We caught up with the breeder of the Reserve Champion Market Lamb at the 2026 Rodeo Austin. We invite you to read our candid interview with Impact Hampshires below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Breeder Spotlight.”
What’s the pedigree of your champion?
“X-Factor” (Future x American Monster) x Impact 2663 (Hippie x Sicario)
What are your long-term goals as a breeder?
My wife and I have been at it this for 32 years. “Long-term” hits different now than 20 years ago. Thankfully our son Calvin has been at it with us for 10 years now. We’re constantly debating , comparing & contrasting the sheep. We’ve always tried to breed, sound, good feeding, good looking sheep and always preached consistency and completeness. Still a firm believer in having 100 ewes sired by 1 buck versus breeding every ewe to a different sire.
Was there a moment when you almost gave up? What made you push through?
Not really, farming, ranching or raising livestock isn’t for the weak minded. We enjoy the challenge of making the sheep better. Enjoy the challenge of always trying to improve our facilities or management to help make the sheep thrive.
What’s something you’ve changed your mind about over the years?
That social media isn’t a fad. The advertising value of it is better than I thought it would have been. I’m personally not on it, but Impact Hampshires is. Our son Calvin and wife Jayde keep that current.
If you could rebuild your herd/flock from scratch, what would you do differently?
I’m too conservative at times, hindsight’s 20-20 so it’s easy to say it now. I wish we would have grown to the size we are now much earlier. Granted it’s a lot more work, but the things you can do genetically is easier to obtain.
What trait do you wish you had focused on sooner in your program?
We’ve always had the same picture in our mind of the ideal sheep to breed (old pictures of major winners could debate that). I’ve never been one to try and select off of single traits. It’s always been fault free and complete. I don’t like the “what if” sheep. The bad traits come right along with the good traits. With Ai and Embryo work it’s easier to aggregate the very high end. It’s also a slippery slope to a train wreck if you’re using the wrong bucks or ewes.
Is there a breeding decision you’re especially proud of — or one you regret?
We’ve been really fortunate over the years to have bred or owned some of the best bucks in the country. In 2003 we bred a Buck called Pack’n Heat, in his first crop he sired the Grand Overall at Louisville. We’ve had some great ones over the years. Fast Forward to now, Company Man is one were the most proud of, he’s 4 years old now and still looks like he could win a lamb show. He’s sired major winners across the country and high sellers at every sale. The best part is the females he makes are stunning and just starting to make their mark.
What’s your favorite show — and why?
To Judge, has been San Antonio. Incredible kids, livestock and the support of those TX majors is admirable.
To watch or show at, Kansas City.
Is there anything you wish you had known when you started breeding?
Had a college professor that would always say “Genetics will last a lifetime and management can ruin them in a day”. Over the years I’ve learned management is just as important or maybe more than finding the next genetics to use. The elite genetics just can’t express themselves if they aren’t given the chance to thrive.
What’s next — any big goals or projects in the works?
Working on a central area to put a working facility and pens. Were constantly working or sorting in todays world with all of the AI and ET work we do.
