May 2015 Shropshire Voice

The

May 2015

ShropShire

Voice Look for this yearling ewe at the Ohio Classic National Sale

Check out the Shropshire Center Stage in April at Shropshires.org for

Averyshropshires

“Great Genetics Make The Difference�

Ewe Lambs from our March 23rd On-Line Sale.

Semen for Sale from an assortment of Announcing!

12 powerful rams which we have in the tank!

Welcome! We are hosting laparoscopic artificial insemination days with Reproduction Specialty Group.

Scheduled: May 13 and tentatively August 5th & 21st Plan Now...Reserve your space...Fresh semen available on those days also. Check our Website for details.

www.rifeshropshires.com Randy, Julie, Justin, Melissa, Olivia, Zachary, & Nicholas Rife 2423 Clifton Road, Yellow Springs, OH 45387 Only 6 miles south of I-70 (Exit 54) Home: (937) 767-1871 Cell: (937) 603-0535 randy@rifeshropshires.com

Volume 35, Issue 2

~ The Shropshire Voice ~

May 2015

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 of the American Shropshire Registry Association Jim Percival President (2017) 961 Hoop Rd., Xenia, OH 45385 (937) 374-3371 schoolhousshrops@aol.com Alan Bruhin Vice President (2017) 2064 Tranquility Lane, Sevierville, TN 37876 (865) 453-4767 wabruhin@utk.edu Rick Adams (2015) 6898 S 7000 W Rd., Chebanse, IL 60922 (815) 697-2903 radams1976@hotmail.com Re Call (2015) 964 Mohawk Trail, Shelburne, MA 01370 (413) 625-2436 doonyc@netscape.net R.J. Creamer (2015) 4094 Centerville-Newmans Rd., Prospect, OH 43342 (740) 262-3972 creamer@marion.net Robert Dinsmore (2017) 5842 Broad Run Rd., Jefferson, MD 21755 (301) 371-4483 cod-cnh@fred.net Darrell Dockter (2016) 19411 S Carpenter Rd., Snohomish, WA 98290 (425) 327-1428 darrell.dockter@gmail.com

Rinda Maddox, Voice Publisher

Mike Elsbury (2017) 5385 E 500 N, Greenfield, IN 46140 (317) 326-4461 elsburyfamily@aol.com Jim Gruenhagen (2015) 7622 Jersey Ridge Rd., Davenport, IA 52807 (563) 355-6730 ssshrops@gmail.com Cody Hiemke (2016) 1773 Koshkonong Rd., Stoughton, WI 53589 (415) 302-8035 cjhiemke@gmail.com Mary Anne Keck (2015) 665 Niangua Rd. Niangua, MO 65713 (417) 844-5895 rokajomaj@gmail.com Tim Roberts (2015) 27954 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, OK 73093 (405) 485-9255 timrobertsfarms@gmail.com Danny Rogers (2017) 2435 W McCracken Rd., Monrovia, IN 46157 (317) 358-3260 crogers821@yahoo.com Brad Slutz (2016) 50 W 735 Old State Rd., Maple Park, IL 60151 (815) 766-0584 bslutz@1stfarmcredit.com Mandy Swartz (2017) 313 Hop City Rd., Ballston Spa, NY 12020 (716) 465-0565 swartzm721@yahoo.com

Contact us

American Shropshire Registry Association

All registrations and payments should be made to The American Shropshire Registry Association office. Payments are also available via credit card.

Visit shropshires.org/registrations.

ASRA Office Hours:

Mon.-Thurs.–11 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST Mon. & Thurs. evenings –8-11 p.m. EST

Shropshire Voice Advertising Rates

Rates effective since February 1, 2010

Full Page..................................... $125 Half Page....................................... $75 Quarter Page.................................. $50 Front Cover Full Color............... $325 Other 3 Covers Full Color........... $250 Inside Page Full Color................ $250 Each Photo (Full color no charge)........ $10 Spot color•..................................... $35 Full Page in Voice and four Months on Web site..................... $225 Breeder’s Directory (3 Voice issues and 12 months on the website....... $30 Add your website link........... $20

Voice Deadlines

February Voice...............Jan. 15 May Voice....................March 15 October Voice................. Sept. 1 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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Secretary Becky Peterson will be near the office at most other times and will return calls as soon possible. She will make the best effort to process registrations and transfers within a day or two of receipt.

Contact her at: American Shropshire Registry Association Becky Peterson, Secretary 41 Bell Rd. Leyden MA 01337 Phone/Fax –(413) 624-9652 Shropsec@hotmail.com

Shropshire Voice & Website

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

Rinda Maddox P.O. Box 475 Sidell, IL 61876 shropshirevoice@

thesidellreporter.com (217) 288-9365 (office) (217) 288-9493 (home) (217) 474-9365 (cell)

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) 360-1103 Mamccabe51@hotmail.com Alan Bruhin 2064 Tranquility Lane Sevierville, TN 37876-0101 (865) 453-4767 wabruhin@utk.edu __________________ Shropshire Voice

From the President I hope everyone is having a great beginning of the lambing season. The weather in Ohio has been cold but we have actually had a brief thaw in recent days so that has been a blessing and the ewes have enjoyed having the barn open.

There has been significant discussion about the initiative to have DNA pulled on all service rams in the Shropshire breed. A committee is being appointed to best determine what the appropriate role of the National Association would be and how to best implement a program. At this time, NOTHING has been decided. The committee will discuss the issue and make a recommendation to the board.

The Shropshire breed has been a leader in our industry and I believe we can continue to lead.

Currently, we have tremendous enthusi-

asm in our breed. Last year was a recordbreaking year in the youth programs, and we expect that again in 2015.

The Juniors will be contacting many of us in the near future for donations to support a stipend for the youth flock program. I would hope that each of you would donate if you are able.

We look forward to seeing all of you in the spring at a sale, or this summer at a show.

Happy Lambing!

Jim Percival Xenia, Ohio

2015 Committees of the ASRA

Executive Alan Bruhin Brad Slutz Jim Percival Becky Peterson

Budget and Finance Re Call, Chairman Jim Gruenhagen Mike Elsbury Brad Slutz Voice and Promotion Darrell Dockter, Chairman Rinda Maddox Mandy Swartz Mary Anne Keck Futurity Mark McCabe, Chairman R.J. Creamer Tim Barnes Rick Adams Danny Rogers

__________________ May 2015

NAILE Sale Jim Brandt Chairman R.J. Creamer Mark McCabe Jim Isler Dennis Avery Becky Peterson

Breed Integrity Rick Adams Tim Barnes Jim Gruenhagen Cody Hiemke Mark McCabe John Mrozinski Performance Cody Hiemke, Chairman Matthew Anderson Don Knepp Danny Rogers Historian Randy Rife

Junior and Club Lamb Mark McCabe, Co-Chair Alan Bruhin, Co-Chair Rick Adams Jacob Wenner Brad Slutz Tim Roberts Mandy Swartz Fundraising Mary Anne Keck, Chairman Mandy Swartz Re Call Breed Character Alan Bruhin R.J. Creamer Mike Elsbury Mary Anne Keck Bob Dinsmore

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From the Secretary Greetings Shropshire world! Today is March 20 and the calendar says Spring has arrived. Ha! Up here in the Northeast, we are still quite snow-covered and have a brand new four-inch layer this afternoon.

Thankfully we are far enough away from Boston that we don’t have to endure their 108 inches! We’ll just gratefully accept our mere 40. Actually with the warm weather of last week, it has receded quite a bit but we are a llloonggg way from bare ground, green grass and mosquitoes. Hopefully, by the time we all get together in May for the National Sale, the winter of 2015 will be just a pleasant memory!

I do not spend a lot of time perusing social media but it is evident that there are a lot of nice Shropshire lambs out there. Many of them can be seen on video clips running around a large pen while their Moms eat. If they have numbers painted on their backs,

it can look a lot like NASCAR, just going round and round, going nowhere but having a great time anyway.

Registration work is on its annual rise over the past couple of weeks. During the winter, only one or two pieces of work arrive in the mail weekly and now I am getting two or three daily. By April, there will be a stack waiting each day. Hopefully those that “need” their work in early May will get it to me before then. I really do try to accommodate all of the emergencies but am glad that not all of the envelopes are urgent.

This marks my eighth year as the Shropshire secretary. Who would have thought it was possible? The job continues to be en-

...On the Back Cover BWB would like to thank everyone that has offered encouragement, advice and expressed congratulations to us!

A special thanks to all that have commented on, bid on and purchased our sheep!

In 2014...

Taylor Harrison, NY

Page Shropshires, OH

Logan Elsbury, IN

Ewe Lamb Spring Fling

Ewe Lamb Shrop Classic

Ewe Lamb Shrop Classic

Creamer Shropshires, OH

Pence Farms, OH

Two Bred Yearlings Off Farm

Yearling Ram Off Farm

Randy Barr

Rick Whiting

4410 Sorg Rd., Hillsboro, OH 45133

1779 Green Rd., Martinsville, OH 45146

(937) 288-0001

(937) 685-2603

Neal Knapp, flock consultant and professional fitter! _______ Page 4

www.bwbfarms.com

bwbfarmsinc@frontier.com

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joyable for the most part. I enjoy chatting with the members about the weather and shows and reading pedigrees. Sometimes the discussion is about lineage. I continue to be very careful to check my work so that my product is accurate and I again remind breeders to be correct with their applications. Please complete the information at the top of the form so that it is clear who the owner and breeder is and please remember to sign at the bottom. If you leased a ram to someone to breed with, please be timely in supplying a signed lease form, especially signed by all the owners of the ram if he is owned by a partnership. Double check those Rs, Qs and Ns in those genotypes. This may seem a bit picky but I prefer to keep the spats to a minimum.

I am excited at the prospect of breed character promotion and education. When this comes together, I hope that there can be some progress in determining what the 21st Century Shropshire should look like and how it should produce. I trust that people will join in the discussion in a productive way and remember that we are all in this for the same reason and that is to promote the Shropshires for all of its uses.

The American Shropshire Registry Association is in good shape financially, thanks to people who help to support some of the programs, especially those dedicated to the youth of the breed. Funds will be needed for the All-American Junior Show awards ($1000), Shropshire Scholarships ($800) and the Starter Flock Program ($1500). I would not like to tap the same people for donations all of the time and hope that everyone can contribute to these causes in some way.

Thank you so much to those who have already come forward.

The Voice and website also requires support. Aside from regular advertising, part of this comes from the Breeders Index listings and the monthly homepage ads known as Centerstage. It doesn’t hurt to get your flock’s name out there, whether it’s $30 for a listing for a year or $250 for an outstanding display on Shropshires.org for a month. The Voice has some very regular advertisers and we are grateful for their support.

I look forward to looking at all the Shropshires on display at the shows and sales this year and especially enjoy chatting with their owners. I’ll catch up with you all sometime this year!

Put your flock on Center Stage Shropshire Center Stage is the first thing viewed by visitors to the Shropshire website www.shropshires.org, providing effective advertising and promotion for your Shropshire flock. Purchasers of this exclusive space are encouraged to share with visitors to the site the story of their flock, including family notes, winnings, etc.

Up to four photos may be included. Proceeds from the sale of this advertising go to support the promotional efforts in the Voice and on the ASRA’s website, Shropshires.org.

This year, the website sale will be held during the National Sale noon social hour and Shropshire Ewe Preview on Saturday, __________________ May 2015

May 9. Twelve months will be available starting with August 2015 and ending with July 2016. The highest bidder will win the month of his or her choice until all of the months have been sold. The minimum bid is $75 and the sky is the limit after that.

If you cannot attend this sale, all is not lost. Submit your bid through the secretary or through another breeder attending the sale. Payment must be made to the American Shropshire Registry Association that day.

Owners of each month will be reminded in advance of their time slot so materials can be submitted to Rinda Maddox, website coordinator. _______ Page 5

I l l I N o I S

hropshirer pectacula

S

Illinois State Fairgrounds

Show:

June 19, 10:30 a.m.

Judge Matt Martin, oh

2014 Champion Ram

Sale:

June 20, 10:30 a.m.

auctioneer Billy MacCauley, Pa Sale held in conjunction with the National Cheviot Sale, National oxford Sale and Illinois Montadale Sale

Jr. Show ClaSSeS

2014 Champion Ewe

ram lambs, Yearling ewes, Fall ewes, early spring ewes, late spring ewes, Junior and Senior showmanship Classes will be flexible and worked in between sale classes.

Under new sale management!

Sale managed by American Cheviot Sheep Society Jeff Ebert, Executive Secretary

Make plans now to attend!

For catalog information check the Shropshire or Cheviot websites or contact Jeff Ebert at ebertj@wamego.net or call 785-458-9174 _______ Page 6

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Board of Director Teleconference

February 8, 2015 The meeting was called to order at 8:03 p.m. Present were President Jim Percival, Darrell Dockter, Bob Dinsmore, Rick Adams, R.J. Creamer, Alan Bruhin, Cody Hiemke, Brad Slutz, Jim Gruenhagen, Danny Rogers, Re Call, Bob Johnson, Mandy Swartz, Mike Elsbury, Tim Roberts and Secretary Becky Peterson.

Since the minutes of the November Board meeting had been previously distributed, Alan Bruhin moved to dispense with reading them and accept the secretary’s report. R.J. Creamer seconded. There were no additions or corrections. Motion passed.

Becky had previously sent the 2014 yearend financial report. These were previously published in the February Voice. The Balance sheet showed $51,334.33 in assets which was an increase of $2,890.76 over the previous year. Becky noted that this includes a checking account at the Illinois bank as well as two CD’s that are coming up for renewal for a total of $22,876.The accounts were left there in 2009 as the interest rates were higher. The ASRA still files incorporation papers with the State of Illinois as those accounts are still there.

Discussion followed regarding moving the three accounts to the Massachusetts bank.

Darrell Dockter moved with a second from Danny Rogers to remove the funds from the Illinois bank to Massachusetts. Motion passed.

The Profit & Loss Statement for the year showed a profit of $3560.10. Becky reviewed the line items. There were no questions. Rick Adams moved to accept the treasurer’s report as presented. Bob Dinsmore seconded.

Jim Percival inquired of the status of the audit. Becky has everything together for it and will submit it to the accountant.There was no other discussion. Motion passed.

2015 Futurity Rules – Becky had updated the Futurity Rules as discussed at the November Board meeting and they were published in the Voice and are available on the website.

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R.J. Creamer noted he has received some comments regarding assessing nomination fees on sheep that were bought back. It was decided to leave the rule as made in November. It was also noted that the published rule # 6 for a sale to have five ewe lambs to be a futurity-nominated sale was meant to apply to the online sales and that the list of designated conventional sales will remain. Becky will update the rules to reflect that.

2015 NAILE judge nomination – Becky presented the results from the nomination box at NAILE.Votes were counted from paid members only. Results as follows:Tim Fleener – 7; Brian Mohr – 5; Molly Creamer– 4; Evan Snyder– 3; Rod Crome – 2; Dan Spilde, Jim Brandt, John Mrozinski, Mike Anderson, Stacy Taylor – 1 vote each. Bob Dinsmore moved to submit in order the top three nominees to NAILE for the 2015 show. Rick Adams seconded. No further discussion. Motion passed.

National Sale Update – R.J. reported that Shropshires will show/sell fourth or fifth in the order at the Classic.There would be time enough mid-day on Saturday to hold the Preview and have a social hour at the same time.

There will be a selection of the Best Breed Character Ram and Ewe by the judge (Steve Myers). Those sheep will sell right after the Champion and Reserve Champion. Those two sheep will be awarded an ad in the next Voice and their photos would be used in the Breed Type promotion. Discussion followed.

Rick Adams moved to allow publication of a full page Voice ad each for both the Best Breed Character Ram and Ewe and ask the Ohio Shropshire Association to pay for half of the cost. Jim Gruenhagen seconded this motion. No further discussion. Motion carried.

ASRA will also cover the cost of the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion Ram and Ewe sashes for the show. Brad Slutz will purchase.

National Sheep Association – there is still not much information available.The BOD had agreed to participate but the funding mechanism had not been determined and no money has been committed. NSA needs to get more information to ASRA before moving forward. _______ Page 7

The first show will be held in conjunction with the Nugget Sale in Reno in May. It is questionable as to whether there will be any Shropshires shown. Mike Elsbury expressed concern about collecting ASRA member contributions and dispersing them to other groups.

Becky noted that is already done for the AllAmerican Junior Show to fund the Shropshire awards. Rick Adams will get more information about funding and other requirements.

Breed Integrity – Jim Percival appointed a committee to investigate the possibilities of DNA testing of stud rams. Serving will be Jim Gruenhagen, Rick Adams, John Mrozinski, Cody Hiemke, Mark McCabe and Tim Barnes.

This committee will meet, select a chairman and report to the BOD for the May meeting.

Breed Type – There was significant discussion about breed type at the November meeting. Jim will be appointing a committee to organize a means to promote Shropshire breed type and provide education.

Starter Flock – Alan Bruhin and Jacob Wenner (Junior Association president) had

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put a funds request letter together which Becky emailed to the membership. $1090 has been committed so far with a goal of $1500 which will be awarded via a credit voucher.

Alan had put the Starter Flock program info out to the state extension services. Deadline for applications is April 1. Jim appointed a committee of Rick Adams, R.J. Creamer, Jim Gruenhagen and Brad Slutz to review the applications and select a winner in time for the spring sales.

2015 Regional Youth Support – Becky had assembled a list of the directors due for regional support and asked them to be sure to submit their requests. Bob Dinsmore remarked that not all of his $150 allotment was used in 2014 and asked to apply the difference to the Starter Flock program. Becky will figure out what was left over and so apply.

2015 committees – Jim will appoint the rest of the committees and send to Becky.

New Business - Bob Johnson announced that he would like to resign from the Board of Directors after several years of service and

__________________ Shropshire Voice

would like the BOD to consider his daughter, Mary Anne Keck, to fill his position until the next election in November. According to the Bylaws Article VII allows the Board of Directors to fill a vacancy for a time not extending beyond the next succeeding annual members’ meeting. Bob’s term would expire in November anyway. Tim Roberts expressed his support of Bob and felt assured that Mary Anne would be a good choice. Bob Dinsmore moved to accept Bob Johnson’s resignation and to appoint Mary Anne Keck to fill his term. This was seconded by R.J. Creamer.

There was no further discussion. Motion passed. Thank-you Bob Johnson for your many years of hard work for the Shropshire association.

NAILE Advisory meeting – Becky reported that the NAILE Advisory Meeting is coming soon in March and asked if someone closer to Kentucky was willing to attend. It was decided that either Jim Percival or Alan Bruhin would attend and communicate any concerns to the NAILE management.

PA Farm Show – Becky reported she had been notified that there was a rule printed in the Pennsylvania Farm Show premium list that said that Shropshires did not need to be slick shorn. Becky contacted the sheep superintendent and informed about the Slick Shear rule. Superintendent said she would get it off the books for next year and later reported that all Shrops were shown slick shorn and no one intended to leave wool on their sheep.

Centerstage Auction- Becky wished to schedule the website auction for sometime during the Classic. It was decided to hold it during the Preview as that would have the largest attendance.

The next board meeting will be in Eaton Ohio on Friday May 8 at 11 a.m. Jim Percival will arrange a location.

There was no further business to come before the Board. Bob Dinsmore moved to adjourn at 9:27.Tim Roberts seconded. Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted, Becky Peterson

Webster Family ShRopShiRES

2014 Res. Jr. Ewe Lamb

__________________ May 2015

Bill, Stacey, Ryan & Blake and “the white-faced girls” Darcey & Ashley 413 Roosevelt Trail, Windham, ME 207-831-0608

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2014 Illinois State Fair

Grand ChampIon ram Step ahead 2593

Sired by Barnes Farms 1028, 2012 Illinois State Fair Grand Champion Ram

Look for a top quality 2015 National consignment sired by Barnes 1028.

tS ep AheAd FARMS

Thank you to all our bidders and buyers at the past sales!

See you soon in Eaton, May 8th & 9th!

STACY JOSEFSON Cell: 309-371-4260 994 Step Rd., Gilson, IL 61436 • S_jo6@hotmail.com _______ Page 10

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Johnson steps down from board

Bob Johnson stepped down from 20 years as director of the American Shropshire Registry Board this spring. He started on the board in 1994 and served as president of the board in 2007-2008.

Bob resides in Marshfield, Mo. He grew up on a small farm outside Houston, Mo. and was active in FFA and owned a small herd of Polled Herefords that he showed at the small fairs He earned his B.S. in agriculture at Missouri State University where he met his wife, Karen.They were married July 1966.

In 1967 Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army and after graduating Officer Candidate training he was sent to the Seventh Army Training School in Vilseck, Germany. Karen joined him and they were able to travel while there. They returned to the states in 1970 and Bob was assigned to the Farmers’ Home Administration, now the Farm Service Agency. He was the county supervisor for several counties having the distinction of the largest area in the state.

He retired in 2002 after 37 years. Shortly after his retirement Bob went to work for Southern Missouri Bank as a loan analyst. He continues to work part-time there.

Bob and Karen raised four children in Marshfield, moving to a small farm in 1979 so they could give their children the experience of growing up in the country. They purchased 10 registered Suffolk ewes from a flock dispersal in 1982. Their first experience with sheep had their family hooked!

The children all got involved in showing so they added Shropshires in 1986 with the purchase of two yearling ewes, two ewe lambs and a ram lamb from Glen Eberspacher. They dispersed the Suffolk flock in 2000.

Over the years they added sheep from the flocks of Buckham, Rife, Agrall, Diehl, Rueber, Creamer, Mrozinski, Anderson, and Avery.

“Our children are all grown but all still have interest in the sheep and showing them.

Our grandchildren are now enjoying working with the sheep so we keep the flock go__________________ May 2015

Bob Johnson, Retiring Director ing,” said Bob. Their children include Kari (Mike) Chastain of Niangua, Mo. and their son, the first grandchild, Colby. Kari is an elementary teacher. Russ (Molly) have four children, Morgan, Mason, Mallory and Margo and live in Wooster, Ohio. Russ works for Columbia Gas. Gina (Kalen Wilson) lives in Bentonville, Ark., and works for Tyson. Mary Anne (Jason) Keck have two children, Kirsten and Hunter. They live in Niangua and she teaches Vo Ag. Mary Anne has helped with the Midwest Stud Ram Sale for many years.

Bob and Karen are members of the Marshfield United Methodist Church. Bob is also a member of the Missouri Sheep Producers and past president of the Missouri Sheep Merchandising Council. He is currently an alternate for Shropshires on the Midwest Stud Ram Sale Committee.

“I am excited about the direction the Shropshires have taken and believe we have improved the quality of the sheep with our slick shear rule. I hope we make a concerted effort to keep the breed character on the sheep and keep them the middle sized sheep that are easy keepers,” Bob said. _______ Page 11

Shrop Classic Show and Sale If you like Shropshires, be part of the National Sale in Eaton, Ohio on May 8 and 9 where the Shropshire Classic continues the 2015 sale season during the Big Ohio Sale weekend. This event is sponsored by the Ohio Shropshire Sheep Association and is run by Banner Sale Management. All sheep will be shown slick-shorn, of course, and will be guaranteed “spider-free� (genotype NN). All sheep will be either QR or RR. All yearling rams and fall ram lambs will be accompanied by a negative Elisa test for B. ovis.

Consignors will each have the option of selling half interest in one yearling ram.

This allows some of the best yearling rams around to become available! These rams and the arrangements will be announced on the sale block before they are sold.

Auctioneers Gary Saylor, Danny Westlake, both of Ohio, and Billy MacCauley of Pennsylvania will sell the sale.

Show day will begin on Friday May 8 at 8 a.m. Shropshires will show as the last breed in the Expo Building. Steve Myers of Ohio will serve as judge. Ewes will show first, starting with the older classes. Classes are available for yearling ewes and rams, fall ewe and ram lambs, early January ewe lambs, late January ewe, January ram lambs, early February ewe lambs, late February ewe lambs, February ram lambs.

As part of the effort to promote and educate about Shropshire breed character, the judge will select the Best Breed Character Ram and Ewe from all of the Shrops shown. These two sheep will sell immediately after the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion rams and ewes in the sale order. The two sheep selected will each receive a full page ad in the next Voice. The Ohio Shropshire Association is sharing the expense of this endeavor with the ASRA. This addition to the show is a

Majors Show Lambs Thank You Schoolhouse Shrops Jim & Denise Percival & Ron Cordon for purchasing our Stars of Louisville entries Joe & Cheryl Majors, Milan, MI 734-439-5651 majorsjc@msn.com Visit majorsshowlambs.com for our 2015 sale consignments _______ Page 12

& S H R O P S

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step in the right direction in preserving the character of the Shropshire sheep.

The Shropshire Preview returns on Saturday at noon on sale day Saturday. All ewes will be displayed in the racks by class and in the order they were placed. Buyers will have the opportunity to personally inspect their selections. An informal social gathering will be ongoing during the Preview. The Ohio Shropshire Association is co-sponsoring light snacks and beverages.

All Shropshire breeders, consignors and prospective buyers are welcome to attend. At this time, the Center Stage auction will take off. This is where any interested Shropshire breeder can purchase a month’s advertising on the homepage of the Shropshire website.

The Shropshires will sell last of the day on May 9. 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. Futurity-nominated lambs and yearlings will be offered and will be marked with an “F” on their back and on the sale order. Please contact the Shropshire office or visit www.shropshires.org with any questions regarding either of the 2015 Ewe Futurity Programs.

And as usual, fundraising must go on throughout the event.We invite supporters to collaborate to bring a basket of interesting items from their state to be sold in a Silent Auction format to benefit the Shropshire College Scholarship fund. The Juniors will also be circulating to raise funds for the All-American Junior Show awards.

Several other breeds will be selling at this sale 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, www.bannersheepmagazine.com or at (309) 785-5058, Contact R.J. Creamer at (740) 262-3972 regarding other Shropshire aspects of the event. See you there! __________________ May 2015

Midwest Sale

Shropshires will show at the Midwest Stud Ram Sale in Sedalia, Mo. on Wednesday, June 24. Shropshires will sell on Friday, June 26 after the Southdowns.

The sale is managed with new enthusiasm this year by the Heartland Livestock Services, Curt Overcash and crew will run the sale from June 22 to 27 on the Missouri State Fairgrounds.

Entry deadline is May 5 for the printed catalog. This sale is designated as a futuritynominated sale. All sales will be webcast by www.dvauction.com. For info, contact Brett Oelke (218) 770-2428 or boelke@midwest sale.com or www.midweststudramsale.com.

The mailing address is Heartland Livestock Services, PO Box 72, Milo, IA 50166.

Spectacular set for June

The Spectacular Sale continues this year June 19 and 20 in Springfield, IL at the state fairgrounds. As usual the show will be held on Friday. Ohio’s Matt Martin will judge. The sale will start at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. Bill MacCauley will sell as before.

The event will be held along with sales for Oxfords, Cheviots and Montadales so there is more opportunity transportation, etc. Jeff Ebert, Kansas Shropshire breeder and head of Associated Sheep Registries, will manage the sale as last year.

Illinois Shropshire Association president Rick Adams reports that there are plans for a junior show again this year. Classes are planned for ram lambs, yearling ewes, fall ewe lambs and spring ewe lambs. Classes may be split if entries warrant.

Juniors interested should contact Illinois secretary Stacy Josefson at (309) 371-4260 or by email to sjosefson@bluebullets.org.

Like the sale on Facebook at Illinois Shropshire Spectacular Sale. _______ Page 13

An de rs o n 13 -2 1 “ D o r o th y” Reserve National Champion ewe at NAILE for Jeffery Coleman.

Bred by Michael Anderson.

Raised by R & A Shrops.

She is the result of Mike’s hard work and dedication to the Shropshire breed.

Fall Buck Lamb R & A 2080

January Ewe Lamb R & A 2086

Both consigned to the big Ohio sale

Dusty & Claudia Rincker on, IL 62463 422 State Highway 32, Stewards Stock.com how 217-493-1629 • RinckerS Micheal Anderson- flock advisor

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HHH Stars of Louisville

Plans are underway for the Seventh Annual Stars of Louisville Shropshire Sale. The sale committee will consist of Chair Jim Brandt, Dennis Avery, R.J. Creamer, Mark McCabe, Jim Isler and Manager Becky Peterson. Breeders are encouraged to offer one or two elite females. Entry forms will be available by August 1 from the ASRA office or on www.shropshires.org and are due by September 1. Entry fees will remain at $50 per head to ensure quality.We hope to offer space for one photo

Guess Who!

We would like you to share your vintage photos for a “Guess Who� and other photo fillers for the Voice. Contact Rinda Maddox at (217) 288-9365 or email her at: shropshirevoice@thesidellreporter.com.

per entry in the catalog which will be mailed with the Voice in October and will also be available on the website.

A 10 a.m. time slot has been requested of the NAILE show committee. Ewe lambs sold in the sale can be nominated by the breeder to the 2016 Yearling Ewe Futurity. Interstate health charts with Kentucky entry permits will be required for all consigned animals.

The usual sale guarantees will apply. A 10% commission will be charged on the gross sale amount. Settlement checks will be issued to consignors and transferred papers to buyers within 30 days of the sale.

The 2014 sale reported a $791 average on 17 head. All 11 ewe lambs were nominated to the 2015 Yearling Ewe Futurity. Junior buyers purchased eight animals. If you have an interest in selling or purchasing elite Shropshire females, you should save the date: Saturday Nov. 14, 2015! Help maintain the pace!

To be held during National Social

Website Auction

Saturday, May 9, 2015

during the social hour at the

Classic Sale

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

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Houston Livestock Show March 9, 2015 Judge: David Smith

Please consider bringing a worthy item or gift basket to sell in a Silent Auction at the Classic sale to help fund the 2015 Scholarship Program. Items will be displayed for sale starting 9 a.m. Friday morning May 8. Bidding will conclude on Saturday at a predetermined time.

s

El

Ram Lamb 1. Hunter Brockelman Res. Champion Ram 2. Dalton Hicks 3. Harley Brockelman 4. Evan Zant Two-Tooth Ram 1. Dalton Hicks Champion Ram Four-Six Tooth Ram 1. Tim Roberts Ewe Lamb 1. Dalton Hicks Res. Champ. Ewe 2. Evan Zant 3. Harley Brockelman

bury

hropshires

4. Dalton Hicks 5. Evan Zant Two-Tooth Ewe 1. Dalton Hicks Champion Ewe 2. Dalton Hicks Four to Six Tooth Ewe 1. Dalton Hicks 2. Dalton Hicks 3. Hunter Brockelman 4. Harley Brockelman Pair Ram Lambs 1. Dalton Hicks Pair Ewe Lambs 1. Dalton Hicks 2. Harley Brockelman 3. Evan Zant Best Pair of Sheep 1. Dalton Hicks 2. Hunter Brockelman 3. Harley Brockelman 4. Evan Zant Exhibitors Flock 1. Dalton Hicks

Mike & Karen Elsbury & Family

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

This NNRR fall ewe lamb will be sold in the National Shropshire Sale in Ohio.

We plan to take a top yearling ewe to Ohio as well.

Thanks to our buyers at the Indiana Premier Sale!

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Meet your Directors Mary Anne Keck Southwest District

Mary Anne Keck

Appointed to finish out her father’s term, Mary Anne Keck will fill the seat of Bob Johnson until the next election in November.

Mary Anne is married to Jason Keck and they have two children, Kirsten, a kindergartner and Hunter, who is in preschool. Mary Anne says her children have been able to experience raising sheep since birth and enjoy being around and showing their animals.

As the youngest child of Bob and Karen Johnson, Mary Anne was able to watch her older siblings participate in sheep shows around the area and at the Missouri State Fair years before she was old enough to en-

Directors’ Districts

West District Darrell Dockter North Central District Jim Gruehnagen Southwest District Mary Anne Keck Tim Roberts Wisconsin-Michigan Dist.

Cody Hiemke _______ Page 18

Illinois District Rick Adams Brad Slutz Indiana District Mike Elsbury Danny Rogers

Ohio District Jim Percival R. J. Creamer New York-New England Dist.

Re Call Mandy Swartz Pennsylvania-South District Alan Bruhin Robert Dinsmore

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ter animals of her own. As soon as she was old enough to show in the junior shows, she purchased her first Shropshire ewes from Glenn Eberspacher. These ewes turned out to be the foundation for the RoKaJo Shropshire Flock.

Along with her brother and sisters, she has experienced the joy of success in the sheep industry. They were able to show at several national shows including the National Junior Shropshire Show during NAILE for the first time when Mary Anne was nine years old. Her parents pushed her and her siblings to be actively involved and through that involvement she has had the privilege of serving many different leadership roles within various sheep organizations.

Her passion for raising and showing sheep helped determine and shape her profession as an agriculture instructor and FFA Advisor.

This past year she accepted a new position with Laclede County R-1 Schools in Conway, Mo. as a half agriculture/half science instructor at Conway High School. This is the third school she has had the honor of teaching young adults.

“I can honestly say that in my 14 years in education I have encountered countless young agriculture enthusiasts who demonstrate the future of agriculture is in great hands,” Mary Anne said. “It is through them that I am constantly looking to improve the product I provide consumers. I firmly believe that as part of the American Shropshire Board I am required to promote and share the positive image of our industry to the general population. I am looking forward to being a part of an association that cares about juniors as well as adults who work together to produce a quality breed.”

Danny Rogers Indiana District Newly elected to the Board of Directors for the American Shropshire Registry for the Indiana District is Danny Rogers.

Danny and his wife of 37 years, Cynthia, live __________________ May 2015

Danny Rogers in Monrovia, a small rural community about 25 miles from Indianapolis.

Danny is a retired truck driver and worked for YRC (formerly Yellow Freight) for 33 years before retiring to farm and raise livestock full time. He and Cynthia farm and raise Shropshire sheep and have added Southdowns to their flock as a second breed since their daughter married a Southdown breeder. The Rogers have two children, Beth and Eric and four grandchildren, Jacob, Benjamin, Kaylee and Cooper.

Danny has been raising and breeding Shropshires for a relatively short time compared to others, only a mere 26 years, having started in the sheep business in 1989. A dairy farmer by birth, he was forced to switch to sheep since his daughter was afraid of cattle and wanted a smaller animal to show for 4-H. He was fortunate to have Shropshire breeder Jasper Dirlam living nearby. Jasper introduced the Rogers family to raising sheep. It has long been the family joke that the flock is a “4-H project that went wild.”

Now Dan’s grandson, Jacob, is enjoying showing sheep for Grandpa so the tradition continues with another generation. _______ Page 19

Flock Starters making second year of program successful The Starter Flock Program is in its second year in Shropshire world. You may recall receiving an email or two from Jacob Wenner, the President of the National Junior Shropshire Sheep Association or Alan Bruhin, the ASRA Vice-President and junior motivator. They were seeking contributions to support a grant of $1500 to be awarded to this year’s Starter Flock winner. The response was almost immediate and very generous.

The ASRA is very appreciative of the following members for coming forward to support this program: Chip Hallet, Sterling, MA; Knepp Shropshires, North Barrington, IL; Crimson Ridge Shropshires, Mark and Prudie Miller, Lafayette, IN; Erik Mrozinski, Rolling Prairie, IN; Alan Bruhin, Sevierville, TN; Schoolhouse Shropshires, Xenia, OH;

Danny and Cynthia Rogers, Monrovia, IN; Austin and Trent Bechtold, North Manchester, IN; Snyder Shropshires, Monmouth, IL; Emily Washburn, Gouverneur, NY; SS Shrops, Jim Gruenhagen and Family, Davenport, IA; Avery Shropshires, Bremen, IN, Brockmann Shropshires, Garden Prairie, IL, Step Ahead Shrops, Gilson, IL and Plainview Farms, Doug, Tammy & Chris Whittaker, Laura, IL. These Flock Starters join Mark McCabe, Glenn and David High and Randy and Julie Rife who provided Shropshire ewes for the 2014 award which was won by Noah Collins of Morristown, TN. The winner of the award this year will be announced and introduced at the National Shropshire Sale in Eaton, Ohio in May. The award will be a credit voucher for $1500 to

r h o S ps S S

J I M & D O NNA G RU E NH A G E N

Consigning to the Classic – a full sister to the 2014 high selling ewe SS Shrops 14-1 that sold to Colby Clark!

7622 Jersey Ridge Rd., Davenport, IA 52807 (563) 355-6730 ssshrops@gmail.com _______ Page 20

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be used to purchase two or more Shropshire ewes at any of the designated sales in 2015. For more information about the Starter Flock program, information is avail-

able on the Shropshire website. To learn how to contribute to the program and be a Flock Starter, contact Becky in the Shropshire office.

Noah Collins, center, with his Champion Flock at the Appalachian Fair in 2014, is pictured with Judge Matt Scramlin and Noah’s sister, Abigale. Noah was awarded one yearling ewe and two ewe lambs as his starter flock received in 2014. He then purchased another yearling ewe and a ram lamb at the 2014 Classic and another ram later in the year, as well as two ewes at the Stars of Louisville Sale last November. This winning flock includes his yearling ewe and ewe lambs purchased as his starter flock.

Put us to work on your farm Scrapie Codon 171 (RR,QR,QQ) or 136 (AA,AV,VV)…$11 Scrapie Codon 171 & 136…$20 Spider Lamb Syndrome…$13

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Give us a call or check out our website to learn about our EASY DNA sample collection method.

15 years of experience in sheep DNA testing.

1175 58th Ave., Ste 100, Greeley, CO 80634 • (800) 822-6740 • Fax: (970) 472-9956 • www.genecheck.com

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Midwest Junior Preview Show Planning and funding continues for the June 6, 2015 Midwest Junior Preview Show. A new ewe lamb Jackpot Show on Friday night at 7 p.m. This show is open to all exhibitors with a ewe lamb class for each represented breed at the MJPS.The classes will be paid back jackpot style and exhibitors will receive a set of raffle tickets for each ewe lamb entered.With those tickets they can enter into drawings for nearly $1000 worth of different donated prizes including Amazon gift cards, sheep production supplies, a Fitbit Flex and more. The jackpot show is an additional show added for practice, fun, and points.

Bring your futurity forms as you can now get points for two shows in one weekend on your futurity lambs. Animals need to be entered by 6 p.m. on Friday. Entry fee is $20.

Points earned on Friday night will count towards the newly established “High Point Individual” award sponsored by Ketcham’s Sheep Equipment. This will recognize the individual with the highest point accumulation from Friday and Saturday’s shows. The winner will receive a traveling plaque from Ketcham’s, as well as a cash prize.

Friday night dinner will be served in the barns for exhibitors and their families. RSVP at the time of entry for dinner so we can have an accurate count. We are serving lunch again on Saturday as well in the barns.This lunch will be provided with a free will donation that will go towards the MJPS Scholarship Fund. Online entry will open April 1 at www.midwestjunior-

Share photos of your kids in their summer activities for the next Voice! shropshirevoice@thesidellreporter.com

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previewshow.com.

Interested in helping run the fastest growing breeding sheep show in the country? Apply for the board. Open positions for the upcoming term include Hampshires, Oxfords, Shropshires, Suffolks and Katahdins. To apply, please provide a cover letter discussing why you want to serve and a resume detailing your qualifications to midwestshow@hotmail.com. Interviews for the position will be conducted on Friday at the show.

Show coordinator Kate Lambert states help is still needed with breed sponsorship (100% paid back out), meal sponsorship, baskets/items donated for the exhibitor prize raffle Friday night. Items needed for exhibitors age 3-21.

Supporters can either provide the items or a cash donation and show committee will put prizes together. Items and donor information will be on display throughout the show.

Contact Kate with any questions: (660)5410468; www.midwestjuniorpreviewshow.com; Facebook at www.fb.com/midwestshow.

SUBSCRIBE NOW! Promoting The Improvement of the Entire Sheep Industry 1 Year – $25 2 Years – $45 1 Year Canada or Mexico – $60 P.O. Box 500 • Cuba, IL 61427 (309) 785-5058 • Fax: (309) 785-5050 ads.banner@sybertech.net www.bannersheepmagazine.com

__________________ Shropshire Voice

EW N

This year...

Live Streaming All Shows and Sales, Online Entries and Searchable Catalog

SHROPSHIRE SALE at America’s largest and greatest sheep sale giving buyers and sellers both hands-on comparison and online viewing of animals from top flocks in the country.

Wednesday -

SHROPSHIRE SHOW Friday -

Entries Due: May 5th

Find Advertising and Entry Information at www.midwestsale.com

SHROPSHIRE SALE Find Full Schedule Online at www.midwestsale.com

ALL SHOWS & SALES BROADCASTED LIVE ON

www.dvauction.com

Bret Oelke, Media Contact PO Box 72- Milo, IA 50166 (218) 770-2428 bret@midwestsale.com entries@midwestsale.com

www.midwestsale.com

List of Sedalia Hotels can be found at www.visitsedaliamo.com, click on the “Stay” tab.

__________________ May 2015

Please contact hotels directly to make your own reservations.

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Avery “Your source for quality Shropshires”

Our second yearling ewe in the sale is sired by “Untouchable,” a full brother to the 2012 Champion Ewe at the Ohio Classic and also a twin to the Reserve Senior Champion Ram at the 2013 Ohio Classic.

This fall ewe lamb is sired

by Mrozinski 13-33 a son of Mrozinski 12-10 Champion Ram at the 2012 NAILE. Her dam, Avery 11-24, was third place in the March ewe lamb class at the 2011 Ohio Classic. _______ Page 24

__________________ Shropshire Voice

shropshires The yearling ewe on the cover is sired by “Envy.” He has sired some great lambs including the high-selling ram at the 2014 Ohio Classic.

Her dam, Avery 07-36, has given us show quality lambs every year.

Avery 07-36 dam was Avery 03-36 Champion Ewe at the 2003 NAILE and this champion ewe’s full brother, “Juice” was Champion Ram at the 2005 NAILE.

Future Stud Ram Sire: “Mosey” Dam: Avery 08-21 (Stud Ewe) Born 2-18-2015

Two yearling ewes are coming to Ohio and eight more are at home.

Dennis & Nancy Avery

1500 Douglas Rd., Bremen, IN 46506

(574) 209-0988

davery@etproducts.com

John Mrozinski

(219) 575-4833

johnmrozinski@yahoo.com

Check out our website at www.averyshropshires.com __________________ May 2015

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Welcome to the Flock Abigail Grace Parks safely arrived in this world at 5:43 p.m. on a snowy Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 2015.

Abigail is the daughter of Karin and Richard Parks of Leyden, Mass. She is the first granddaughter of Hoop and Becky Peterson of Leyden. She weighed in at 6 lbs. 14 ozs. and was 19 ½ inches long and is the apple of her parents’ and grandparents’ eyes.

Mother Karin is a former member of the West County 4-H Shepherds and currently manages the office of Hatfield Division of Helena Chemical in Hatfield, Mass. Father Richard is an engineer, designing heating and cooling systems for WV Engineering in Abigail Grace Parks Keene, NH. Abby will most likely be spending a bit of time this summer with her Gramma in the American Shropshire Registry office! The family is very excited to welcome Abigail.

Fun on the Farm

Kallen Vida, 3, of West Lebanon, NH likes to visit with Grandpa and Grammy (Mark and Marilyn McCabe) of Prospect, Ohio. Kallen loves helping Grandpa drive the tractor to feed the sheep. He loves watching the baby lambs run and play while their mothers eat and he likes to pet the soft hair of Grandpa’s llama, Taffy.

Kallen gets up extra early so he can help. When cousin Noelle came they climbed bales of hay and gave some to the sheep. Kallen hopes to be able to help get the sheep ready to show for fair season this summer. He is the son of Janice McCabe and Jeremy Vida.

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Snap shots of your youth are welcome at shropshirevoice@thesidellreporter.com. _______ Page 28

__________________ Shropshire Voice

All-American Junior Show The 2015 All-American Junior Sheep Show is going to be held at the Eastern States Fairgrounds, West Springfield, Mass. from July 3-5, 2015. The All-American is the premier junior breeding sheep show in the country.

The breeds participating this year are: Polled Dorsets, Horned Dorsets, Dorset Advantage, Hampshires, Southdowns, Border Leicesters, Cheviots, Cotswolds, Shropshires, Oxfords, Montadales, Romneys, Shetlands, Lincolns, Natural Coloreds, Tunis, Dorpers, and Corriedales. Several meat breeds will feature slick shorn classes once again this year at the AllAmerican and new to the line-up is a show division of several wool breeds as they expect strong participation in the Northeast.

Judges for this year’s event will be Kyle Thayer, Cummington, MA and Nick Miniter, North Scituate, RI. The National Junior Southdown Show and National Junior Tunis Show will be held in conjunction with the All-

American Junior show this year.

If you have never attended an All-American Junior Show please make plans to attend this very special event! It is much more than just a sheep show, as there are several activities for the whole family. The show features a lamb camp for the young sheep owners, a 3-on-3 basketball tourney for the exhibitors, a sheep skil-a-thon competition, a sheep judging contest, free pizza and BBQ dinners for exhibitors and their families, free show morning breakfasts and an ice cream social, a team showmanship competition, wool show for breeds, promotional contests for exhibitors once again featuring a power point presentation category and an adult photography category, a college scholarship program for older exhibitors, and much more! Special to this show will be the fact that the 3-on-3 Basketball Tourney will be held in the National Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The

Hunting for great Shropshires?

We hope to see you at a sale this spring or at the farm!

S

choolhouse hropshires

Jim & Denise Percival

961 Hoop Road, Xenia, Ohio 45385 • 937-3SHEEP1 (374-3371)

www.schoolhousehropshires.com schoolhousshrops@aol.com

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kids will play on their court while the actual Hall of Fame will be open free of charge to our show attendees for viewing free of charge.

There will also be discounted tickets available to exhibitors and their families for Six Flags New England, Agawam, MA. Show attendees just need to go to: www.sixflags. com/newengland and in the upper right hand corner enter our show code: Sheep15 to bring up the option to purchase tickets.

Show attendees may purchase tickets for any day of their stay during the show (Thursday July 2 - July 5) weekend. The discounted price is $32/person (regular price $61). The actual amusement park is just 10 minutes away from the fairgrounds and is opening up a newly designed roller coaster this summer.

On Saturday night there will be a free Chicken BBQ for all of our show’s attendees along with some fun activities with an onsite water slide and obstacle course. Also, later on Saturday evening an Adult Showmanship Challenge is going to be conducted for the purpose of raising funds for the participating breeds’ Junior Associations. This will include individual and team showmanship divisions for adults. Nominations and buyouts will take place all day Saturday with the actual classes taking place that night. Come join in on the fun and raise money for your breed’s junior association! If your breed does not have a separate junior association then the money will go towards the AAJS Scholarship program.

Last year was the first time for this special fundraising activity and they raised over $500 for breed’s junior associations!

Honor Show Chows has become a major show sponsor and will be back with us in Massachusetts. Sydell has generously donated the trimming stand for the All-American Raffle fundraiser. Weaver Leather is also a major show sponsor including providing embroidered wether blankets for the champion and reserve champions market lambs. Eastern States Exposition is generously donating a large cost on the rental of the facility to make it affordable for us to have the All_______ Page 30

American at this great venue. Banner Publications, Novel Designs, Kalmbach Feeds and other companies are donating high ticket items to be sold at the Big Ohio May Sales and Midwest Stud Ram Sale for the special All-American Benefit auctions.

Featured this year at the Massachusetts All-American will be the Friday Ice Cream Social sponsored by the Strawberry Fields Farm, the Morning Exhibitor Breakfast Vouchers sponsored by the Connecticut Sheep Breeders Association, Central Connecticut Co-Op Farmers Association, Claudette Choma, the National Junior Suffolk Sheep Association and Pioneer Valley 4-H Shepherds; a Saturday night Chicken BBQ sponsored by the New England Sheep & Wool Growers, Woolmark Farm, Fairy Dust Farm, Birch Hill Hampshires, Birch Branch Romneys, Massachusetts Farm Bureau, Sullivan Paving Co., Hope Hollow Farm, Worcester County Sheep Breeders and Baaay State Blankets. The Friday night pizza party will be sponsored by the Northeast Southdown Breeders Association. The Rhode Island Sheep Co-Op and Rhody Warm Blanket Project will be sponsoring the basketball tourney at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Tractor Supply will be providing prizes for the ever popular exhibitor thank-you booth. Dutchess County Sheep Breeders will be sponsoring the awards for the skila-thon and judging contests. A BIG THANKYOU to all of these sponsors as without their assistance this show would not be possible!

A schedule change has been made for this year, as the large Northeast Youth Sheep Show has been moved to be held the following weekend. This show is in the same facilities and arrangements have been made so you may extend your stay to be able to show in both events!! If you want to participate in both shows and would like more detailed information please contact: Deb Hopkins, (401)647-4676, cdcdorset@cox.net or visit the NEYSS show website at: www.neswga. org . Featured at this show is the New England Junior Regional Dorset Show. __________________ Shropshire Voice

Our New England host committee is being organized by Nancy Miniter and a big thank-you also goes to all of the Northeast sheep families involved in the local planning committee. Several local sheep breeders and youth supporters have stepped up to the plate to organize events and volunteer to help out. It is thanks to all of you that this show will be a special All-American for our junior sheep exhibitors and their families.

Camping is available at the Eastern States Fairgrounds right outside the sheep barn, $15 per night for electric (20 and 30 amp service), sewer and water. 50 Amp service is also available to special request and price. No pre-reservations are needed as you will pay for the All-American show nights stay when entering the fairgrounds. Room blocks have been reserved at the following area hotels: Sheraton Springfield, One Monarch Place, Springfield, MA 01144-1099 (413) 781-1010, $99/night non-smoking, double queens; Hilton Garden Inn Springfield, 800 Hall of Fame Ave., Springfield, MA 01005, (413) 886-8000, $119/night, non-smoking, double queens; and Comfort Inn & Suites, 106 Capitol Drive, West Springfield, MA 01089, (413) 736-5000, $99/night, non-smoking, double queens.

Entries close: MAY 25. There will be a higher entry fee for any late entries submitted after the deadline date and post entries at the show. Check out the All-American Website: www.allamericanjuniorshow.com for entry and further information.

The All-American Junior Show Committee has three major fundraising activities

that are held to help raise funding for this special junior show. Following is information on these activities and the show would certainly appreciate your support in these fundraising efforts: Gift Basket Silent Auction Gift Baskets will be on display during the duration of the All-American Show for bidding. Bidding will close on Sunday, July 5 at noon. Basket donations would be greatly appreciated. Just bring them to the show in West Springfield or contact Gretchen Burnett at burnettbg@aol.com.

Raffle Tickets Cost $5 each or 5 for $20. 1st Prize: $1000 Cash Prize; 2nd Prize: Sydell Hydraulic Trimming Stand ($530 value); 3rd Prize: Kindle HD Fire 7 ($130 value).

Tickets are available at the Continental Dorset Club Office, P.O. Box 506, North Scituate, RI 02857. Many sponsoring breeds mail out raffle tickets with their office work and annual dues notices so when you see them PLEASE lend your support! Final drawing will take place on Sunday, July 5. Need not be present to win.

Fundraiser Auctions Wednesday, June 24, 2015 (During the Midwest Stud Ram Sale Supreme Champion Show) Evening, Swine Barn Missouri State Fairgrounds, Sedalia, Mo Big Ohio May Sales, May 9, 2015 Preble County Fairgrounds, Eaton, Oh More information to come!

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

__________________ May 2015

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

Kenneth Townsend, Owner

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

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Oklahoma Youth Expo Stillwater, OK March 17, 2015 Judge: Jeff Repasky Breeding Ewes Class 1 (Lambs) 1. Dalton Hicks Champion Ewe 2. Tyler Thomason 3. Dalton Hicks 4. Shaylee Maddox 5. Trevor Burns 6. Kaylee Shenold 7. Riley Davis 8. Hunter Thomason 9. Erica Nightengale 10. Tim Rennie Class 2 Yearling ewes 1. Kaylee Shenold Res. Champion Ewe 2. Austin Ruppe 3. Riley Herndon 4. Ginny Brown 5. Joseph Green 6. Shelby Frost 7. Mary Beth Maples 8. Tim Rennie 9. Austin Ruppe Class 3 Yearling Ewes 1. Kade Goggin 2. Dalton Hicks 3. Tyler Thomason 4. Dalton Hicks 5. Colton Reed 6. Erica Nightengale 7. Shelby Frost 8. Hunter Thomason 9. Mary Beth Maples

Wanted!

Your summer activities for the fall issue of the Shropshire Voice. shropshirevoice@  thesidellreporter.com _______ Page 32

Futurity for 2015 Both the Ewe Lamb Futurity and Yearling Ewe Futurity programs will continue in 2015 in an effort to keep junior members interested and involved. They will enhance the junior member’s ability to purchase extremely high-quality breeding stock and make it more beneficial for the breeders to consign their very best animals.

The rules for both programs are relatively simple and can be found in detail at shropshires.org. Juniors may buy a top quality ewe lamb or yearling ewe at the following designated sales (Indiana Premier Sale in Greenfield, Ind. April 25; National Shropshire Sale, Eaton, Ohio May 9; Great Lakes Sale in Wooster, Ohio May 24; Shropshire Spectacular in Springfield, Ill. June 20; and the Midwest Sale in Sedalia, Mo. June 26. In addition certain online sales will be eligible.

Ewe lambs purchased as futurity lambs in 2014 can be renominated by their junior owner as futurity yearling ewes.

Re-nomination needs to be completed by May 1 with form found on the Shropshire website and send with a check for $20 to the Shropshire office. (Please note that nominated ewe lambs purchased by juniors at the Stars of Louisville Sale last November are ready for the yearling ewe futurity and do not need to be renominated.)

Proceed to exhibit these ewes at shows you normally attend and accumulate points toward an end-of-the-season cash award. A junior can add a top quality female to his or her flock and possibly win back sizable premiums. Double points are awarded at the All-American Junior Show, as well as NAILE which is the last opportunity to earn points. In 2014, $2580 was collected in nomination fees for ewe lambs and 100% was paid out in premiums. The overall winner received $309.60 and each of the three regional winners was paid $206.40. The regional contest paid out four places and the overall division paid out seven places. The yearling ewe nominations totaled $760 and 18 ewes were purchased by juniors. Sadly only five ewes had points submitted so 13 sheep missed their chance at premiums and there was $190 unspent. This money was diverted to good use and helped to fund the Starter Flock this year.

In 2015, juniors purchasing recorded futurity ewes (either lambs or yearlings) will be sent the rules and five point cards directly from the office. These rules and cards may also be downloaded from the Shropshire website. Show placings should be verified with the show superintendent who will sign the form. Completed cards are to be mailed to the office, 41 Bell Rd., Leyden, MA 01337 within 21 days of the show. Current standings will be posted on the website. __________________ Shropshire Voice

reserve Champion

2014 Mid wes t Stud ram Sale, Sedalia

3rd early ram

2014 Mid wes t Stud ram Sale, Sedalia

Loo k for lambs li ke these a t Sedalia again this year.

Thanks to all or our private buyers and buyers at the sale and repeat buyers like Coyote Acres Shropshires in Canada.

Contact us for your next step.

Mark & Jennifer Crago and faMiLy 22 Maki Hill Road, Columbus, MT 59019 • 406-322-9935 markcrago@netzero.net • cragofamilyranch.com

__________________ May 2015

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22nd Shropshire Scholarships The American Shropshire Registry Association will award two scholarships to junior members planning to enroll in a post-secondary, undergraduate program (university, college, junior college, vocational/technical school) during the 2015 -2016 academic year. These scholarships are not intended for graduate studies. Both scholarships will provide $400. 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. However, previous applicants that have not received the award are highly encouraged to reapply.

Selection criteria will include the applicant’s scholastic record, leadership, extracurricular activities and involvement with the sheep industry and in particular, Shropshires. The application must be completed and returned to the Shropshire

office by June 1, 2015.The application can be downloaded from the Shropshire website www.shropshires.org or requested from the office.

An official transcript of all high school and college work must accompany the application as well as two letters of recommendation. Forms are provided for these letters and they should be forwarded to the Shropshire office. The evaluator should comment on the applicant’s academic ability, leadership skills, involvement with extracurricular activities and involvement with Shropshires. The application will not be considered complete without the transcript and two recommendations. Only complete applications will be considered.

The completed application, official transcripts of high school and college work and two letters of recommendation must be returned to the Shropshire office by June 1, 2015.

We have a nice crop of lambs from the Pence Ram– 1st Place Yearling at Indiana State Fair – purchased last year along with Wayne Brooks.

J & r Farm shropshires Inquiries always welcome

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

Mapleton Mynd Shropshires – Coming to Eaton

Mapleton Mynd 1432 is a yearling ewe that will represent us in Eaton – our first public purebred offering in a long time. She is tightly-bred with style and high production merit, and one we are proud to offer. Check out our Facebook page when the sale catalog is released to learn more about her and our flock. www.facebook.com/MapletonMyndShropshires cjhiemke@gmail.com Stoughton, WI

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Joanna Jaracz, 12, with her 4-H ribbon.

Joanna, left and Faustyna with their visual presentations at the State 4-H competition.

4-H Success for Jaracz sisters

Faustyna and Joanna Jaracz competed in the “Sheep, swine and goats” category of the 4-H State Visual Presentations. Joanna’s presentation was “Lambing Live” and Faustyna’s was “Caring for Young Healthy Lambs.” The girls had lots of fun preparing for

their presentations, making the posters and learning a lot from the entire project. The girls are looking forward to show season but have plenty to do in the off-season. Faustyna and Joanna Jaracz are the daughters of Tom and Heather Jaracz of Cummington, Mass.

There is something a little “sheepish” about the chickens on the farm of Joanna and Faustyna Jaracz. They just simply enjoy having a hen party with the girls’ Shropshires. This Barred Rock is one of a dozen laying hens that Joanna and Faustyna raise for eggs. The chickens have their own area, but love roosting in the sheep shed, although they love hanging out with the sheep they are not suppose to since they are birds and, well, make a “mess of things!” says the girls’ mom, Heather. “There were always a few chickens that would somehow manage to escape their fence and get back in with the sheep!” __________________ May 2015

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Mies Flock relocates Stays intact after 64 years

Thanks for the interest generated in acquiring our flock.

Especially to: Steven Elsbury, Wilkinson, Ind. Jim Proffitt, Richmond, Mo. Mike Menges of Danville, Ill. Chad Waterman has selected our entire mature ewe flock to reestablish in Shropshire sheep. When Chad was a junior he used a Mies fall born ram for three years in late 1980s and 90s. Chad’s flock is now 40+ head with some Brandon Neimeier ewes. Chad and his wife, Olivia and children, Case, Kate and Lila Grace live at 347E 750 North Rd, Palmer, Ill. Chad is a good farmer and stockman who also raises Berkshire hogs for a specialty market. He is a high school basketball referee who just refereed the state basketball tournament in Peoria. He is recognized by many people. Watch for Chad’s success with his Shropshires.

We still have for sale: Two stud rams, 2 years old – 1 Richard Craig and 1 Brandon Neimeier; yearling ewes; 2014 spring and fall ewe lambs – either for sale or for grandkids to show this summer.

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Ed Mies, 10000 Waverly Rd., Waverly, IL 217-341-9630 emies3@hotmail.com

__________________ Shropshire Voice

Rife 13-202

4th Place Yearling Ewe - NAILE 2014

Mrozinski 13-11

9th Place Yearling Ewe - NAILE 2014

Congratulations to Logan Snyder at the Pennsylvania Farm Show

Their purchase from the 2014 Ohio Classic – Woelber 14-2P won Champion Shropshire Ram. 14-2P was sired by our Taylor ram which was Reserve Champion at the Classic in 2013.

Nice job growing him out, thank you for the purchase!

We will be bringing a yearling ewe and ram lamb out of our Taylor ram to Ohio.

Also look for offspring out of our Bechtold and Avery ram “Abraham” at the Midwest Sale and Spectacular as well.

Contact us for a visit or information for breeding stock for sale off the farm.

Troy Woelber Family

1565 60th Ave, Pipestone, MN 56164 507-825-2204 (H) • 507-215-0458 (M) www.woelbershropshires.com • woelbershropshires@gmail.com __________________ May 2015

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__________________ Shropshire Voice

Common

Sense

By Randy Rife Historian

As I scour the brain for a history article, it seems that history is anything that happened yesterday and at any time prior to yesterday.

Every day it becomes so obvious that I’m entering the age of older fossils and have experienced lots of “history.” I would like to delve into some of these experiences pertaining to the common sense of raising sheep or, for that matter, any animal.

In my opinion there are three ingredients for success: genetics, nutrition and management. All three are essential to rise above mediocrity. As care takers of our animals, the management rests on our shoulders. We learn every day from our own experiences, reading magazine articles, attending seminars or symposiums, talking with other breeders (picking the brain of others) and above all exhibiting “common sense.”

Longtime friend, Tim Barnes, always said, “When you see a problem, address it now, not four hours from now.” This can pertain to tubing a newborn lamb, helping a ewe that’s struggling giving birth or giving a shot of antibiotic to a lamb that seems “off.” Just putting more creep feed in a feeder that you notice is near being empty is important to prevent overeating and possibly your biggest, fastest growing lamb being dead.

My Dad always said, “You learn a lot more by listening than talking. How true.

If we don’t learn something every day, they might as well throw dirt over us. The entire world and our entire sheep industry continually changes and it’s hard to keep up with the pace. Everyone’s sheep are improving and yesterday’s models aren’t going to cut it today.

In late January of 2014, I visited on the phone with Steve Spayd of Pennsylvania and __________________ May 2015

asked about his lamb crop. He said he had a total of 50 some lambs, including 11 sets of triplets, and had lost only two lambs.With the extremely harsh weather this was fabulous and I asked his secret for this success. He was most excited about a product called Colostrum Oral Gel which you squirt 10 cc on the back of the newborn’s tongue. I was not aware of this new product. I ordered some and it really works. Talking with folks, listening, and trying new things; learning from others, it can benefit your management, save lambs and improve the bottom line.

I have developed the philosophy that all we have is a group of “milking machines.”

You have to do whatever you can to protect and preserve your ewe’s udders. Common sense really applies here. Don’t feed a lot of grain to ewes that first few days after they give birth. Build them up gradually. Be ruthless at weaning, let the old girls holler at you. They have several months to replenish their condition to breed back. Put wheels under those girls that can’t raise lambs. Milk replacer is too expensive unless you have triplets or a half udder ewe that can’t raise but one.

I was in the hog business for 30 years and an old fellow told me, “Keep a lot of gilts, they’re cheap!” This applies to sheep.

Nothing beats a young ewe. For many years the Cabaniss family in Oklahoma, at their June production sale, have sold all their six year old ewes, a management practice that ensures younger, better milking females, fewer hassles with bottle babies and far less time doing chores in the lambing barn.

Learning from others is a wonderful teacher.

My history article in the February issue was devoted to Tom Brown. In his fourth estate auction, I purchased a wonderful _______ Page 39

book, “Breeds of Cattle” written by Herman R. Purdy and completed by R. John Dawes. Herman died just before the book’s completion in 1985. Mr. Dawes and his family lived on Huntingdon Farm, a farm that Herman and John owned together, about 20 miles from Penn State. Herman Purdy attended Ohio State and Penn State.

He became an educator as a young graduate, teaching first at Ohio State, and then at Penn State as Professor in charge of Pedigreed Livestock and coach of the Livestock Judging Team. He retired in 1972 as Professor Emeritus, in order to devote more time to consulting and to tending the herd at Huntingdon Farm.

It is believed that no one in history has judged more livestock shows than Herman Purdy…over 1200 cattle shows in 44 states and nine foreign countries, as well as many horse, sheep and hog shows. This included 26 times at the Chicago International and at least one breed of cattle each year from the start of the NAILE show until his death.

Herman said that through the years at Ohio State and Penn State, along with all the judging assignments, he never made any real money until he began consulting the owners of many of the famous, large herds of America. He consulted with successful breeders for 35 years of his life, even serving President Eisenhower on his Gettysburg Farm with his Angus cattle. This income provided funds for him and John Dawes to establish their Huntingdon Farm. I would like to share excerpts of Mr. Dawes introduction from this magnificent book.

He writes…

“Herman was an excellent educator, a great judge, and as a consultant he directed many breeders toward success. But it was day-to-day at Huntingdon Farm where he best applied his knowledge of animal science and his philosophy of animal husbandry.

Huntingdon Farm was his home and base of operation. Its purebred cattle herd was a natural outgrowth of his heritage and knowledge of good cattle. It was also home to his many pets and _______ Page 40

hobbies and, importantly, a place of hospitality.

At various times, Huntingdon Farm supported several breeds of cattle, including Angus, Polled Hereford, Shorthorns, Charolais, Simmental, Chianina and Maine-Anjou.These were acquired on Herman’s travels– purchased when he saw a good one.The cattle sorted themselves, Herman got down to serious business with one breed.

The intent was always clear:The animals had to pay their way and earn their keep individually; in return, we would care for them and not overstock. Large numbers never interested or impressed Herman-only quality. The first skill of animal husbandry, as Herman taught it, is observation. Herman began each day by looking out the new room of the farm house.

To the south lies the farm pond, where he could see black swans pulling sticks in the direction of their nesting shed. In early morning; with the fog not yet burned off, these favorite birds would dive down in the water, retrieving old willow branches off the bottom of the pond. Checking the eggs each day of the 42day incubation period, Herman made sure the cob and pen were not disturbed by predators during their shared nesting duty, and he always managed a successful hatching of cygnets.

To the north, the view from this room is a locust grove on a bank pasture.This was Herman’s best chance to observe wildlife. But straight ahead, to the east, was Herman’s favorite view – the bank barn, barnyard, and front pasture used for calving.

Herman would observe, “Manor Morning Call 1017 is calving, and we’d better get down there.” There would be 10 black cows at a time, penned in the barnyard at night, turned out in the front pasture during the day, to be observed for calving.Through the morning fog, at great distance, out of a group of 10 Angus cows, Herman always knew which one was calving. He also recalled her entire calving history, by year, sex of the calf, and where it was sold. Some have bought computers for such recall. (Note: This was written 30 years ago.)

It was just as often, while repairing a fence or driving to and from town, that he would observe a cow, hump-backed, tail up, calving.The procedure was the same: All else was dropped, __________________ Shropshire Voice

and we retrieved warm water, soap, and pulling chains from the house – just in case.

Nine times out of 10 we did not pull the calf, but rather Herman would place himself in an obscure spot, out of sight, sound and smell of the calving cow. There he would spend endless hours as a cow in labor would get up, lie down, strain and lick the ground. A calf moves out of its mother in slow motion while her body goes through exaggerated contractions. Sometimes, a grey membrane would be over the calf ’s nose. In a second, Herman would be over the fence like a gymnast, both feet in air, in order to get air into the calf ’s lungs.

Picking the calf up by the hind legs, to let the fluids drain, Herman was an expert at ignoring the good Angus mother who was up and pawing the ground. Each time a calf sucked at air and shook its ears in its first moments of life, it seemed a personal triumph to Herman.

When he was sure a newborn calf was breathing, Herman would leave the pair alone so that the mother could stimulate the calf and lick it clean, identifying it as her own through her sense of smell.

The only bit of misinformation Herman ever gave me was one cold morning, just after a cow had calved in the dirt in the barnyard. He said, “Pick up the calf and carry it into the box stall where there is a bed of straw – a cow will never hit you if you’re holding her calf.” As he finished saying this she lifted my rear end off the ground with her head.

These small successes were repeated a thousand times at Huntingdon Farm. And a thousand times we heard the opening line of Herman’s animal husbandry lecture: “A dead calf has a very poor rate of gain.”

Herman’s hobbies included the care and feeding of black bantams, mallards, white geese, Canada geese, black swans, white doves, quail, ring-necked doves, and pea fowl. He had dogs – his beloved corgis were forever whelping – and he would brag that Bonnie had had 42 pups in her lifetime, six pups seven times.There were Labrador pups, Old English sheepdog pups, quarter horses and a Thoroughbred jumper named Frank.

All and each were given individual care and __________________ May 2015

nursed by him. Feed mixtures often became very elaborate as a favorite dog got old, or diabetic, or injured. Bluebird boxes were checked night and morning, and eggs were counted. Snapping turtles were fished for with cans of tuna fish so that they would not get the cygnets.

The time and attention Herman extended to all living things are part of the reason he was sought after by students and friends for advice. Visitors to Huntingdon Farm were a constant. Herman’s ritual of caring for so many species caused some to ask if he was a secret Dr. Doolittle. The instances of his care would read like a James Herriott book. Occasionally, when a heifer wouldn’t claim a calf, he’d spray Alberto VO5 hair spray on the calf and then the cow’s nose. He later found that dried blood, used in gardening, also worked well for the problem. Nearly always, the cow would lick and claim her calf.

The thoroughbred horse named Frank came to us with a navicular problem, so he could no longer take the jumps. Herman fashioned a homemade martingale so that the bay gelding could not raise his head enough to jump a stream. The mean male black swan once got his beak chopped by the lawn mower. With my wife, Katie, acting as nurse, Herman cleaned the wound and refashioned his beak with super glue.

My favorite incident was during one heat period when Bonnie the corgi fell in love with the beagle across the road and would not accept the expensive male corgi purchased from a kennel in Virginia. Herman put Bonnie in a box stall, opened the gate slightly, and as Bonnie and the beagle boyfriend licked each other’s noses, the Corgi named Jack sired a litter of purebred pups.

It was my privilege to observe in Herman animal husbandry work.”

In closing….. I was totally fascinated by this outstanding tribute by Mr. Dawes to his lifelong friend, Herman Purdy. The common sense stories told here apply to all of us raising sheep today. The care of our animals rest in our hands and a little common sense goes a long ways at achieving success. _______ Page 41

Champions By Design!

We Had a Great Week in Louisville!

Champion Ewe - NAILE Jr. Show

Champion Ram - NAILE Jr. Show

Jr. Champion Ewe - NAILE Open Show

Champion Ewe Stars of Louisville Sale

1st Place Yearling, 3rd in the Open Show

1st Place Jan. Ewe Lamb, NAILE Jr. & Open Shows

1st Place January Ram Lamb

Thanks to Randy Rife, Dennis Avery, Eric Mrozinski and Tim Roberts for helping us get our flocks started.

Thanks to Tom Slack for buying our Champion Shropshire Ewe in the Stars of Louisville Sale!

Also to Emily Ellison and Madison Hauger for NAILE lamb purchases.

Special thanks to Evan Snyder, Rebecca Krinsky, Tyler Pierson, Matt Henderson and Aaron Hubbard for helping with our show string! Also to the Oldenberg and Pitts Families for your great support!

Watch for our spring consignments at the classic!

Dalton & Austin Hicks

2724 Golden Oaks Drive, Stillwater, OK • 405.880.2352 • khicks17@gmail.com

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__________________ Shropshire Voice

Breeder’s Index This list is a paid subscription published both in the Voice and on shropshires.org.

Adams Shropshires 6898 S 7000 W Road Chebanse, IL 60922 (815) 697-2903 radams1976@hotmail.com adamsshropshires.com Anderson Farms Matthew, Christie, Emily & Andrew 919 Coates St. Macon, MO 63552 (660) 988-3503 anderson_farms@hotmail.com facebook.com/AndersonFarms Anderson, Michael L. 346 N 1600 E Paxton, IL 60957 (217) 379-3189 Cell: (217) 781-3348, mike.anderson3@frontier.com Avery, Dennis & Nancy Avery Shropshires 1500 Douglas Road Bremen, IN 46506 (574) 209-0988 davery@etproducts.com Floyd & Sharon Avery (229) 942-3415 www.averyshropshires.com Barnes, Shane & Kim SKB Shropshires 1122 Browns Creek Rd. Sycamore, PA 15364 (724) 852-2673 kmbarnes@mail.wvu.edu Barnes, Tim & Deb Barnes Farms 5707 Mooney Road Radnor, OH 43066 (740) 494-2125 Cell: (740) 815-2402 troytongrn@gmail.com www.barnesfarms.com Bechtold, Austin & Trent 4068 E 1100 N N. Manchester, IN 46962 (260) 578-7769 bbechtold@outlook.com

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Botsford, Jason Rolling Hill Farms 4646 Rt. 536 Punxsutawney, PA 15767 (507) 301-1034 stctylr@rollinghillssheep.com www.rollinghillssheep.com Brandt, Jim Brandt Sheep Farms 8181 SR 274 Anna, OH 45302 (419) 629-1188 Cell: (937) 658-3119 brandtfarms@hotmail.com Brockmann Shropshires Gary, Vicky, Brianna & Austin 2011 Blake Road Garden Prairie, IL 61038 (815) 544-4515 Brooks, Wayne, Blaze & Jenny 2018 N. State Rd. 101 Decatur, IN 46733 (260) 301-1840 brooksshropshires@yahoo.com Brown, Rob & Ron Clay-Nob Farm 17527 Maple Drive Saegertown, PA 16433 (814) 763-3140 claynob@peoplepc.net BWB Farms, Inc. 1779 Green Road Martinsville, OH 45146 Randy Barr (937) 288-0001 Rick Whiting: (937) 685-2603 bwbfarmsinc@frontier.net www.bwbfarms.com Call, C. Donald 964 Mohawk Trail Shelburne, MA 01370 413-625-2436 doonyc@netscape.com Corder, Ronnie Ronnie, Diane, Ryan 448 Corder Farm Road Monticello, KY 42633 (606) 348-6588 Cell: (606) 307-2419 rcorder@windstream.net

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Crago Brothers Shropshires Steve & Louise Crago & Sons 1499 Hiatt Road Clarksville, OH 45113 (937) 289-3167 steven_crago@AOL.com Creamer, R.J. & Molly 4094 Centerville-Newmans Rd. Prospect, OH 43342 RJ: (740) 262-3972 Molly: (740) 391-8314 creamer@marion.net www.creamershropshires.webs.com Diehl, J.L. & G.L. 902 St. Rt. 14 Deerfield, OH 44411 (330) 584-2192 Dirlam, J.N. & Sons & Matt Dirlam 11673 N. Bethesda Rd. Mooresville, IN 46158 (317) 831-2130 dirlamjd@aol.com www.dirlamshropshires.com Dockter, Darrell, Janet, Stacy & Jason 3-D Sheep Company 19411 S. Carpenter Road Snohomish, WA 98290 Cell: (425) 327-1428 darrell.dockter@gmail.com 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 (785) 494-2436 Cell: (785) 458-9174 ebertj@wamego.net www.ebertsheepfarm.com Elsbury, David & Colleen 7800 N 250 E Greenfield, IN 46140 (317) 326-3893 ecolleen4@hrtc.net

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Elsbury, Mike & Karen Elsbury’s Shropshires 5385 E 500 N Greenfield, IN 46140-8939 (317) 326-4461 elsburyfamily@aol.com www.elsburyfarms.com Elsbury, Tim Double Doc Farm W 7112 Cherry Hill Drive.

Adell, WI 53001 (920) 994-2538 www.doubledoc.net Evans, Dave 5884 St Rt 292 West Mansfield, OH 43358 (937) 363-3610 david_evans_5884@hotmail.com Fiegl, Mark Lindenview Meadow Farm 5550 Eddy Ridge Rd. Marion, NY 14505 (315) 576-1930 mfiegl1@rochester.rr.com Fitzpatrick, Dan and Lynn Shamrock Farms 8408 Carney Hollow Road Wayland, NY 14572 Office: (585) 669-2179 Cell: (585) 721-3038 fitzfence@aol.com Flanders, Rachel VIP Club Lambs 16260 Atlantic Rd Noblesville, IN 46060 (317) 773-3232 email vip@vipanimalcare.com www.vipclublambs.com Groverman DVM, Fred F & P Groverman Shropshires 400 Ormsby Lane Petaluma, CA 94954 (707) 763-3132 Cell: 707-953-4456 fredgroverman@gmail.com Gruenhagen, Jim & Donna SS Shrops 7622 Jersey Ridge Road Davenport, IA 52807 (563) 355-6730 ssshrops@gmail.com

__________________ Shropshire Voice

Hawkins, Emma Joy EJ & AJ the Joyful Shrops 30737 Green Valley Rd. Shedd, OR 97337 (541) 990-2913 Heaton, Fred & family 622 Fessler-Buxton Rd. Russia, OH 45363 (937) 526-3118 heatonfarms@centurylink.net Hiemke, Cody Hiemke Family and Mapleton Mynd Shropshires 1773 Koshkonong Rd. Stoughton, WI 53589 (415) 302-8035 cjhiemke@hotmail.com www.mapletonmyndshropshires.com High Farms Glenn & Joan High 7078 Co. Rd. 47 Lexington, OH 44904 (419) 362-3666 High Life Farms David & Jodi High & Family 3388 McDermott Pond Creek Road McDermott, OH 45652 (740) 259-1907 highlifefarm2000@yahoo.com Isler, Jim Isler Shropshires 1340 Klingel Rd. Prospect, OH 43342 Cell: (740) 360-7682 islerjk@ngamail.com Jack Show Lambs Heinecke Family 29771 Rt U Stoutsville, MO 65283 (573) 721-2149 heinecke@parismo.net Jackson, Norbert 4125 W. State Route 28 Alexandria, IN 46001 (765) 754-7057 njackson@macdermid.com

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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 Josefson, Stacy Step Ahead Shrops 994 Step Rd Gilson, IL 61436 Cell: (309) 371-4260 Farm: (309) 876-2364 sjosefson@bluebullets.org Kerr, Ryan All Forage Farms W 8843 Old 54 Rd Shiocton, WI 54170 (920) 250-2783 allforagefarms@gmail.com Kipp, James & Terri Grey Feather Farm E 5085 Irish Ridge Rd. Viroqua, WI 54665 (715) 255-8300 info@greyfeatherfarm.com www.greyfeatherfarm.com Knepp, Donald Knepp Shropshires 128 Old Barrington Rd. Barrington, IL 60010 (847) 381-5872 trbear@mc.net Kowalyshyn, Lisa Kindred Crossings LLC 868 Route 32 North Franklin, CT 06254 (860) 642-4243 (860) 642-6210 kindredcrossings@msn.com www.kindredcrossingsfarm.com

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Larimore, Larry & Sharon Triple J Farm 3370 Cattail Branch Road Harrington, DE 19952 (302) 398-4680 Cell: (302) 233-8912 threejfarm@gmail.com Majors, Joe & Cheryl Majors Show Lambs 17864 Couper Rd. Milan, MI 48160 (734) 439-5651 majorsjc@msn.com McCabe, Mark & Family McCabe Shropshires 5154 Nickelson Road Prospect, OH 43342 (740) 360-1103 mamccabe51@hotmail.com www.mccabeshropshires.com McKinzie, Chris and Sarah McKinzie Farms 334 Deerfield Place Jefferson City, MO 65109 (812) 219-2432 (812) 219-2903 sarah.mckinzie@gmail.com Melvin Family Shropshires 9347 White Oak Rd. Mount Sterling, Ohio 43143 (740) 207-0786 pjmelvin46@hotmail.com Mies, Ed & Family 10000 Waverly Rd. Waverly, IL 62692 (217) 435-7091 jmies3@hotmail.com Miller, Bryan, Fabiola & Edith L. 15525A Motters Station Rd. Rocky Ridge, MD 21778-9711 (301) 514-7955 fabm1ll@yahoo.com Motter, Jan Lane’s End Farm 12211 W. Rt. 973 Jersey Shore, PA 17740 (570) 398-2078

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Mrozinski, Erik 6333 N 600 E Road Rolling Prairie, IN 46371 Cell: (219) 716-4921 emrozins@gmail.com Oehler, Nellie Oehler Family Shropshires 5570 SW West Hills Road Corvallis, OR 97333-2623 (541) 757-3937 Cell: (541) 868-6897 oehlershrops@gmail.com Peiter Shrops Craig & Andrea King Weston King 860 CR 315 Taylor, MO 63471 (573) 767-0003 Pence Farms 1083 W. Co. Rd. 61 Tiffin, OH 44883 Mike: (419) 992-4305 Doug: (419) 986-5848 Jay: (419) 992-4701 Percival, Jim & Denise Schoolhouse Shropshires 961 Hoop Road Xenia, OH 45385 (937) 374-3371 schoolhousshrops@aol.com www.schoolhouseshropshires.com Pratt, Jake & Hailey JHP Livestock 3406 Hepworth Lane Blackfoot, ID 83221 (208)681-6755 jhplivestock@gmail.com Proffitt, Jim 38208 Brady Creek Road Richmond, MO 64085 (816) 225-6032 Cell: (816) 580-7929 jproffitt6842@gmail.com Reason, Sandra M High Desert Hay & Livestock P.O. Box 3819 Tonopah, NV 89049 (775) 482-8208 highdesertwinds@hotmail.com

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Rife, Randy & Julie Rife Shropshires 2423 Clifton Rd. Yellow Springs, OH 45387 (937) 767-1871 Cell: (937) 603-0535 randy@rifeshropshires.com www.rifeshropshires.com Rincker, Dusty R&A Shropshires 422 ST Hwy 32 Stewardson, IL 62463 (217) 493-1629 drincker@hotmail.com Roberts, Tim Roberts Farms 27954 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, OK 73093 (405) 485-9255 Cell: (405) 314-3370 timrobertsfarms@gmail.com Rogers, Danny & Cynthia R&G Farm 2435 W. McCracken Road Monrovia, IN 46157 (317) 996-3301 Cell: (317) 358-3260 crogers821@yahoo.com Rueber, Carol & Aimee Rueber Shropshires 24632 210th St. Sumner, IA 50674 Carol: (319) 231-7626 Aimee: (319) 230-9739 www.freewebs.com/ruebershrops Slutz, Tom City Limits Sheep Farm P.O. Box 177, 602 S. Main St. LaMoille, IL 61330 (815) 638-2177 Tom: (815) 866-5031 Brad: (815)766-0584 tcslutz@gmail.com www.citylimitssheepfarm.com Smith, Lance or Brenda Smith Sisters Shropshires 2129 130th Ave. Russell, MN 56169-3072 (507) 823-4784 lbsmith@woodstocktel.net

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Smith, Gordon & Alyce Cedar Bend Farm N 7922 U.S. Highway 12 Elkhorn, WI 53121 (262) 742-3580 cedarbendfarm@elknet.net Snyder Shropshires 2537 US Hwy 67 Monmouth, IL 61462 cmsnyder@farmland.com (309) 255-9500 Stephenson, Jon, Charlotte & Vivian Sugar Ridge Ranch E8977 Pierce Hill Rd. Viroqua, WI 54665 (608) 774-3151 sugarridgeranch@frontiernet.net www.sugarridgeranch.com Switzer, Jane, and Steve Ford Switzer Shropshires 6741 S. 1150 W Redkey, IN 47373 (765) 369-2844 Cell: (260) 729-2066 fordswitzer@hotmail.com switzershropshires.com Taylor, Callie 1467 Ringgold Timblin Rd Timblin, PA 15778 (814) 360-1202 stctylr@aol.com Verduin, Calvin Verduin’s Apple Hill Farm 4391 Miller Road Dansville, NY 14437 (585) 335-3703 calv8@hotmail.com Ware, Kimberly KW Shropshires 565 N. Sunset Ridge Ln Kuna, ID 83634 Kim: (208) 921-3706 Floyd Avery: (208) 921-8740 KWshrops@hotmail.com Warren-Allen, Rachael A. 968 Drift Creek Rd NE P.O. Box 319 Silverton, OR 97381 (503) 873-4005 rawa@joyofdoing.com

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Washburn, Emily Washburn Shrops 1755 Lead Mine Road Gouverneur, NY 13642 Cell: (315) 408-2478 nyshrops@yahoo.com

Woelber Shropshires Troy Woelber Family 1565 60th Ave Pipestone, MN 56164 (507) 825-2204 Cell: (507) 215-0458 woelbershropshires@gmail.com www.woelbershropshires.com

Webster, William 413 Roosevelt Trail Windham, ME 04062 (207) 831-0608 stillweb@roadrunner.com

Breeder’s Index

Only $30/year

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Shropshire Coming Events Spring/Summer 2015 April 25...... Indiana Premier Sale, Greenfield, IN

May 8 & 9...... Big Ohio Sale (National Shrop Sale) Eaton, OH May 23 & 24...... Great Lakes All Breed Sale, Wooster, OH

June 6...... Midwest Junior Preview Show, Sedalia, MO June 19 & 20...... Illinois Spectacular, Springfield, IL June 22 & 27...... Midwest Stud Ram Sale, Sedalia, MO July 10-12...... All-American Jr. Show, West Springfield, MA July 18 & 20...... North East Youth Sheep Show at The Big E

Sept. 1......Deadline for Fall Voice

Nov. 14...... Stars of Louisville Shropshire Sale, Louisville, KY

Advertisers Index Avery..........................................................Cover Avery...........................................................24-25 Banner..............................................................22 BWB.............................................Back Cover, 4 Classic...............................................................16 Crago................................................................33 Dockter............................................................27 Ebert...................................................................8 Elsbury..............................................................17 Gene Check ...................................................21 Gruenhagen.....................................................20 Hicks.................................................................42 Hiemke.............................................................34 Jackson..............................................................34

Josefson............................................................10 Ketcham.......................................... Inside Back Majors...............................................................12 Midwest Stud Ram Sale.................................23 Mies...................................................................36 Milk Specialties................................................38 Percival.............................................................29 Rife.................................................. Inside Front Rinker...............................................................14 Sheepman Supply............................................26 Spectacular........................................................6 Townsend.........................................................31 Webster.............................................................9 Woelber...........................................................37

www.ketchamssheepequipment.com

KETCHAM’S RED HOT FIESTA Please join us for our Kustomer Appreciation FIESTA in Sedalia, MO at the Midwest Stud Ram Sale on

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24th @ 5pm

Lamb tacos and taco salad with all the fixings, chips & salsa, and more!

WE HAVE ADDED MORE SHOWS TO OUR SCHEDULE! April 1st—June 30th

CHUTE SYSTEM PACKAGES $50 off 10 ft. Chute Package $100 off 20 ft. Chute Package $150 off 30 ft. Chute Package

SALE PRICE $1250 $1880 $2630

6471 Miller Drive, Edwardsville, IL 62025

(618)656-5388

Visit our website for details!

Sale items includes— CHUTE SYSTEMS TILT TABLE PACKAGES CIRCLE PEN PACKAGES PLASTIC SHOW TROUGHS MINERAL FEEDER HAY & GRAIN FEEDERS A-FRAME FEEDERS CREEP & GATE FEEDERS LAMB STAND HAY BASKETS DROP RODS BUCKETS & MORE!

Randy Barr

Rick Whiting

4410 Sorg Rd Hillsboro, OH 45133

1779 Green Rd Martinsville, OH 45146

(937) 288-0001

(937) 685-2603

www.bwbfarms.com bwbfarmsinc@frontier.com

Neal Knapp, flock consultant and professional fitter

Good luck to these rams in their future breeding programs…

In 2015...

SS Shrops, IA

Feb. Ram Lamb Sired by: “POWER-AID”

Step Ahead Shrops, IL Yearling Ram Sired by: “EDGE”

M.D. Gray, IL

Jan. Ram Lamb Sired by: “SLOOPY”

2015 Shrop Classic Entries…

YouR NAMe HeRe!

early Jan. ewe Lamb Sired by: “SLOOPY” 2014 National Sale Champion

YouR NAMe HeRe!

Late Jan. ewe Lamb Sired by: “SLOOPY” 2014 National Sale Champion

See our ad inside for a special thanks to our 2014 supporters

“Where Honesty Breeds Integrity and Breed Character Stays True”