WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND AND CURRENT INVOLVEMENT IN THE SHEEP INDUSTRY?
I grew up on my family’s 75 year old Hampshire sheep operation and showed intensely at the national level since I was 8 years old. I remained active in managerial roles throughout my growing up and still play a large part in our sales and marketing strategies. I recently have taken a new position with Purina Animal Nutrition as a Sales Specialist in Indiana and Ohio so my time on the farm is limited. I also work as an auctioneer and professional ringman for various companies selling a wide variety of assets. Today, Poe Hampshires operates 1000 acres of hay and cropground with 500 ewes in production. We maintain the focus of producing the most competitive show lambs and seedstock with predictable genetic value. We utilize a progressive AI & ET program while also offering these services to outside clientele breeding roughly 1000 head of ewes at our facility each year. Also, we’re very active with agri-tourism and colligate livestock judging team programs, hosting over 800 students during National FFA Week and 60+ judging teams each year before Louisville.
WHAT PERSON/PEOPLE INFLUENCED OR HELPED TO SHAPE YOUR VIEW ON WHAT AN IDEAL SHOW LAMB SHOULD POSSESS?
Dr. Stanley E Poe, Stan Poe II, along with numerous close friends and industry influencers I have came across in my time. I would list their names but I’m afraid that would be too much for their ego. 🙂
WHAT ARE YOUR INITIAL SORTS WHEN EVALUATING MARKET LAMBS?
Motion, skeletal build and structure. Muscle should already be there.
FOR A MIDWEST STATE FAIR, WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER AN ACCEPTABLE WEIGHT RANGE OR DOES IT MATTER THE SIZE IF ITS A GOOD ONE?
They do need to be big enough, particularly for a late show. For me I probably take them a little lighter than most, 130 is actually plenty big, I don’t particularly like great big, old sheep. I think in some cases we are feeding them way too long and we sacrifice some look for the show ring and cutability on a commercial scale. But this is the show industry and thats a different game. Bring one to me fresh and ready to roll with an awesome look and great skeleton, you’ll get along. I won’t even ask you what he weighs.
WHAT’S THE BEST MARKET LAMB YOU HAVE EVER SEEN?
One thats 150 lbs at 6 months of age with a 4 inch eye and 3 to 4 tenths backfat is a great market lamb.
IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO PICK A SHOW YOU WOULD LOVE TO JUDGE, WHAT SHOW WOULD THAT BE?
I’ve had the opportunity to judge several major shows outside the US and that is always an awesome experience. I’d say any show where the showmen and livestock are competitive, sportsmanship is high and the help is good you cant really go wrong. A big major show anywhere in the world is always a big deal. And also, America’s Got Talent.
YOU’VE GOT ONE NIGHT TO GO ANYWHERE IN THE COUNTRY AND WATCH ONE BAND, WHERE IS IT AND WHO YOU WATCHING?
I think if you follow me on the social media its quite apparent I am an avid music fan and regular concert goer. Theres probably some differences of opinion with most of you reading this but I would go see Rob Zombie again anytime, anywhere.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SHOW RING PET PEEVE?
The style of showing where getting as low to the ground as possible while spreading their legs as far and wide as their body will physically allow has got to stop. I also don’t appreciate intense, overly animated coaching from the sideline, its distracting to the judge and the showmen usually aren’t paying attention. I’m old school, stand up straight, watch the judge and be in the ring.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU ENJOY DOING THAT DOESN’T INVOLVE LIVESTOCK?
Rock Shows. Dance Parties. Skiing. Tailgating. All Day BBQs. Baseball. College Football & College Wrestling.
