We caught up with the breeder of the Grand Champion and Reserve Champion Market Lambs at the 2025 Missouri State Fair. 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?
Grand- Cocky Rocky x Walnut x Bullseye
*Sold online Jan AI Set @ SCO
Reserve- Company Man x Blue Moon x Non Fiction
*Sold online Dec ET Set @ SCO
What are your long-term goals as a breeder?
Make the kind that are consistent, easy to feed, and compete at the highest levels.
Was there a moment when you almost gave up? What made you push through?
There are definitely moments where one may wonder what its like to work a normal job 5 days a week and then clock out and go the lake, however I think most in the business would agree once it’s in your DNA you find ways to make it through the toughest times.
What’s something you’ve changed your mind about over the years?
Marketing- wether it’s online, live event, or privately off the farm. They all have their positives and we utilize all three.
If you could rebuild your herd/flock from scratch, what would you do differently?
Always easier to say to have less and keep the best.
What trait do you wish you had focused on sooner in your program?
Not necessarily any one single trait, we try to keep the pendulum somewhat in the middle and not go all out chasing trends.
Is there a breeding decision you’re especially proud of — or one you regret?
Sometimes you have to roll with the punches on AI day and utilize plan B or C as much as you don’t want to. Every once in awhile one lucks out.
What’s your favorite state fair — and why?
IOWA STATE FAIR
1- great stock
2- great people
3- Stockman’s Inn.
Is there anything you wish you had known when you started breeding?
I would say regardless how much you think you know or have seen, there’s always new obstacles to overcome even after being in the business 50+ years.
What’s next — any big goals or projects in the works?
Maybe actually downsize the flock a touch or hire a full time employee?
