We caught up with the breeder of the Grand Champion Ewe at the 2024 Iowa State Fair FFA Show. We invite you to read our candid interview with Berry Farms below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Breeder Spotlight.”
What’s the pedigree of your champion?
“Black Betty”
Italian Stallion x 520 x 48 x Fowl
Same maternal line as Cocky Rocky, Golden Glove, and grand at Aksarben 23′.
We transferred 11 full sib embryos for Christmas.
What is one thing you still want to accomplish as a breeder?
Make the next generation better and best serve customers.
Favorite show ring trend?
Picking the best one that day
Favorite industry sire of all time?
I think there is a handful one could argue and not be wrong. Stud bucks that stay the course over time and daughters that continue to excel and make champions is what we strive for.
Most influential female in your flock? Why?
Two come to mind that made cornerstones in our operation today.
2074- Rippy x 48 -Mother of Rocky, Rocky II, Balboa, grandmother of Italian Stallion & Featherweight Floyd
134 Middlesworth aka “Fowl Ewe”- Fowl x Stud Duck- She is responsible for a pile of daughters and granddaughters we are building around. Also the great gma of Black Betty!
Favorite show animal you’ve ever seen?
Black Betty & Valentina have been special to us this year. Neither is perfect but they have had a heck of a run and we look forward to putting them in the donor pen.
