We caught up with the breeder of the Reserve Supreme Breeding Ewe at the 2022 Aksarben Stock Show and the Grand Champion Commercial Ewe at the 2022 Mississippi Youth Expo. We invite you to read our candid interview with Deno Livestock below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Breeder Spotlight.”
TELL US ABOUT THE BREEDING OF YOUR STATE FAIR CHAMPION:
The Reserve Grand Ewe at Aksarben was a Double T X Chanel (89 X Bravo). It was a unique win for us as the “Chanel” ewe was the momma of the Grand Ewe & Market Lamb last year at Aksarben as well.
TELL US YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR BARN/MOST INTERESTING OBSTACLE YOU HAD TO WORK AROUND WITH YOUR BARN:
My favorite part of our barn is the fact that my Dad has built all of it from scratch. The character of our program directly relates to the kind of time and effort he has put into our facilities. We are currently building another barn at the farm and he has yet again headed up that project!
WHAT DOES YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?
My dad and I both have off the farm jobs. Mornings, nights and weekends are crucial to making our program survive!
BEST LAMBING TIP?
One of the best things I learned a few years back was the art of getting lambs fat in the jugs and trying to get them started off on the right foot. Fat, healthy babies sure to seem to thrive when they leave the jugs and progress towards sale season!
HOW LONG DO YOU LEAVE YOUR LAMBS IN JUGS?
Generally 8-10 Days, sometimes longer depending on the pair and the group.
THE WORST PART ABOUT RAISING SHEEP IS…
Giving all you can to make things work the way you’d like them to and still failing. Trial and error has definitely been a common theme here.
THE IDEAL SHEEP CUSTOMER TO ME IS:
Families that are willing and eager to learn. The families that just say “ok” and roll on without any sort of hesitation always seem to thrive. Putting the time in, asking questions, and being enthusiastic about the project always creates a winning environment!
IF I DIDN’T HAVE LIVESTOCK YOU’D FIND ME….
If we didn’t have the sheep I think we’d be lost. With that being said we take pride in cheering on the Boilermakers and watching all kinds of sporting events. Traveling to the big games would be a lot easier!
