We caught up with the breeder of the Reserve Champion Market Lamb at the 2025 Utah State Fair. We invite you to read our candid interview with Holmes Livestock below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Breeder Spotlight.”
What’s the pedigree of your champion?
Truce x Harrell 152 x Naughty By Nature
What are your long-term goals as a breeder?
At Holmes Livestock, we are a young and ambitious operation with big goals for the future. While still growing, we are focused on building a strong flush program that will allow us to take our genetics to the next level. Long term, we aspire to eventually have buck barn full of industry relevant sires.
Was there a moment when you almost gave up? What made you push through?
Honestly, there’s never been a point where we seriously thought about getting out of the sheep business, raising sheep has always been part of who we are. At the end of the day, we hate losing, and that competitive drive is what keeps us pushing forward. Every setback is just a reminder to adapt, work harder, and keep striving to make better sheep. That constant pursuit of improvement is what keeps us motivated and locked in on our goals.
What’s something you’ve changed your mind about over the years?
Over the years, I’ve changed my perspective on what success in the sheep business really looks like. I used to believe you needed to run several hundred head of sheep in order to be competitive and make an impact. Now, I see that quality matters far more than quantity. I’ve shifted my focus toward running fewer ewes, but making sure they’re the kind of females that can truly move our program forward. That change in mindset has allowed me to be more intentional, more consistent, and ultimately more successful in building the kind of sheep I’m proud to stand behind.
If you could rebuild your herd/flock from scratch, what would you do differently?
I think if anyone had the chance to restart their flock, they’d love to go into it with the knowledge and experience they’ve gained along the way. Looking back, there are definitely decisions I’d make differently now. That said, the learning process has shaped who we are and how we run Holmes Livestock today. Every misstep taught us something valuable, and those lessons are what we use to make our program better.
What trait do you wish you had focused on sooner in your program?
We’ve always placed a lot of emphasis on building good maternal lines, and that’s been the backbone of our program. Looking back, I don’t regret that focus at all, but I do think it wouldn’t have hurt to have doubled down on it even sooner.
Is there a breeding decision you’re especially proud of — or one you regret?
We really like the Harrell genetics into our program, they run pretty deep in our ewe lines. As far as regrets, I don’t look at any breeding decisions that way. Instead of regretting them, I treat each one as a learning experience that helps shape the next step forward.
What’s your favorite state fair — and why?
Our favorite state fair is Utah State Fair. Just because it’s home and there is a lot of good memories.
Is there anything you wish you had known when you started breeding?
Looking back, one thing I wish I’d fully realized when I started breeding is just how important the friendships and mentors in this business would become. The sheep themselves are a big part of it, but the people you meet along the way really make the journey special. I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learned from those who’ve been willing to share their knowledge, and just as grateful for the stories, memories, and relationships that have come from it.
What’s next — any big goals or projects in the works?
We’re always looking for the next step to keep moving Holmes Livestock forward. A goal for the near future is purchasing new donors to strengthen our program.
