We caught up with the breeder of the Grand Champion Market Lamb at the 2023 Mississippi State Fair. We invite you to read our candid interview with Triple D Genetics below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Breeder Spotlight.”
What’s the pedigree of your champion?
Dandy Don x Tito x Bullseye
What makes your operation run smoothly?
My dad makes my operation run smoothly. He is the one who feeds the ewes and does all the labor while I’m out on the road. I also have a good group of friends who don’t mind coming down to help with pictures, vaccinations, and other day to day work that allow us to be efficient and smoothly.
How many head do you run?
We try to stay around 250 head of mature ewes along with 100 recips and 50-60 ewe lambs every year.
Do you have another job besides raising sheep? If so, what’s your occupation?
Sheep farming is my main occupation. My family runs a small farm and I will help out doing whatever is needed there when time is available.
In your opinion, who has been the most influential ram across the industry?
This is the million dollar question. Who is it? Sure one could say DTM, one could say Unicorn, or even now a days, chief needs to be in consideration. However, I have to say Hot Mess, Beast, or Shower Chicken. These bucks have produced more females to raise elite back drop winners or high end stud bucks than some could ever count. The true value of a buck lies in the female who made it!
What’s your favorite livestock show?
I would have to say the Highway 9 Jackpot. The best calf fries a guy could buy into. Incredible atmosphere and ran by some good folks. On a larger scale, I do enjoy the National Western a good deal.
Do you prefer online sales or live sales?
Each platform has its perks and both are integral parts of my operation. I love the ability to move a large amount of sheep in one evening and the ability to reach customers all over the country by offering sheep online. However, live sales are the most integral part of this industry. It’s a place of gathering with friends and customers. You get to highlite new stock. People talk about what they have seen out and about on the road. I think live sales must stay in existence for the industry to progress.
