We caught up with the breeder of the Grand Champion Prospect Lamb at the 2024 Spring American Royal. We invite you to read our candid interview with Platinum/Shelton Livestock and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Breeder Spotlight.”
What’s the pedigree of your champion?
Return Johnny x Phoenix X Wanted’s Sister
Do you have a favorite animal on the farm? If so who is it and why?
It’s hard to narrow it down to just one favorite, but a few donors come to mind, but Queen would probably be one of our personal favorites.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned about raising animals?
Maybe not interesting to everyone but seeing consistency and variation between flush mate sibs is always interesting to me.
Have you ever had to deal with an unexpected challenge while caring for your flock? How did you handle it?
Yes, it seems like how much you learn there’s always an unexpected challenge. One example would be Cashe Valley. It’s an unexpected challenge. We’ve never had it before, but our first year with the Dorper cross recips we had an issue. Now, we manage by keeping them inside the barn and under fans during gestation.
How many years have you been raising sheep?
We’ve been raising sheep for 11 years.
Do you prefer online sales or live sales?
We enjoy both sales, but online sales are easier for our system.
What’s been your best marketing tactic?
It’s no secret we are not great marketers like our website not being updated in over a year. So, our best marketing tactic is probably winning shows and our name showing up on Champion Drive
