We caught up with the breeder of the Reserve Champion Market Lamb and Grand Champion Commercial Ewe at the 2025 State Fair of Louisiana. We invite you to read our candid interview with Steva Robinson Show Stock below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Breeder Spotlight.”
What’s the pedigree of your champion?
The Reserve Grand Market Lamb is a Frog x America. He was our consignment to The Blue Bloods Sale this year.
The Champion Commercial Ewe is a Frog x Most Wanted x Countdown. Her mom is a young ewe we purchased from Begalka Livestock that knocked it out of the park in her first crop!
What are your long-term goals as a breeder?
I’d love to be raising sheep until the day I die, so many of my goals are driven with the long-term in mind. Being humble, treating customers right, providing service, and being good to work with and standing behind what we sell are things we believe in for our long term goal of being in this for the long haul!
Anyone that knows me, knows I’m competitive so we obviously want to raise as many high level winners as we can.
Was there a moment when you almost gave up? What made you push through?
Definitely – I think we’ve all had those long days in the lambing barn, a rough go at a sale, or a not great day of getting preg results back. Having a good network of friends in your corner that will let you vent, but then make sure you get back on your feet and your head right are an absolute must to keep charging ahead.
If you could rebuild your herd/flock from scratch, what would you do differently?
I’d pay more attention to ewe families from the start. Over the last few years we’ve really worked hard to identify those ewe families that consistently work and build around them.
Is there a breeding decision you’re especially proud of — or one you regret?
I caught quite a bit of static about leasing Frog off “The Exchange” when Allen/Newcomb and Newsom offered him up for a 30 day lease. I heard “he’s too old, or he’s out dated”, but I knew from AI’ing to him previously he had really clicked well here.
We had kept a son “Kermit” back, that did a great job for us, and those Frog and Kermit daughters are consistently the moms of some of our top lambs each year.
It wasn’t until the flight home from Louisiana, that I had realized that decision to lease Frog had come full circle (He’s the sire of both of our two Louisiana champions).
What’s your favorite state fair — and why?
Iowa!
I went to college at Iowa State, so it’s usually a show I can get away to, see some old college friends. It’s also after our state fair (WI) and in between AI Groups, so there’s a little down time to get away for a day or two.
What’s next — any big goals or projects in the works?
Fall babies are on the ground, Decembers are up next!
