We caught up with the breeder of the Grand Champion Market Lamb at the 2026 The Show Reno. We invite you to read our candid interview with Brookwood Farms below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Breeder Spotlight.”

What’s the pedigree of your champion?
Ride Time x Happy Days x DTM. He is a full sib in blood to our reserve at Kansas City shown by Hayes Henderson. The dams are flushmates.

How many years have you been raising sheep?
John and I have been raising sheep together for 30-plus years but we both had ewes and showed growing up.

What excites you the most about raising show stock?
I have a strong evaluation background and I get very excited when a new mating comes to mind that I think will produce a next level individual. Of course it doesn’t always work out but its the constant drive for perfection that keeps us going on the tough days

What is your favorite animal on your farm?
I can’t narrow it down to just one sheep so I’m going to say our guard dog, Zeus. He loves me unconditionally, refuses to be groomed and at age 6 still gets excited and chases his tail!

What is one lesson that you have learned while raising sheep that has changed your perspective over time?
Always have a back up plan and a back up plan for the back plan! This is especially true for AI/ET days. So many variables can affect outcomes in this industry. You have to be able to adapt and bounce back from failures or you will be miserable.

Where would you like to see your operation go in the next 5 – 10 years?
I think every breeder wants to remain relevant for the long haul and that’s certainly true for us as well. Additionally, we would like to see our genetics serving as the cornerstone for building successful flocks nationwide in the years to come.