We caught up with the breeder of the Grand Champion Market Lamb and the Reserve Grand Champion Breeding Ewe at the 2023 Tulsa State Fair. We invite you to read our candid interview with Platinum/Shelton Livestock below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Breeder Spotlight.”
What’s the pedigree of your champion?
Wether – Mythical x PSL 21066 donor (Say When x Hot Mess)
Ewe – Mythical x PSL 1764 (Deal Breaker x Drop Shot)
What makes your operation run smoothly?
Although I’d be hard pressed to say things always run smoothly around here…. The main reason things run around here is the dedication of our employees Rob and Ryan, and the combined efforts of Nick, my wife Abby, my kids Kaden, Landon, and Maddox, and myself.
How many head do you run?
We run about 700 head. About 400 recips, ~150 AI ewes, ~40-50 donors, and ~100 ewe lambs.
Do you have another job besides raising sheep? If so, what’s your occupation?
Nick and I both have jobs outside of sheep. We both have our PhD in swine nutrition so we both work in the pig business.
In your opinion, who has been the most influential ram across the industry?
Although this question could create as much debate as asking who the greatest basketball football player in history is I’ll take the bait and offer my 2 cents. Although there have been a number of highly influential rams throughout the last 20-25 years like Cabaniss 118, Cajun, Marcantel 33, Masterpiece, Trigger, Guywire, etc. and all of their sons. Since the spread of implementation of laparoscopic AI it’s hard to argue that Drop the Mic hasn’t been the most influential. Him and his sons have dominated the club lamb industry in terms of winners and shear numbers in recent history.
What’s your favorite livestock show?
That one is tough, but NAILE is probably my favorite. We get to catch up with almost everyone from across the country and Blue Grass babes on Saturday night has become a staple for some of the most elite unique genetic offerings of the year.
Do you prefer online sales or live sales?
We prefer online sales.
