We caught up with the breeder of the Grand Champion Market Lamb at the 2023 State Fair of West Virginian, the Grand Champion Market Lamb at the 2023 Missouri State Fair, and the Grand Champion FFA Market Lamb at the 2023 Iowa State Fair. 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?
The Iowa lamb is a Unicorn X Big Paw.
The Missouri lamb is a Frog x Bullseye and the WV lamb is a Frog x Uptown. The Iowa and WV lambs are out of very successful flushes, both of which have produced numerous winners and a keeper ram.
What makes your operation run smoothly?
That’s a million dollar question that I’m quite sure we don’t have the answer to! John and I are pretty good at working both independently and together depending on the task. We have very different personalities which serves us well for the variety of roles required to make our operation successful. We have also been blessed with two very talented, hard-working sons that not only make life much easier but also much more entertaining!
How many head do you run?
We lambed out just under 250 last year. We have been downsizing for the past two years, but for some reason our numbers aren’t changing.
Do you have another job besides raising sheep? If so, what’s your occupation?
We sold our newspaper business almost two years ago to focus solely on the farm. In addition to the sheep we raise Angus and Hereford cattle and host a bull sale every March.
In your opinion, who has been the most influential ram across the industry?
Unicorn. I still think he is one of the most consistent sires in the industry. His wethers are still winning shows and the females are phenomenal.
What’s your favorite livestock show?
NAILE. I attended the very first one (I was very young! HaHa) and I have loved it ever since. Those green shavings hold a special place in my heart.
Do you prefer online sales or live sales?
Live sales. I think both are necessary for the industry but as a very mediocre photographer, I like for the public to see our lambs in person versus making decisions from a picture. I also believe the networking that takes place at live sales is very beneficial.
