We caught up with the breeder of the Reserve Champion Commercial Ewe at the 2025 Spring American Royal. We invite you to read our candid interview with Junk/Gray Club Lambs below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Breeder Spotlight.”
What’s the pedigree of your champion?
Navajo x Harley Donor (Saban x Ripped Up)
Who helped you get started raising sheep?
My parents have always been a big influence and supporter of what we’re doing now! Always appreciative of that.
If you could go back and restart your herd, what is one thing you would have put more emphasis on?
Fertility. Game is hard enough as is, even harder when you can’t get them pregnant.
What is a challenge you have faced as a breeder, and how did you overcome it?
One challenge we face is the facility we operate out of was here when we moved to this property. So, we have to get creative to retrofit everything to be functional for our needs.
Interesting fact about your champion?
He sold for less than the sale average on our very first private bid board. Mitchell did a good job of recognizing a good deal. We’re happy he did!
What pedigree do you feel like has been the most intriguing?
We’ve got a stable full of Chief sons that have all done a great job in the right place. Lining those back on Chief daughters have yielded some of my favorites around here!
What is your goal show to win as a breeder?
Winning the American Royal in the fall would be sweet. It’s our hometown show, and Jara volunteers a lot of her time to the organization trying to make a positive impact on it, and the work they do in agriculture.
What is your favorite part of Spring American Royal?
It still feels like the American Royal because of the facility and location, but it’s more laid back. It’s also the first show of the spring, so it’s fun to see new prospects out in a big ring setting.
