We caught up with the breeder of the Grand Champion Market Lamb at the 2023 Arkansas Youth Expo and the Arkansas State Fair. We invite you to read our candid interview with Skidgel Club Lambs below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Breeder Spotlight.”
What’s the pedigree of your champion?
Chief x Drop the Mic/Hot Karl/Addiction
What makes your operation run smoothly?
Let’s just be honest with each other. Nothing runs smoothly and goes as planned around here. Dad has the patience to deal with stubborn lambs that don’t want to be a team player and the day-to-day health and nutrition of the ewes. I generally take care of the breeding decisions, sales, and everyday management.
How many head do you run?
We currently have 95 mature ewes, 25 keeper ewe lambs, and 70 head of dorper cross females that are used as recips.
Do you have another job besides raising sheep? If so, what’s your occupation?
Dad has owned and operated Stokman’s Mill & Grain in Pawnee for 46 years. We currently work together at the store, but my degree was in Agricultural Education, and I taught in Thomas and Pawnee before returning to the feed mill.
In your opinion, who has been the most influential ram across the industry?
There have been a lot of dominant bucks over the years that have changed the industry with their sons and daughters in breeding programs and in the showring. Artificial Insemination has magnified that dominance with the ability for one buck to breed so many and without a doubt the most dominant one we’ve seen in recent years is Unicorn. He was sired by another dominant buck, Drop the Mic, and out of a Hot Mess female. Hot Mess originated here in Pawnee at Skidgel Club Lambs.
What’s your favorite livestock show?
National Western in Denver. A person can actually go to a show and get some sleep!
Do you prefer online sales or live sales?
Live Sales. I enjoy visiting with people and spending time talking sheep whether it is at the house or at a sale. Online sales give you an opportunity to reach new customers, but those picture days normally don’t go to well around our place. Seems like I always get the ” man he’s way better than he looked in the picture!” comment.
