We caught up with the breeder of the Reserve Champion Market Lamb at the 2025 State Fair of West Virginia. 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 Griffin x Unicorn
What are your long-term goals as a breeder?
Hoping to win a major in the near future and stay relevant to the club lamb industry for as long as possible.
Was there a moment when you almost gave up? What made you push through?
There were moments that we questioned our sanity but never really thought about giving up. We’re too stubborn to quit.
What’s something you’ve changed your mind about over the years?
Everything that glitters is not gold.
If you could rebuild your herd/flock from scratch, what would you do differently?
Promote our keeper bucks more and market semen. The rams that we have kept have produced as many high quality lambs as many of the AI sires we have used.
What trait do you wish you had focused on sooner in your program?
Structure and build. If you have those two traits everything else falls seems to fall in place.
Is there a breeding decision you’re especially proud of — or one you regret?
Year after year, we mate our ewes to the bucks that we believe will work the best regardless of who’s barn they are standing in.
What’s your favorite state fair — and why?
West Virginia – it’s home and its where we started dating many, MANY years ago.
Is there anything you wish you had known when you started breeding?
Not to expect the same success (Conception Wise) in our AI/ET programs that we experience in our cattle. The results have been pretty devastating at times.
What’s next — any big goals or projects in the works?
We started a fall lambing program this year and we are excited about the genetics we have coming in October.
