creek Road Richmond, MO 64085 (816) 470-6842 jproffitt6842@gmail.com Riddick, Daniel Mayo Mountain Sheep Company 680 Mayo Road Huntington, VT 05462 (802) 434-2745 riddicks@att.net Rife, Randy & Julie Rife Shropshires 2423 Clifton Rd. Yellow Springs, OH 45387 (937) 767-1871 rifeflockmaster@dishmail.net www.rifeshropshires.com

Pence Farms 1083 W. Co. Rd. 61 Tiffin, OH 44883 Mike: (419) 992-4305 Doug: (419) 986-5848 Jay: (419) 992-4701

Roberts, Tim Roberts Farms 27954 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, OK 73093 (405) 485-9255 Cell: (405) 314-3370 robertssheepco@cs.com

Peppmeier, Christine & Sara Peppmeier Family Shropshires 29323 SW Land Hill Road Sherwood, OR 97140 (503) 625-6691 peppmeier@directv.net

Rogers, Danny & Cynthia Rogers Shropshires 2435 W. McCracken Road Monrovia, IN 46157 (317) 996-3301 dcrogers821@yahoo.com

Percival, Jim & Denise Schoolhouse Shropshires 961 Hoop Road Xenia, OH 45385 (937) 374-3371 schoolhousshrops@aol.com www.schoolhouseshropshires.com _______ Page 60

Rueber, Carol & Aimee Rueber Shropshires 24632 210th St. Sumner, IA 50674 (563) 578-8663 ruebershrops@yahoo.com www.geocities.com/ruebershrops

Sargent, Tom Tom Sargent & Family 9811 Grandview Dr. Bradford, OH 45308 (937) 448-6154

Steven Spayd 3261 Elm Tree Rd. Manheim, PA 17545 (717) 653-6860

Seals Family S Bar S Ranch 2360 B Shafer Ave. Morgan Hill, CA 95037 (408) 779-1789 (Cell:) (408) 472-8195 sbarssheep@cs.com

Switzer, Jane E. Switzer Shropshires 6741 S. 1150 W Redkey, IN 47373 (765) 369-2844 Cell: (260) 729-2626 switzershropshires@hotmail.com switzershropshires.com

Schimm, Katie 29131 Winterbauer Ave. Athens, IL 62613 (566) 415-0671 Silvertop Farm 6151 West Fountain Road Ponca City, OK 74601 (580) 765-3727 marchodgson@TheSilvertop.com Slutz, Tom City Limits Sheep Farm P.O. Box 177, 602 S. Main St. LaMoille, IL 61330 (815) 638-2177 Cell: (815) 866-5031 tws46@excite.com www.citylimitssheepfarm.com Smith Sisters Shropshires 2129 130th Ave. Russell, MN 56169-3072 (507) 823-4784 lbsmith@woodstocktel.net Smith, Gordon & Alyce Cedar Bend Farm N 7922 U.S. Highway 12 Elkhorn, WI 53121 (262) 742-3580 cedarbendfarm@elknet.net Roger Snyder Family 2537 US Hwy 67 Monmouth, IL 61462 (309) 734-4446 Cell: (309) 255-9500 Sommer, Todd 2370 New Park Road New Park, PA 17352 (717) 382-1320

Trew, Emily 389 York Road Ocoee, TN 37361 (888) 831-2619 billtrew@comcast.net Verduin, Calvin Verduin’s Apple Hill Farm 4391 Miller Road Dansville, NY 14437 (585) 335-3703 calv8@hotmail.com Washburn, Emily Washburn Shrops 1755 Lead Mine Road Gouverneur, NY 13642 (315) 578-2443 Cell: (315) 408-2478 nyshrops@yahoo.com Webster, Ryan 413 Roosevelt Trail Windham, ME 04062 (207) 892-3824 Wisehart, Mark & Patty & Sons 9372 N 400 E Greenfield, IN 46140 (765) 778-7707 Woods, Molly Jo Woods Wools Etc. 31359 County Hwy 2 Baylis, IL 62314 (217) 335-2001 Cell: (217) 242-4698 woodwool@adams.net

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On the Cover:

Washburn 550 was the Junior Champion Ewe at the 2008 National Show. Aphrodite is a February born ewe bred

by Washburn Shrops. She exemplifies the type of sheep we strive to produce here at Washburn Shrops. You can find our sheep amongst the rocky hills of Northern New York. What started 17 years ago as a 4-H project has grown into so much more. Watch for our sheep at the Shropshire Classic and Shropshire Spectacular!!

Washburn Shrops, Emily Washburn 1755 Lead Mine Road Gouverneur,NY 13642 315-578-2443 Cell: 315-408-2478

Index Advertisers Adams........................................................28 All-American Junior Show.....................45 Anderson..................................................22 Avery..........................................................20 Barnes........................................................48 Biogenetic Services.................................16 Buckham....................................................23 Brockmann................................................53 Cabaniss....................................................29 Creamer....................................................33 Dockter.....................................................17 Elsbury.........................................................7 Gene Check.............................................15 Gruenhagen..............................................24 Hiemke/Groverman................................18 High............................................................25 Jackson.........................................................3 Jeffers.........................................................49 Johnson, Bob.............................................37 Johnson, Morgan........................................8 Ketcham....................................................14 Kipp...........................................Back Cover Maddox......................................................12 Merrick’s.......................Inside Back Cover McCabe.......................................................9 Menard County Fair...............................35 _______ Page 62

Midwest Stud Ram Sale..........................27 Percival......................................................37 Pipestone..................................................39 Riddick.......................................................23 Rife.............................. Inside Front Cover Rueber.......................................................13 Roberts......................................................36 Rull.............................................................34 Sheepman Supply.....................................32 Shropshire Classic...................................21 Shropshire Spectacular..........................41 Slutz............................................................38 Sydell..........................................................27 Townsend Sales........................................25 Washburn............................... Front cover Whiting/BWB...........................................40 Articles All-American Juniors..............................26 First female sale.........................................5 Futurity......................................................29 Houston Livestock Show......................18 Pennsylvania Farm Show........................19 Pennsylvania Junior Show......................35 North East Youth ...................................33 Shropshire Classic.....................................8 Shropshire Spectacular..........................10

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The Performance Leader in Baby Animal Nutrition _______ Page 63

These yearlings, purchased from Rife Shropshires last fall, were photographed March 8, a couple weeks after shearing.

Consider a group of our brood ewes for your program.

Kipp Farms

James & Terri Kipp • W 4005 State Hwy. 98 Loyal, WI 54446 • (715) 255-8300 kipp.farms@hotmail.com

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