We caught up with the breeder of the Reserve Champion Market Lamb at the 2025 Colorado State Fair and the Supreme Champion Ewe at the 2025 Kansas State Fair. We invite you to read our candid interview with Hobbs Show Lambs below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Breeder Spotlight.”
What’s the pedigree of your champion?
Reserve Champion Market Lamb 2025 Colorado State Fair
Congrats to Trent Mauck and Family!
Navajo x “Donna” Begalka 23038 (Ufda x Unicorn)
Supreme Champion Ewe 2025 Kansas State Fair
Congrats to Laytynn Boggs and Family!
Tres Amigos x “Quinn” (Saban x Crow)
What are your long-term goals as a breeder?
We love pushing the envelope, trying to see how unique we can make them! At then end of the day we need to raise sheep that satisfy the needs of our customers. Whether those are show prospects, females that drive the quality of their flock forward, or rams and semen that generate the desired change they seek for their programs.
Was there a moment when you almost gave up? What made you push through?
I vividly remember being 3rd from last in class my first year showing at the Minnesota State Fair. I didn’t consider quitting, but I remember thinking, “I have to figure out how to get better at this!”
What’s something you’ve changed your mind about over the years?
I wasn’t a huge fan of Kansas when we moved. Both Megan and I loved living in Iowa and still miss it. It was challenging to adapt to a change in environment initially, but with respect to weather and flock health, where we are in Central Kansas is the best spot I’ve ever lived.
If you could rebuild your herd/flock from scratch, what would you do differently?
I wish I would have done a little more research on recip types/breeds before we started buying some large groups. I think it would be best to find a uniform set or supply of ewes and really learn to manage that group well instead of having a variety of types of sheep.
What trait do you wish you had focused on sooner in your program?
By dumb luck we stumbled onto a real good FF buck for his time (Road Rage.) It hasn’t always been the case that we’ve had a high quality FF buck that we could turn out with the flock, but it makes a huge difference this time of year when you just need to turn one out that will make good sheep!
Is there a breeding decision you’re especially proud of — or one you regret?
Ha! There are plenty I regret. Those come to mind first. My advice to anyone would be to go look at any buck you’re going to use in person before you breed ewes. Or at the very least talk to someone you trust, that knows your sheep before making breeding decisions.
What’s your favorite state fair — and why?
I’m pretty nostalgic in general. I haven’t been to the Minnesota State Fair in probably 15 years, but that’s where my family first had some success doing this. It’s where I fell in love with the game.
Is there anything you wish you had known when you started breeding?
It took a long time before I realized that it wouldn’t ever go according to plan. Every year is a little different, and presents it’s own challenges. Whether it’s conception rates, or buck fertility, or the lambs in a group not being what you hoped. Each one of those occasions is just another opportunity to learn!
What’s next — any big goals or projects in the works?
Something we’ve needed for a while! Planning to put in a generator big enough to run the house and entire farm if needed!
