We caught up with the breeder of the Grand Champion Market Lamb at the 2024 Spring American Royal. We invite you to read our candid interview with Chapman Brothers Show Stock and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Breeder Spotlight.”
What’s the pedigree of your champion?
How High x CBSS 390 (Big Rig x Bullseye)
Do you have a favorite animal on the farm? If so who is it and why?
I wouldn’t say I have a favorite but I have a couple donors who are pretty special to me. CBSS 390, who is the mother of this wether; and our MacLennan ewe who happens to be Ten Bears maternal sister are some of my favorites.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned about raising animals?
The most interesting thing I’ve learned about raising animals is to never get too upset with the bad news and never too high about the good news. Stay strong and steady. Enjoy the daily journey and not just the destination.
Have you ever had to deal with an unexpected challenge while caring for your flock? How did you handle it?
The most unexpected challenge I had to deal with while caring for our flock was my dad losing his battle with an aggressive brain cancer (glioblastoma) while I was in college. It made me realize that tomorrow is never guaranteed. I handled it with the help of my mother and my brother, Bryant. We downsized from raising show pigs and club lambs to raising club lambs only. Best decision we ever made. Plus, shortly thereafter I met Kristen, who happens to be my wife now.
How many years have you been raising sheep?
I have been raising sheep since my brother and I’s 4H years, so 20+ years now. However, my dad’s family has been in the sheep business for generations. I think I am the 6th generation of Chapman’s to raise sheep in South Rockwood, Michigan.
Do you prefer online sales or live sales?
I prefer online sales because they allow us to sell sheep across the country.
What’s been your best marketing tactic?
My best marketing tactic is to let my wife, Kristen, handle all of it. She does a great job creating our sale announcements, FB posts, and all our social media items.
She and Bryant are far more creative than me, so they do it.
