We caught up with the breeder of the Grand Champion Market Lamb at the 2022 State Fair of Virginia. We invite you to read our candid interview with May Valley Club Lambs below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Breeder Spotlight.”
TELL US ABOUT THE BREEDING OF YOUR STATE FAIR CHAMPION:
Kylie’s wether was a Flex x Wide Angle 741 donor. Flex is a Killshot x Bravo that Droppert owned and was bred by Nathan. 741 is our lead donor and sired by Wide Angle, who is an Impact 120 son that we bred. This wether was a flush mate to Dayton Mortvedt’s Fourth Overall at Iowa State Fair 4-H Show.
TELL US YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR BARN/MOST INTERESTING OBSTACLE YOU HAD TO WORK AROUND WITH YOUR BARN:
Our favorite part of the barn is the office/work room. It’s not fancy, but helps us survive. It’s where the babies napped, the kids (and us!) manage through busy days and nights in the barn, and visitors and friends hang out for a visit. Also, has the hot water! When we bought our place it was a house, land, and regulation-size tennis court. I’d say that counts for our most interesting obstacle. The barn now sits there and you can still see the court lines on the floor of the barn. We hook gates into the net poles.
WHAT DOES YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?
Getting the kids up and off, and morning barn chores. We both have jobs off the farm as sales reps, so we hit the road with varying daily schedules. Back home to kiddos and evening barn chores.
BEST LAMBING TIP?
Cameras. Try to have patience. When things get sticky, think with your hand and never underestimate letting the ewe get up and reset for a minute.
HOW LONG DO YOU LEAVE YOUR LAMBS IN JUGS?
Depends on time, space, schedule and neediness. Usually 3-4 days. Some less, some more.
THE WORST PART ABOUT RAISING SHEEP IS…
It literally never slows down around here.
THE IDEAL SHEEP CUSTOMER TO ME IS:
We sure have been blessed with some great families over the years!! We enjoy working with families that are goal-oriented and put the time into their animals. We’re always happy to help as much or as little as folks want. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and pay attention to the details.
IF I DIDN’T HAVE LIVESTOCK YOU’D FIND ME….
Probably getting more sleep.
