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?
Ceasefire x Rainman
Who helped you get started raising sheep?
Gerald Droppert and I grew up together and when our family started our flock we purchased some of our first ewes from him. I really liked the style of sheep they were raising at the time. Then Ryan and Carrie Mortvedt found the ram we called Jester for us and I feel that ram was the foundation for our program.
If you could go back and restart your herd, what is one thing you would have put more emphasis on?
I don’t know if there is much I would change. The industry has changed so much in thirty years. I feel that you just have to keep up with the times. For instance Ai and embryo program really didn’t exist back then so everyone had to find their own stud bucks. I think back then you had to put your emphasis on your rams to build your flock but now with semen sales it makes more sense to put your emphasis on your females.
What is a challenge you have faced as a breeder, and how did you overcome it?
I think the most challenging thing for a lot of breeders is to get their lambs in the hands of feeders that can win shows. We have been lucky to have people like Ty Allen, Cooper Newcomb and Tyler Jenkins support our program and promote our lambs.
Interesting fact about your champion?
The mother of the Reserve ewe is lined up Rainman. She out of a Rainman ewe and sired by a Rainman son. I’ve been a fan of those older genetics. Some of our bigger winners are out of older ewes crossed with current rams.
What pedigree do you feel like has been the most intriguing?
Most of our ewes have Bravo, Crinkle and Warhorse in their pedigree. That’s exactly how Truce is bred. But when we cross those lines with Unicorn it’s pretty hard to beat.
What is your goal show to win as a breeder?
The Iowa State Fair. It’s one of the best state fairs and everyone wants to win their own state fair.
What is your favorite part of Spring American Royal?
Probably watching the Newcomb twins showing. You won’t see cuter showman.
