We caught up with the breeder of the Grand Champion Market Lamb and Reserve Champion Commercial Ewe at the 2024 NAILE. 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: Unicorn x PSL 21067 donor (Say when x Hot Mess)
Ewe: Return Johnny x Stardust “Snooki” Machine x 17154
What is an interesting fact about your champion?
The Grand Champion Market Lamb is also a full sib to Sayde Allen’s reserve Division 4 at Kansas City last year as well as a full sib to our FF ram “Wildcat” owned with Hancock Hamps
Best piece of advice for someone just getting started?
Set a goal of where you want to be in 5 years and remember to focus on that. There are always lots of shiny things to chase after every year that can make you lose focus. Having a clear plan of what you need to do and how to accomplish it is important to help keep you from getting “lost in the weeds”.
What has been the hardest thing you have faced as a breeder?
Plenty of challenges to choose from, and they can very each season. But one of the hardest things we’ve dealt with is trying to figure out which rams to utilize each season. There are multiple good options from many reputable breeders and trying to decide which to use in combination with our own is an every year challenege.
What is one thing you think is a non-negotible purchase?
High quality mineral year round.
What is your favorite Fall Show? Why?
NAILE is always my favorite fall show. Selfishly it’s a closer drive, but also essentially everyone is there for multiple days which allows us time to catch up and visit with lots of fellow breeeders etc.
Who is a foundation builder for your heard? What makes her so special?
The Hurliman 5087 Bravo x Revolution donor was a foundation builder for sure. She would be the mom to Queen, Giselle, and Legit. If you track back almost every ram we own has 5087 in their pedigree at least once and a pile of our donors do as well.
Who have you looked up to while building your herd? Why?
There are multiple breeders that are worthy of looking up to, but the 2 that have influenced us the most would be Dwayne Hurliman and Brad Dale. They knew what kind of sheep they liked and stuck to their guns regardless of what anyone else thought. We try to emulate that.
