We caught up with the breeder of the Reserve Champion Market Lamb at the 2025 Tulsa State Fair. We invite you to read our candid interview with Southern Plains Genetics below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Breeder Spotlight.”
What’s the pedigree of your champion?
King Kong x Stud Shoes
What are your long-term goals as a breeder?
My long-term goal as a breeder is to develop a program built around 25–30 elite donor females, utilizing advanced reproductive technologies such as ET and IVF. My focus is on consistently producing the highest quality show lambs and breeding stock possible, with an emphasis on genetic excellence, performance, soundness, and eye appeal.
Was there a moment when you almost gave up? What made you push through?
Giving up just isn’t an option for us — in fact, the words “I can’t” aren’t even allowed to be said in our barn. I’ll admit, there have been moments when I’ve questioned why we do what we do. This industry can be tough, but that challenge is what makes it so rewarding. When those big wins finally come, they mean even more to us because we know how much work and perseverance it took to get there.
What’s something you’ve changed your mind about over the years?
Over the years, our mindset has shifted from trying to buy a new buck each year and run as many ewes as possible to focusing on quality over quantity. Now, we prioritize using AI and ET to make genetic progress, with live cover only used for clean-up. This approach allows us to be more intentional with our matings and raise a more consistent, higher-quality set of lambs.
If you could rebuild your herd/flock from scratch, what would you do differently?
I think our foundation was strong, but if I could rebuild from scratch, I’d focus more on keeping our genetic base consistent and better aligned. In the past, we brought in some complete outcross ewes and bucks, which caused us to lose a bit of uniformity in our flock. Looking back, if we had stayed more focused on maintaining those consistent bloodlines, we might have achieved the level of predictability we’re now working our way back toward.
What trait do you wish you had focused on sooner in your program?
I wish we had focused more on front-end structure and blade length. When we got started in 2011, the industry trend was toward smaller-framed, thicker-made sheep, and somewhere along the way, front-end correctness got overlooked. Now, we’re working hard to bring that balance back — getting sheep that are not only powerful and stout but also correct through their chest floor and extended in their front end.
Is there a breeding decision you’re especially proud of — or one you regret?
Breeding B36, also known as 22070, to King Kong last year was definitely one of our best decisions! All joking aside, I believe every breeding decision we’ve made has played a role in moving us toward our goals — some more successfully than others. Looking at this sheep’s pedigree, there were a few pairings that many in the industry might have questioned, but it just goes to show the importance of trusting your vision and believing in the process.
What’s your favorite state fair — and why?
The Tulsa State Fair is my favorite because it’s where I grew up showing year after year, and my family has, too. It truly feels like the State Fair for all Okies — a tradition that brings everyone together and holds a lot of special memories for us.
Is there anything you wish you had known when you started breeding?
I wish I had known just how challenging and frustrating breeding can be at times! Then again, it probably wouldn’t have changed much — people say I wouldn’t have listened anyway.
What’s next — any big goals or projects in the works?
Yes! We recently purchased four new donor females and acquired half interest in the buck lamb Survivor from Allen/Newcomb to help take our program to the next level. This fall, we flushed all of our donors twice and used Survivor extensively through AI — we’re really excited to see what this next lamb crop brings.
