We caught up with the breeder of the Grand Champion Commercial Ewe at the 2025 Iowa State Fair FFA Show. We invite you to read our candid interview with Tanner Hild of Hild Brothers Show Stock 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 Gable x “Moira”
What are your long-term goals as a breeder?
The easy answer for a long term goal as a breeder is to stay relevant, in and outside the arena because that pays the bills. For our operation, we’ve seen the greatest return is when you invest in the youth/customers. Because when you prove you’re not there just for the sale, it becomes a partnership and their success is our success. Those repeat customers that buy into the process is what keeps you relevant.
Was there a moment when you almost gave up? What made you push through?
As a younger brother with an 8 year age gap, yeah there have been MANY times I would’ve liked to give a swift kiss with my fist to Charlie’s bottom jaw and be done showing sheep in 4H. But as Jackie Moon once said, “ELE, Everybody love everybody.” And if I got too rough with him I don’t think my mom would make me lunch, and I really enjoy her cooking.
What’s something you’ve changed your mind about over the years?
Having someone that demands the best of you while pushing you to the point of annoyance and exhaustion is only appreciated more the older you get.
If you could rebuild your herd/flock from scratch, what would you do differently?
To rebuild our flock from scratch and try to expedite success, I would focus on no more than 5 ewe lines that had characteristics that I liked, probably a fowl or bravo lineage. I would make as many females as I could in the shortest amount of time from those lines to build my flock. When you start to stray too far from what you know that works, that’s when you lose consistency.
What trait do you wish you had focused on sooner in your program?
Craziness is hereditary. Don’t let that cute, summer pasture look she gives you con you into another miserable lambing season. Her flight zone is 60 ft and the 5 ft gate isn’t high enough. Cull her.
Is there a breeding decision you’re especially proud of — or one you regret?
I told the Goretska Family not to buy a sheep last year because I thought he was going to be too big of a liability, and I was fairly vocal about it. Turns out to be the 4th overall Market at Iowa and wins his division at the American Royal for them. That would be one I’d chalk up in the regret column.
What’s your favorite state fair — and why?
I hope this strikes a nerve with people, I say this about only STATE fairs so hold your hate mail Southern Majors. Without a doubt from a pure stock, venue and overall experience that a state fair has to offer, there is nothing that touches the Iowa State Fair.
Is there anything you wish you had known when you started breeding?
Truly soak in those first big wins you get as a breeder, no matter what constitutes that win for yourself. They don’t always come as often as we all hope they would.
What’s next — any big goals or projects in the works?
We are excited to announce the additions to our sale facility! The addition will have a multitude of purposes, one being more space for our “Brand” consignments come March. It will also give us the flexibility of more hay storage, as well as mixing pens for our upcoming lambing groups.
