We caught up with market lamb judge Ben Williams before he steps “Inside the Ring” at the Illinois Junior Classic. We invite you to read our candid interview with Ben below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Inside the Ring.”
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND AND CURRENT INVOLVEMENT IN THE SHEEP INDUSTRY?
I was born in Iowa, but raised in Indiana throughout most of my childhood. I was heavily involved in 4-H and always loved going to county and state fairs. I was the kid who would sleep at the fair if I could, and didn’t want to go home. Although I was involved in showing cattle and swine as well, my family bred, raised and showed all of our own sheep. A lot of our early genetics were heavily Suffolk influenced, as that is what my dad’s family raised growing up. Over the years, Keith Berry genetics made their way into our flock and got us jump started into a more modern sheep for the times in the early 2000’s. Like many flocks today, the Hampshire influence has really taken over and proven to dominate the show ring. Currently, my parents and I have a partnership at Williams Diamond W Club lambs and we sell sheep through online platforms, privately and in a few select consignment settings. We strive to make sheep capable of competing at the highest level, and through the use of A.I. and Embryo transfer, we have been able to access genetics to continue moving us in that direction.
I’ve been married to my wife, Corineah, for 12 years and we have two sons, Colyer 7 and Graham 6. We currently live in Lyons, Kansas on a small acerage and our oldest son just started showing sheep and pigs in 4-H this year.
WHAT PERSON/PEOPLE INFLUENCED OR HELPED TO SHAPE YOUR VIEW ON WHAT THE IDEAL SHEEP SHOULD POSSESS?
There are probably just too many people/programs to name that have helped to shape my ideal animal. As I visit with other producers, I just try to learn what works them, their market and how it could potentially fit into our program. I take bits of information from each one to help make our operation better.
WHAT ARE YOUR INITIAL SORTS WHEN EVALUATING MARKET LAMBS?
My initial sort begins when sheep immediately hit the ring. I enjoy studying livestock on the move and feel a great build and skeletal quality is imperative. On top of that, I like them shallow chested, shapely and good to the touch.
FOR AN AUGUST STATE FAIR, WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER AN ACCEPTABLE WEIGHT RANGE OR DOES IT MATTER THE SIZE IF ITS A GOOD ONE?
I don’t go into a show with a particular weight in mind, I’m just trying to find the best one that day.
WHAT’S THE BEST MARKET LAMB THAT YOU HAVE EVER SEEN OR JUDGED?
The best market lamb I have seen and got the opportunity to judge was Brook Kuesel’s wether that went on to be named Show Lamb of the Year in 2018 and was Grand Champion market lamb at the 2018 Iowa State Fair FFA Show. To my knowledge, that sheep never lost a show, and for good reason.
WHAT DO YOU THINK THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING THE LAMB INDUSTRY TODAY?
From a breeders viewpoint, I would say productivity is an important issue. In the pursuit to make sheep unique, exotic and “hard to make” we sometimes sacrifice the production basics to try and accomplish that. Ewes that don’t milk and bucks that aren’t fertile are too costly to maintain and don’t produce any sheep to sell.
In relation to youth shows, putting our best image out there for the general public to see is becoming increasing imperative. We can’t take for granted that these shows will just happen, we need to make sure those individuals not involved in the show ring can see the value of raising kids with livestock as the tool. Conducting ourselves in an ethical manner will help preserve the industry that we all love.
WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST PET PEEVE IN THE SHOW RING?
Poor attitude
IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO PICK THE SHOW YOU WOULD LOVE TO JUDGE, WHAT SHOW WOULD THAT BE?
There are many big shows and several of them would be a true honor to judge. However, if I could only pick one, it would be the Iowa State Fair. It’s an iconic fair, with a number of great livestock people in that state. Plus, that’s where I was born and most of my relatives reside within the state, so it would be pretty special to get to judge there one day.
YOU’VE GOT ONE NIGHT TO GO ANYWHERE IN THE COUNTRY AND WATCH ONE BAND, WHERE IS IT AND WHO YOU WATCHING?
My wife and I enjoy going to Oklahoma State Games, listening to live music, and traveling.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU ENJOY DOING THAT DOESN’T INVOLVE LIVESTOCK?
There aren’t too many things in my daily life that don’t revolve around livestock, but as Fall weather rolls around in Kansas, buck fever starts to set in. Kansas whitetails are unlike any I’ve seen. I’ve tagged a few pretty good ones, but I’m still after that big wall hanger!
