We caught up with the breeder of the Grand Champion Market Lamb at the 2023 Indiana Stock Show. We invite you to read our candid interview with Prunty/Dyer Club Lambs below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Breeder Spotlight.”
What’s the pedigree of your champion?
Mr. Magnificent x Bullseye Donor “Andi”
What makes your operation run smoothly?
Not sure if smoothly fits into my operation. I would say what makes it work is consistently improving genetics and management to get the most quality out of the flock.
How many head do you run?
Prunty/Dyer Club lambs operates in two locations. We run around 250 head of wether type ewes that consists of Hampshire influenced crosses, Southdown, and Dorset ewes. We also have around 300 hair type ewes to utilize in our embryo transfer program
Do you have another job besides raising sheep? If so, what’s your occupation?
I am the Elevator Manager for Smithfield Hog Production Allerton location. I aslo own and operate Dyer Farms which consists of a 400 head stocker operation.
In your opinion, who has been the most influential ram across the industry?
I think in the last several years there have been lots of rams that have really changed the breeds of the wether sires. On the Dorset type sheep without question Pure Enough made white sheep really good. Burn,Bullseye,Drop the Mic, Protest This, Chief, Mr. Magnificent and Unicorn have really made some elite ones.
What’s your favorite livestock show?
Iowa State Fair has always been the show that family and friends come and have a good time.
Do you prefer online sales or live sales?
I think both platforms are excellent ways to market sheep. A lot of preparation goes into both types of sales.