We caught up with Ms,Brittney Schmillen exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Commercial Ewe at the 2023 American Royal. Learn a little more about Brittney below!
Grade: I am currently a sixth grader at Remsen St. Mary’s middle school
Tell us a little bit about your champion.
“Miss Daisy Jones” was raised by Chance Neff and sired by Chief. My parents keep telling me to enjoy having her in my barn because ones like her are hard to raise and harder to get into your show barn. I started out the summer showing her against the wethers, and as the fall shows have begun, I am now showing her in the Ewe division. She was Champion Market Lamb at the All Iowa Showdown, and since then she has hung banners at the Iowa State Fair, Aksarben, and the American Royal in the ewe show.
Throughout your show career what’s been your favorite lamb?
Definitely “Daisy Jones”
Do your prefer showing Wethers or Ewes?
I don’t have a preference either way, we are getting ready for NAILE in Louisville and I will show one of each. This will be the first Wether that I’ve gotten to show all year and we think he is really good so I am excited to get the opportunity to show both.
Are you superstitious? If so, what are your superstitions?
I don’t think I’m superstitious, I just like to be left alone before I go into the show ring, I just need to focus in my own head. We do a lot of practicing in the yard at home, and in the show ring prior to the show, this makes things more comfortable because you have an idea what to expect from your animal.
It’s showday – what is one thing you can’t leave the hotel/house without?
My make up bag!
What do you tell yourself right before you go into the ring?
I tell myself to have fun and try to show the animals to the best of my ability! It is still one person’s opinion so if I walk out of the ring, knowing that I did my best, that is the one thing I can control.
Are you an early riser or a night owl?
Definitely a night owl!
Who has been your biggest influence?
That would be my big brother Sam, he has had a very successful show career, and they are big shoes to fill. This year he has really taken an interest in helping me become a better showman and guiding me through what to expect as we head into these fall shows. I wouldn’t have had the success this year that I have had without him.
What’s your favorite thing to do in the barn?
I like to kick up the music and help pound out legs!
